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| Questions and Answers: Menstrual Cycle My periods are very irregular. Will the pill help them? QUESTION: HELLO... I MA 32 TWO YEAR OLD,,, I AM TRYING TO HAVE A BABY... I HAVE THYROID DESEASE, AND I ALSO HAVE AN UNTERINE FIBROID... ABOUT 5 MONTHS I AM HAVING ABNORMAL BLEEDING DURING MY PERIOD, I ONLY BLEED WHEN I GO TO PEE.. MY PAD IS ALWAYS CLEAN DURING MY PERIOD CAUSE I ONLY BLEED IF I GO TO PEE, FOR ME THIS IS WIRD BUT MY DOCTOR SAID IS NORMAL... WHAT CAN I DO? (October 11, 2004) ANSWER: If you are uncertain about your clinician's diagnosis, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from a different health care provider. It is possible that the bleeding you see during urination is the result of an infection. If you are concerned about bleeding during urination, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion. QUESTION: Is there anything i can do to shorten my period Naturally and just for this week?! (October 8, 2004) ANSWER: There is no natural way to stop or re-adjust your period; if you're already on birth control pills there are ways to adjust your cycle, but it is highly recommended you consult your clinician on how to do this as it depends on the type of pill you're on. QUESTION: my periods are coming later by one week from last 4 months it gives immense pain in the vagina and it feels that everything will fall down on the first day this month i have not yet got them as they are now 2 week due i have noticed that my vagina is giving a bad smell please suggest & help (September 28, 2004) ANSWER: If your periods have not been normal and you are having unusual odors and or discharges it would be recommended you contact your clinician to have a check up. QUESTION: My menstrual cycle has been coming later each month. I haven't had one this month and I've taken 2 pregnancy tests. Should I be worried if I skip my period? (September 24, 2004) ANSWER: There are many factors that can cause irregular menstruation or amenorrhea (cease to have a period for months at a time); stress and changes in diet or exercise are among the most common reasons. If you are worried about missing your period, it is recommended that you speak with your clinician. For this and other pregnancy-related questions, please see our Pregnancy FAQ. QUESTION: i have always had normal periods but this month i had two and now this one is lasting longer its been almost 2 weeks and i usually only go for 4-5 days whats happening (August 24, 2004) ANSWER: It is difficult to say what is happening with your body, as many factors could play a role in the sudden change of your menstural cycle. If you are concerned about the changes in your period, it is recommended you speak with your clinician. QUESTION: Hello, I am a few days late for my period, and I was wondering if this could be due to the fact that I recently had a tonsilectomy and sinus surgery a few weeks ago? Thank you (August 20, 2004) ANSWER: Illness and stress can have an effect on the menstrual cycle, but it is different for everyone and will usually happen after the fact. Therefore, it could be the stress your body may have been under leading up to, during, and after your surgery. If your cycle continues to be late, it would be recommended you see your clinician. QUESTION: Why does my flow stop when I go swimming and is it harmful to stay in the pool for a long period of time when I am having my period (August 12, 2004) ANSWER: The flow of your period is determined by hormone mechanisms that occur within your body. It is unlikely that your period stops when you get in the water, but it could be that the water is washing away the blood released during menstruation, or that the activities you are doing in the water are vigorous, causing your period to become lighter during those times. It is not harmful to stay in the water during your period, however it is recommended you use a tampon when in the pool for many reasons, including hygiene. There are directions on how to insert a tampon on the tampon boxes. QUESTION: I had my right fallopian tube removed along with a D&C after an ectopic on May, 26th '04. I had my first period 37 days later on July 1st '04, pretty heavy and lasted about 5-6 days. Then a week later i started spotting from light to medium with nothing but pink/red blood, no uterine lining or tissue and it lasted for about 3 4 days, it stopped and now my tummy is lightly cramping like my period is around the corner again, we have been trying for another baby, is it likley I even ovulated yet? (July 20, 2004) ANSWER: Having only one fallopian tube may make it less likely to get pregnant in the short term, but as time goes on and there are more ovulations on the side where your remaining tube is, your chances of conception may increase. Since you have a previous history of ectopic pregnancy, you may want to consider that whatever made you prone to the first ectopic pregnancy may also be present in your remaining tube (old infection, scarring, etc.). Check with your clinician about what shape your remaining tube is in, and how that might affect your ability to have a normal pregnancy. Additionally, your period doesn't have to start on the same day each time; it might take a while for your body to get into a normal menstruation pattern again. Normal cycles can be anywhere from 21 days to every 35 days. Lastly, if you think you might be pregnant, it is very important that you see your clinician for a pregnancy test, especially since you have a history of ectopic pregnancy. From www.babyzone.com. QUESTION: I've noticed that my period has gotten shorter over the last three months. Two months ago I noticed that at the start it was coming out thick brown and clumpy and then would turn normal but only last for two to three days. I was given antibiotics IV in the hospital for two and a half days because I was also having lower abdominal pains. All my cultures came back NEGATIVE but my WBC was elevated to 11.2. Today was the second day of my period and it came extremely lightly, only a few spots. Could this be due to the infection, am I early menopausal or is it something else because this is really concerning me. (June 17,2004) ANSWER: There could be a lot of factors associated with your question including if you are on birth control or not; therefore it would be recommended you talk with your clinician about these issues as they would be able to answer the clinical questions. QUESTION: What kind of infections can affect the menstrual cycle? (May 13, 2004) ANSWER: Sometimes it's very dependent on the infection and how your body reacts to the infection and the medication you may be on. It is best to talk with your health care provider to discuss this question. QUESTION: I was diagnosed with POS a little over a year ago. I first started my period when I was 14 and I am now 21. Between those ages I have had 4 periods. I was put onto a low estrogen birth control to help decrease my elevated progesterone levels. My endrologist also made me loose 15lbs in the last month. I started to bleed on April 6, 04 and ended on April 7, 04. A few days ago I started my reminder pills. I also started an antibiotic for a bladder infection on the 2nd day of my reminder pills. I started to bleed again on April 28, 04 and as of May 2, 04 I am still bleeding. I have the normal signs that go along with the menstrual cycle. I guess my question is should I be concerned that I started to bleed right around the time I started my antibiotics? (May 4, 2004) ANSWER: Anytime you think you might be having a reaction to a medication, you should talk to the clinician that prescribed it to you; therefore, this is a question that would be answered by your clinician. QUESTION: I purposely lost about 10 pounds in a short period of time.. My periods been absent for 4 months. Will it come back on its own even if i stay the weight i am at now?? (April 6, 2004) ANSWER: Women usually suffer from amenorrhea (lack of a menstrual period) from losing a lot of weight, not eating properly, exercising too much or from stress. All of these things affect hormones, which in turn affect a woman's menstrual cycle. Your period may come back if you increase the number of calories you consume; however, if you are concerned that your missed period might be due to pregnancy, it is recommended that you see your clinician for a pregnancy test. The Wellness Center does offer nutrition consults with a registered dietitian who can help you find a healthy way to lose weight. If you would like to schedule an appointment please call the Wellness Center at 312.413.2901. QUESTION: Why does swimming affect the menstrual cycle? I have normal periods during other sports, but swimming makes irregular things happen. Why? (April 1, 2004) ANSWER: If you cycle becomes or is irregular at any time it is important to see your clinician as there may be other reasons why this is happening. On to your question, there isn't anything special about swimming and it's effects on the menstrual cycle, but exercise in general can have an impact on the cycle. If someone does any sport intensely - as an athlete, mainly - then this may affect their periods, sometimes stopping a woman's period (ammenorrhea). If swimming is your primary sport and all other sports are not done as frequently or intensely, then that may be why your periods are affected mainly when you swim. QUESTION: when i have my period i usually have something come out like a clot of blood is this normal? if so why does this happen and what is it (April 1, 2004) ANSWER: Clots of blood are normal for some women during their period. Clots usually occur on days of heavy cramping and/or bleeding. Your body usually makes compounds called anticoagulants that keep your blood from clotting; however, during days of heavy bleeding and cramping, your body is pushing blood so quickly out of you that your body does not have time to release these anticoagulants. This is why blood then clots during a woman's period. If you feel as though you have excessive clotting, or clotting that is not normal for you, it is recommended that you see your clinician. QUESTION: i was wondering if u can explain something to me about how to calculate the length of a cycle so i can understand when i ovulate. i had a period on feb 22 and my next period was on march 19. i would say that the length of this period is 27days is it? do u count from the first day of your last period to the first day of the next? i have always thought i have regular periods of 28-30 days can u please tell me if i am calculating this right and if i am not what is the correct way? (April 1, 2004) ANSWER: The first day of the cycle is the first day of a woman's period/bleeding; counting continues each day until the woman begins her next period. If a woman has a 28-day cycle then ovulation would occur around day 14. It is difficult to pin point a woman's ovulation day unless you go through a process to determine the day therefore it is usually an estimated day. QUESTION: I am 29 yrs old, I have always had irregular periods. They range from on time and light, to late and very heavy. For the past 3-4 months, I will not have a period. but i will the next month. (skipped Dec., had 1 in Jan, skipped Feb. and still waiting for it. It get very moody and irritated when i am late like this. Should i not wait, and go see a doctor, or is this normal? Thanks... (March 9, 2004) ANSWER: Having an irregular period could be related to stress, hormonal imbalances, excessive exercise, pregnancy, and severe nutrition deficiencies, among other potential factors. All of these factors can influence a woman's reproductive cycle. If you are concerned about the irregularity of your periods, it would be best to talk to your clinician. S/he might have suggestions about how you can regulate your period, as well as how to cope with your irritability. QUESTION: My girlfriend began her period about a day or two ago, but then she told me it stopped. She said it only lasted a day. What does that mean and what is the reason for that to happen? (March 1, 2004) ANSWER: Having an irregular period could be related to stress, hormonal imbalances, excessive exercise, and severe nutrition deficiencies, among other potential factors. All of these factors can influence a woman's reproductive cycle. A change in a period may also be an indicator of pregnancy. If your girlfriend thinks she could potentially be pregnant (i.e. didn't use a birth control method, your usual method failed, etc.) then is it recommended she contact a clinician for a pregnancy test to prove/disprove a pregnancy. QUESTION: I started my period when I was 11 and had it once than not for another 2 years. I am 22 now and have always had irregular periods until I was 19 and my doctor put me on birth control. the problem is, about 3 months ago i had to be taken off birth control quickly because my doctor figure sit is the cause of severe high blood pressure and since then I have not had a period. I went on the pill to be regular and now I am not. We don't have a gynecologist in our town and it takes about 5 months to get an appointment I was wondering if I should just tell my doctor I want an appointment to see a gynecologist because I have the fear that when I want to have children i won't be able to. I know I am not pregnant. (February 26, 2004) ANSWER: Menstrual cycles that vary more than a few days in length from month to month are considered irregular. Most menstrual cycle intervals occur about every four weeks, with the normal range between 24 and 35 days. To measure your menstrual cycle, start counting from the first day of your last period and stop counting on the first day of your next period. Don't worry if you have one or two irregular cycles; occasionally all women have variations. True irregularity persists over several months so if you do notice wide fluctuations in your cycle, it is best to speak to your clinician about it. Many women experience widely spaced periods typically having one or two periods every six months. A wide range of conditions can cause irregular periods, including pregnancy, stress, weight loss, lifestyle changes, hormone imbalance, infection, tumors, or the approach of menopause. It is very unlikely that there is a serious underlying cause but women often seek an explanation and reassurance from their clinician. If you are concerned about the cause of your irregular menstrual cycles, it is recommended you speak with your clinician. General practitioners are knowledgeable in a wide variety of topics; however, a gynecologist or other practitioner specializing in reproductive health may be more knowledgeable about your specific condition. However, waiting 5 months for an appointment with a gynecologist may not be in your best interest; be sure to discuss this with you current practitioner- s/he will be able to recommend a course of action that is best suited for your situation. In the meantime, if you are sexually active, remember to use an alternative form of birth control, such as a condom, to reduce your risk of an unplanned pregnancy, and continue to have your high blood pressure monitored by a medical professional. QUESTION: I am asking a question for my girlfriend.She has been on the pill for 3 weeks now, we made love while she was menstruating. Her menstruation got very heavy since that day and she has not been feeling very well. I am very concerned about it and so is she. Could something have possibly been torn by the love making? Or can the pill have an effect like this with her menstruation? (February 17, 2004) ANSWER: If your girlfriend is new to taking the pill, her body might be adjusting to the changes in hormones. Many women experience side effects when they first go on the pill, usually within the first one to three months. The vast majority of women have only minor side effects. Some of these side effects are: light bleeding between menstrual periods, skipped periods, heavy bleeding, nausea, weight change, bloating, increase in vaginal infections, abdominal pain, or headaches If your girlfriend is concerned about the heaviness of her period, she should see her clinician. QUESTION: I stopped drinking diet soda w/caffeine about 6 weeks ago. Could this be why I have no gotten my period this month. My cycles have always been fairly regular. There is no possibility of pregnancy and no symptoms of pre-menopause. I was drinking up to 5 cans of soda a day. Now I only drink water & caffeine-free tea. (February 5, 2004) ANSWER: Many women have late or missed periods for a variety of reasons, including pregnancy, stress, weight loss, lifestyle changes (i.e. changes in diet or exercise), hormone imbalances, infection, tumors, or the approach of menopause. If you are concerned about missing your period, you should see your clinician. It would be difficult to link your missing period specifically to a decrease in caffeine intake, but changing your nutritional habits significantly can have an impact. QUESTION: I am 18 years old and have had irregular periods since the start of menses.They used to occur at intervals of 2-3 months earlier but now the intervals range from 2-5 months and when menstruation does occur it lasts for 7 days and is not painful,the flow is also regular. I've been experiencing severe hair loss since the age of 15. Are irregular periods and hair loss related and what should I do to regularize my periods? (January 13, 2004) ANSWER: A wide range of conditions can cause irregular periods, including pregnancy, stress, weight loss, lifestyle changes, hormone imbalance, infection, tumors, or the approach of menopause. Additionally, there are also many causes for hair loss, such as taking certain medications, including birth control pills, low iron levels, malnutrition, and thyroid disorders. Often, when hair loss and irregular menstruation are linked there is an imbalance in energy intake and expenditure. For example, if an individual is restricting calories (not eating enough) and exercising vigorously on a regular basis, hair loss and irregular periods may result. If you are concerned about your menstrual cycle and hair loss, it is important to schedule an appointment to discuss these concerns with your clinician. QUESTION: Is it normal to have my period approximately every 4 months? Because I never have a regular period. I never know when I'm going to have it, and it doesn't happen every month. It usually happen every 4 months. (December 17, 2003) ANSWER: According to the University of Illinois McKinley Health Center, changes in a woman's period can be a result of many things including a change in the release of hormones as well as body weight. A low body weight may cause a prolonged absence of periods whereas excessive body weight may cause abnormal bleeding. Sudden changes in exercise levels or body weight my change bleeding patterns temporarily. Stress and illness can also be causes of menstrual irregularities. Prescribed medications or herbal remedies may also effect menstrual patterns. If your periods are irregular or there is a prolonged absence of your menstrual cycle, it is recommended you see a clinician for an evaluation. Some women with irregular periods are suggested by a clinician to take prescribed hormonal medications to regulate menstruation. If your periods are irregular and you are heterosexually active, it is recommended, to help reduce the chance of an unplanned pregnancy, that you and your partner(s) use protection as it would be difficult to know when you may ovulate (release of the egg from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes). QUESTION: Can u miss your period from stress and what not? (December 16, 2003) ANSWER: Yes. Each person reacts differently to stress, but some women can miss their periods if they have a great deal of stress in their lives. It's not necessarily the stress that causes them to miss their periods, rather their perceptions of a situation and in turn the reactions their body has towards the stressors (events, issues, people, etc. that lead to a reaction). Some of these bodily reactions can be a change in appetite, insomnia, depression, frustration, irritability, muscle tension, mood swings, negative thinking, apathy, among many others. Identifying your stressors as well as your reactions is important in coping/dealing with the stress in your life. Although you are unable to get rid of stress, there are many ways to help reduce and/or cope. Some of these include: Time management Balance in your Nutrition Taking a vacation Exercise Assertiveness Humor Visualization Reading Talking with a friend/family member Journaling Again, these are just a few ways to deal with stress. Everyone has to find what works for them as stress management is very individualized. QUESTION: My period usually lasts for 5 days. Is there anything I can do to shorten the amount of days that it lasts? What about a change in diet? (October 31, 2003) ANSWER: A period lasting approximately 5 days is fairly average for women. Unfortunately there is no proven diet that can shorten the length of your period. There are some nutrition guidelines that you can follow during your period to help symptoms of PMS and other discomforts. * Eat six small meals a day--3 meals plus 3 small snacks. Eat the normal amount of food you usually eat but spread it out over the day and do not go for long periods of time without eating. * Eliminate or reduce caffeine including coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate. If you are a heavy consumer of caffeine, it is best to wean yourself gradually. Many women find that irritability, headaches and swelling and tenderness of breasts decrease when caffeine intake is decreased. * Reduce salt. Try not to add salt to foods and limit the intake of the following foods: processed foods, fast foods, potato chips and other salty snacks, lunch meat, bacon, ham, sausage, canned ham, canned soup, instant hot cereals, and condiments (catsup, mustard, etc.). Excess salt intake may worsen water retention symptoms including bloating, and swelling of the hands and feet. * Reduce alcohol. Many women find that alcohol affects them more and in more negative ways during the premenstrual period. * Exercise: If you have not been exercising, be sure to start slowly, if you already are exercising keep it up. Try to find an activity that you enjoy so you will be more likely to keep it up. The overall recommendation is 3 - 5 days a week of aerobic activity (running, walking, biking, swimming, etc.) for 20 to 60 minutes. QUESTION: how do i figure out when i ovulate? i have 25 day cycles. (July 25, 2003) ANSWER: The most accurate way to figure out when you ovulate is to use the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM). To find out more about this method as well as other methods, please check out the following website: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/WaysToChart.html QUESTION: Where can I find information about menstrual cycles? (July 16, 2003) ANSWER: Please check out Planned Parenthood's website at http://www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/WaysToChart.html, for information on ways to figure out the menstrual cycle. This is very detailed and will explain the options well. QUESTION: Can drugs affect your period? (the heaviness, length, punctuality, etc.) ANSWER: Some drugs can have an affect on your period. Talk to your clinician as to the types of affects a particular drug might have on your period. QUESTION: Menopause - Do you need birth control at age 50? ANSWER: Some women are still releasing eggs at the onset of menopause, therefore they have the ability to become pregnant. It's very dependent on your body's hormone levels and egg supply. Please talk with your clinician in regard to your need for birth control. QUESTION: What menopause relief options are available to women that have a history of stroke? Are there any hormone treatments available? ANSWER: There are many options out there to relieve symptoms of menopause. Most hormonal treatments can increase the risk of stroke or heart disease therefore it is important for you to research the topic as well as talk with you clinician to decide what will be best for you. It is best to consult a skilled, experienced practitioner to determine the remedy, dose, and treatment schedule for whatever therapy is chosen. Below are some treatment resources you can check out to find more information in what options you may have regarding relief of menopausal symptoms. Planned Parenthood (mid-life services) Many Planned Parenthood centers offer mid-life services. To reach the nearest Planned Parenthood health center to ask if mid-life services are offered, call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN. www.plannedparenthood.org North American Menopause Society (440) 442-7550 www.menopause.org The National Osteoporosis Foundation (bone-density information, testing, and physician referrals) (202) 223-2226 www.nof.org National Center for Homeopathy (877) 624-0613/(703) 548-7790 www.homeopathic.org AAAOM Referrals - American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (612) 379-3865 www.aaaom.org |
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