TREATMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF FEMALE DISORDERS

ABNORMALLY HEAVY BLEEDING OR NO PERIOD AT ALL

A period, also called menstruation or a “menstrual cycle,” is the phase of the ovulatory cycle when vaginal bleeding occurs. It is a way for your body to cleanse itself by shedding the lining of the uterus when you do not have a pregnancy.

A woman of menstruating age should experience the following periods:

• Occurs every 3-5 weeks

• Lasts 2 to 7 days

• Controllable pain levels

• Does not require more than 5-6 pads/tampons on the heaviest days

• Does not significantly interfere with normal activities or life event

WHAT IS AN IRREGULAR PERIOD?

An irregular period refers to any menstrual cycle that does not fit the “normal” pattern of bleeding. The medical term is abnormal uterine bleeding. It can be either too much bleeding or no bleeding at all.

SYMPTOMS OF ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING INCLUDE:

• Periods less frequently than every 3-5 weeks (skipping months)

• Periods more often than every 3-5 weeks

• Spotting between periods• Spotting after sex

• A heavy period that interferes with your lifestyle and normal activities

COMMON REASONS FOR ABNORMAL BLEEDING INCLUDE:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Being close to menopause (called perimenopause)

• Taking birth control or blood thinners

• Having an untreated medical condition, like thyroid or liver disease

• An undiagnosed tumor

• An untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI)

• Uterine fibroids or polyps

• Endometrial cancer (cancer of the inside of the uterus)

• Extreme calorie restriction• Recent weight gain or obesity

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

I HAVE IRREGULAR PERIODS, SHOULD I BE WORRIED?

It is not normal to have an irregular period and you should see a gynecologist to determine why this is happening. Many of the causes of irregular periods can be easily treated, but early intervention is key. If you struggle with your periods, please call our office for an appointment.

WHAT IS AN ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY?

An endometrial biopsy is where a sample of the tissue from the inside of your uterus is obtained to rule out cancer as the cause of your irregular bleeding. Most of the time there is nothing to worry about. However, if cancer is a concern for your doctor, it is very important to complete the biopsy as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer are key.

HOW ARE IRREGULAR PERIODS TREATED?

The treatment for irregular or bothersome periods depends on what is causing them. It may involve something simple like a lifestyle or medication change or it could involve surgery. If you suffer from irregular or bothersome periods, please call our office so we can evaluate the cause and get you feeling better soon!

WHAT ARE FIBROIDS?

A fibroid is a non-cancerous tumor that grows inside the wall of the uterus. Not every woman with fibroids has symptoms. In fact, most women live their whole life without knowing they have fibroids. When symptoms do exist, they include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding

• Bleeding between menses

• Anemia

• Chronic pelvic pain, "heaviness," or pressure

• Constipation

• Frequent need to urinate

• Feeling of not completely emptying when you urinate

• Infertility

• Recurrent miscarriages

DO I NEED TO WORRY IF I HAVE FIBROIDS?

Thankfully, fibroids are NOT cancer.They only need to be treated if they are causing you bothersome symptoms. However, fibroids can become dangerous when they cause you to bleed a lot. This is because heavy or prolonged bleeding can cause you to become weak, lightheaded, dizzy, or even pass out from severe anemia. Bleeding can even be so severe that you need a blood transfusion!

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HOW ARE FIBROIDS TREATED?

There are many different treatment options for fibroids and they range from observation (watching and not treating them) to medication to surgery. If surgery is needed, we offer a new, minimally invasive form of surgery, called the Acessa. Itis a laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation specifically designed to treat fibroids using a much less invasive technique than traditional surgery. The Acessa works by delivering heat (radiofrequency) directly into the fibroid to destroy the tissuethrough a small hole in the abdomen. It is an out-patient surgery with a recovery time much faster than traditional fibroid surgery. If you think you have fibroids, call our office today to be evaluated.