Period Problems

Period problems can affect your daily life and may need the attention of an experienced gynaecologist.

We look for underlying conditions, and my goal is to work out the best option to manage your symptoms depending on your circumstances. Part of that process is about making sure you understand your cycle and what causes period problems.

Worried about your period?

Variety of period problems

When we talk about a normal period, we mainly talk about regularity. A period occurring every 21-35 days, lasting for 2 to 7 days, is considered regular. Most women will have a period every 26-32 days and bleed between 3 and 5 days.

The regularity of your cycle reflects what is happening in your body. Your normal menstrual cycle prepares your body for a potential pregnancy. An egg develops in the first part of your cycle as you prepare to ovulate at midcycle. Following ovulation, a corpus luteum forms in your ovary, producing progesterone to support the development of any pregnancy.

The actual bleed is a way for your body to reset the process if you are not pregnant. Your hormones fall back to baseline, the endometrial lining is shed and your have your period.

As you get older, it is normal to experience a shorter period length. In your late 30’s and into your 40’s, you may well have a shorter cycle compared to your 20's or early 30's. It is never normal to have bleeding between your periods or after intercourse. Bleeding in these situations should be investigated to exclude diseases such as infection and cancer.

"Periods can be abnormal in many different ways. They can be irregular, infrequent, or absent, heavy, or painful. As a h=gynaecologist, my role is to explore if your symptoms need attention to assess the risk of any underlying conditions, or potential fertility problems" - Dr Poonam Arora

Let's say you don't just get your period. Or they are very infrequent. In this case, we want to look at the bigger picture: a potential increased risk of endometrial cancer, and difficulties falling pregnant, if you are planning to have children.

Another reason to come and see me as your gynaecologist is a sudden change in your periods after a surgical procedure. Examples include Ashermann’s syndrome, where the endometrium is damaged after a D&C or cervical stenosis after surgery on the cervix.

Other period problems I can assist with are:

• Heavy periods with large blood clots or flooding: If you need to change sanitary pads or tampons overnight.
• Painful periods: Excessive period pain can be disabling and distressing, and often comes with stress and anxiety, missing time at work, education, or social activities.
• Bowel pain (dyschezia) associated with your period.
• Irregular bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after intercourse

Whatever symptoms or discomfort, I can help you with routine tests and investigations so we can identify or exclude underlying conditions and discuss the best possible way to manage your period problems.

What are some of the symptoms of a normal period?

To understand what is abnormal, it is useful to take a moment and consider what a normal period is, as mentioned And what is considered a symptom of a normal period?

In the second half of your cycle there is a rise in progesterone which can cause premenstrual symptoms:

• Breast tenderness
• Abdominal bloating
• Bowel changes
• Acne
• Fatigue
• Poor sleep
• Mood changes: anxiety, irritability, or low mood.
• Abdominal cramps are common, reflecting uterine contractions, as your period bleed starts. Periods are usually heaviest in the first 2 days.

Most of my patients from around Victoria inform me that it can be useful to gain a better understanding of the human body. That’s why I am here to help you gain an understanding of your body and how to identify solutions to help prevent or ease their pain.