Every month you prepare for your menstrual cycle to start — but what happens when it doesn't show up as expected? Unfortunately, abnormal periods aren't uncommon, but they can signify a bigger problem in your body.
If you're dealing with abnormal menstrual cycles, the experienced team at Collaborative Women's Healthcare in Miami, Florida, helps you get to the bottom of the problem. Dr. Eduardo Valdes is a skilled OB/GYN who takes the time to understand your concerns so he can treat your irregular periods.
A typical menstrual cycle lasts from four days to a week and ranges from 21 to 35 days. It's not abnormal for menstrual cycles to vary slightly, as many lifestyle factors affect your period.
However, suppose you're not getting a period every month, or your bleeding is abnormal. In that case, you may be experiencing a condition directly affecting your menstrual cycle. There are several causes behind irregular periods, including:
Certain sexually transmitted infections can also wreak havoc on your vaginal health and periods. You may also experience irregular periods after a miscarriage or pregnancy.
An abnormal period once in a while isn't necessarily something to worry about. Sometimes intense exercise or extreme stress leads to short-term changes in your menstrual cycle.
However, if your periods are regularly abnormal, it's a good idea to seek treatment from Dr. Valdes. Some of the reasons you want to get treatment for irregular periods include the following:
It's also a good idea to see Dr. Valdes if you're experiencing other symptoms with your irregular periods, such as vaginal discharge or a fever.
Dr. Valdes takes the time to listen to your concerns about your menstrual cycle and performs a detailed exam and medical history to determine what's causing the change in your period.
When your periods are abnormal, Dr. Valdes needs to get to the bottom of the problem to ensure the proper treatment for your condition. He'll do a pelvic exam and order testing like blood work or STD testing.
Each condition that leads to abnormal periods requires specific treatment. For instance, you may only need to make a few lifestyle changes if your irregular periods are due to extreme stress or intense exercise.
Suppose a hormone imbalance is causing your abnormal periods. In that case, Dr. Valdes suggests hormonal birth control to balance your hormones and regulate your cycle. Various forms of birth control are available based on your specific preferences.
Dr. Valdes may recommend an endometrial ablation if you're done having children and other treatments haven't worked to control bleeding during and between your periods.
In severe cases of abnormal menstruation, Dr. Valdes recommends a hysterectomy to remove your uterus and stop menstruation completely. You may need a hysterectomy if you have severe endometriosis or uterine fibroids that stick around despite other treatments.
To take control of your menstrual cycle, call our office today at 305-200-3878 to book an appointment. You can also schedule a consultation online.
