Menstrual Problems
All women of childbearing age experience a menstrual period
about once a month - but for some women, this normal occurrence causes considerable
discomfort. Here are some of the most common menstrual problems
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Almost every woman is familiar with at least some of the symptoms of PMS.
Here are some of the most common
Irritability
Breast tenderness
Mood swings
Bloating or fluid retention
Feelings of sadness or depression - "the blues"
You can almost always get some relief from PMS symptoms by making
healthy changes in your lifestyle.
These include
Exercise more - no one is sure why this helps, but it does.
Stress control - this can help you cope with PMS symptoms more effectively.
Diet - limiting sugar and caffeine helps.
A small minority of women suffer from debilitating PMS. If your PMS
symptoms are so severe that they're disrupting your life, see your doctor - there are
hormonal treatments available that may help.
Cramps
More than half of all women suffer from abdominal cramps
during the first few days of their menstrual periods. During your menstrual
cycle, the uterine lining is built up in preparation for a pregnancy. When
no pregnancy occurs, the lining is sloughed off, and your menstrual period
occurs. The pain of cramps is caused when the uterus contracts slightly to
help slough off the uterine lining.
Most menstrual cramps are completely normal and don't signify that something's
wrong. However, you should tell your doctor about your menstrual cramps,
especially if they're intense or become worse - this can be a symptom of
an underlying disorder. Generally, a secondary cause for cramping pain is
suspected when the pain lasts beyond the first three days of your period or
occurs between periods. Secondary causes for cramping pain include:
Endometriosis
Fibroid (benign) tumors
An ovarian cyst or tumor
A sexually transmitted disease
For most women, over-the-counter ibuprofen tablets relieve
most or all of the pain caused by cramps. If not, see your doctor for a prescription
for a stronger analgesic drug.
Mid-cycle Bleeding
If you experience bleeding in the middle of your menstrual
cycle, you should call your doctor. Here are some common causes of midcycle
bleeding or spotting
Birth control pills
Uterine or ovarian cancer
Fibroid (benign) tumors
Hormone imbalances - a result of pituitary gland problems or other causes
Endometriosis
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