As a woman, your menstrual cycle is an important aspect of your overall health. However, menstrual disorders are common and can significantly impact your daily life. At Younique Health, I, Dr. Galit Steinberg, am committed to helping you navigate these challenges with personalized care and expert guidance.
What Are Menstrual Disorders?
Menstrual disorders encompass a variety of conditions that affect the regularity, duration, and flow of your periods. Common issues include irregular or painful periods, heavy bleeding, and other menstrual irregularities. While some variation in your cycle is normal, persistent issues may indicate an underlying problem that requires medical attention.
Irregular Periods
Irregular periods refer to cycles that are shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days. It’s normal for your cycle to vary slightly from month to month, but if the fluctuations are significant, it may be a sign of a hormonal imbalance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or thyroid issues. Tracking your cycle can help you identify patterns and irregularities that may need further evaluation.
Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)
Experiencing mild discomfort during your period is common, but severe pain, known as dysmenorrhea, can interfere with your daily activities. This pain can be caused by conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If over the counter pain relievers aren’t enough to manage your symptoms…or you are looking for a more natural approach…we encourage you to seek medical advice at Younique Health.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)
Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, is characterized by abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding during your period. This condition can be caused by hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, polyps, or even blood clotting disorders. If you’re soaking through a pad or tampon every hour or your period lasts more than seven days, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.
Other Menstrual Irregularities
Other menstrual irregularities include spotting between periods, absent periods (amenorrhea), or Menorrrhagia (extremely heavy periods). These issues can be caused by stress, significant weight changes, or more serious conditions like ovarian cysts or reproductive cancers. Any sudden or persistent changes in your cycle should be addressed by a medical professional.
Diagnosing and Treating Menstrual Disorders
At Younique Health, I believe in a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating menstrual disorders. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your menstrual irregularities. Depending on your situation, I may recommend blood tests, imaging studies, or other diagnostic procedures to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment options, including supplements and life style changes, vary based on the specific disorder and its severity. Hormonal therapies, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), are often effective in regulating periods and reducing symptoms. For more severe conditions, like fibroids or endometriosis, surgical interventions may be necessary.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important not to ignore them. Menstrual disorders can affect your fertility, mental health, and overall quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you regain control over your health and well-being.
At Younique Health, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve better menstrual health.