Menstruation is a natural process that happens every month in a female’s reproductive life. However, it can sometimes become a health concern. Menstrual bleeding can be heavy, long-lasting, or irregular, which is not normal.

Here are some of the common menstrual health concerns and when to consult a doctor:.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding or Menorrhagia is one of the most common menstrual health concerns among women. Heavy bleeding can cause anemia and severely affect a woman’s quality of life.

Experts suggest that if a woman uses more than 7 pads or tampons in a day or needs to use both, then it is considered heavy bleeding.

Some possible causes of heavy menstrual flow include polyps, uterine fibroids, hormonal imbalances, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometrial cancer.

If you experience heavy bleeding with clots or severe cramps, it is essential to consult a doctor to investigate and treat the underlying cause.

Irregular Menstrual Bleeding

It is not uncommon to have an irregular menstrual cycle during puberty or menopause. However, if you experience irregular bleeding during your reproductive life, there might be a health concern.

Irregular periods may indicate various gynecological issues like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorder, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.

It is recommended to consult a gynecologist if you have an irregular menstrual cycle, irregular bleeding between periods, or if your periods are changing from the usual pattern.

Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding

If your menstrual bleeding lasts for more than 7 days or more than your regular period, it is considered prolonged bleeding. It is caused by hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, or endometriosis.

Prolonged bleeding can cause anemia symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

If you experience prolonged bleeding, seek medical attention to rule out any underlying health conditions. Treatment options may include hormone therapy, surgical intervention like endometrial ablation, or in severe cases, hysterectomy.

Bleeding Between Periods

Light spotting or bleeding between periods can happen due to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy implantation, or cervical polyps.

But it can also be a sign of underlying conditions like sexually transmitted infections, cervical or endometrial cancer, or uterine fibroids.

If you experience bleeding outside your usual menstrual cycle, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor, especially if you have a history of irregular periods, heavy flow, or pelvic pain.

Bleeding After Menopause

Menopause marks the end of menstrual periods. If you are experiencing any bleeding after one year or more of no menstrual flow, it is a significant concern and requires medical attention.

Vaginal bleeding after menopause can be due to gynecological cancers like endometrial, cervical, or ovarian cancer. It can also be due to hormonal imbalances, vaginal atrophy, or endometrial hyperplasia.

If you experience post-menopausal bleeding, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Early detection is key to successful treatment outcomes in many cancers.

Conclusion

Menstruation is a natural process, but it can sometimes become a health concern.

Unusual menstrual bleeding like heavy flow, irregular bleeding, prolonged bleeding, bleeding between cycles, or after menopause can be an indication of underlying health issues. If you experience any of these menstrual concerns, it is essential to consult a doctor for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to maintain optimal reproductive health.