Menstrual Problems
Menstrual Problems
Women can experience a variety of menstrual irregularities, such as heavy or light bleeding, missed cycles, intermittent spotting, or mid-cycle bleeding. These patterns may signal an underlying health concern.
It’s important to understand that “normal” cycles differ for each person. What’s typical for you may be abnormal for someone else. Pay attention to changes in your cycle and consult Dr. Puuja Arora Bhatnagar at Complete Women Care if you notice notable variations.
Common Menstrual Issues
Here are some of the menstrual problems women frequently face monthly:
Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)
Menorrhagia refers to excessive menstrual bleeding, often lasting beyond 5–7 days. Hormonal shifts—especially involving progesterone and estrogen—are typical causes. Other contributors can include teen hormones, vaginal infections, cervical irritation, hypothyroidism, uterine fibroids or adenomyosis, and lifestyle changes.
Missing Periods (Amenorrhea)
Amenorrhea may be:
- Primary – absence of first period by age 16, sometimes due to pituitary issues, reproductive anomalies, or delayed puberty.
- Secondary – when regular periods stop for six months or more. Causes in teenagers may include eating disorders, overactive thyroid, ovarian cysts, weight changes, or stopping contraceptives. In adults, it could result from premature ovarian failure, pelvic infections, or menopause.
Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)
Mild cramping is common, but intense pain (dysmenorrhea) may indicate conditions like fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis. Persistent, severe menstrual pain should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Diagnosing Menstrual Concerns
If you’re experiencing menstrual issues, schedule an appointment with Dr. Puuja Arora Bhatnagar. She will discuss your symptoms and their duration—recording cycle details can be helpful.
During your visit, a pelvic exam will assess reproductive organs and check for cervical or vaginal inflammation. A Pap smear might be done to exclude cancer.
Depending on your symptoms, further testing may include:
- Hormone panels to evaluate endocrine factors
- Pregnancy test, if relevant
- Biopsy of uterine lining
- Hysteroscopy using a camera to view the uterine cavity
- Pelvic ultrasound to examine the uterus
Treatment Options for Menstrual Problems
Treatment varies based on the root cause and symptom severity. Commonly used approaches include:
Medications:
- NSAIDs to ease pain and reduce bleeding
- Hormonal birth control (pills, patches, IUDs) to regulate cycles
- Hormone replacement for endocrine imbalances or menopause
- Antidepressants in severe PMS cases
Surgery:
Recommended for structural issues such as fibroids, endometriosis, or polyps. Procedures include hysterectomy, myomectomy, or laparoscopic correction.
Lifestyle & Home Measures:
- Heat therapy (pads or warm baths) to relieve cramps
- Dietary changes—boosting iron-rich foods and reducing caffeine/alcohol
- Regular exercise, yoga, or stress relief for hormonal balance
Alternative Therapies:
- Acupuncture or acupressure may ease menstrual pain
- Herbal remedies like chasteberry, ginger, or evening primrose oil could help, though their effectiveness varies. Discuss with your provider before use.