You’ve been in menopause for three years, and instead of menstrual cramping and PMS, you seek treatment for the inconvenience of hot flashes and night sweats. Then one day, you start bleeding again, just like you did when you had your period. You wonder why it is happening and if it’s the indicator of something more serious.
Fibroid tumors are very common—between 20 and 80 percent of women will develop them by the age of 50. Not all of those with fibroids show symptoms. However, for those who do, these symptoms can be painful, causing multiple problems including heavy menstruation. (Office on Women’s Health).
Almost all women are familiar with the symptoms of PMS, which causes cramps, bloating and tender breasts. However, an estimated 3 to 5 percent of menstruating women have PMDD, which is an often debilitating condition that you could think of as an extreme case of PMS. Learn the signs.
Irregular periods can interfere with a scheduled annual exam or Pap smear. Ideally, your annual exam and Pap smear should be conducted when you are not on your period. While heavy menses may possibly interfere with Pap smear interpretation, we generally can see someone when they are on their period, including a pelvic exam and successfully collect their Pap. Understandably, many patients are more comfortable to be examined when they are not on their period, and we are happy to reschedule if they request. Continue reading to learn about the causes of an irregular period and how to treat it.
Almost half of women over 35 years of age will experience uterine fibroid tumors, which may cause many problems ranging from pelvic pain to complications during pregnancy. These benign growths are responsible for one-third of the hysterectomies performed in the U.S. (The Cleveland Clinic). If left untreated, some fibroids can grow to be the size […]