What are periods?
Periods refer to your monthly bleeding and is the shedding of the buildup of blood and nutrients meant to support a pregnancy. If you don’t get pregnant during your menstrual cycle, your body sheds the lining in preparation for your next cycle.
What is a normal period?
A normal period generally lasts no longer than eight days. Your menstrual cycle begins on the day you start your period and ends on the day you start your next period. A normal menstrual cycle lasts 24 to 38 days.
Tracking your menstrual cycle is a good way to know if your period is normal. It can also help you identify when changes occur. Many women experience changes in their menstrual cycle throughout their life, especially during the teen years, as well as prior to the onset of menopause.
What is an abnormal period?
An abnormal period is any period with a menstrual cycle that is less than 24 days or longer than 38 days. Other indicators of an abnormal period include:
- Bleeding in-between your period
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding after menopause
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding longer than eight days
If you’re experiencing any of these abnormalities, contact Arcadia Ob/Gyn for an evaluation.
What causes an abnormal period?
Abnormal periods can develop from many causes. Some of the most common include:
- Fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Polyps
- Issues with ovulation
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Some gynecological cancers
- Endometriosis
Heavy bleeding that affects your quality of life, a condition referred to as menorrhagia, is also a type of abnormal period, and treatment is available at Arcadia Ob/Gyn.
What can I expect during an evaluation?
Dr. Berg is an experienced and knowledgeable gynecologist who conducts comprehensive evaluations when you visit Arcadia Ob/Gyn regarding concerns about your period. He may begin your evaluation by reviewing your symptoms and medical history and then conduct a physical and pelvic exam.
If he suspects he’s identified the underlying cause of your abnormal period, he may be able to perform diagnostic testing at the time of your appointment to confirm his suspicions.
After your evaluation, Dr. Berg creates a personalized treatment plan to improve your menstruation if needed, which may include:
- Hormonal birth control
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (stops menstrual cycle)
- Tranexamic acid (to stop heavy bleeding)
Dr. Berg is also a skilled surgeon, and if conservative measures fail to improve your abnormal periods, he may recommend a surgical procedure based on the underlying cause of your condition.
Your period may change many times throughout your life. Knowing what’s normal and what may be considered abnormal may help you get the care you need quickly. For an appointment, contact Arcadia Ob/Gyn by phone or online today.
