Menstruation - heavy bleeding, intermenstrual spotting.

Menstruation - although it is a natural process and evidence of the proper functioning of the body - is the least pleasant time of the month. In addition, it is often a source of doubt that the endocrine system is functioning properly. Most women experience painful periods, heavy bleeding, and suspicious spotting. Severe pain in the lower abdomen appear immediately before menstruation or at the very beginning of bleeding. They are often accompanied by headaches, nausea and vomiting, constipation and diarrhea.

1. Excessive bleeding during menstruation

Menstruation that lasts 3 days and looks more like spotting than bleeding? This is the happiness of few women. Most, unfortunately, have to deal with menstruation for 6-7 days, and the amount of discharge is not always the same. When there is too much blood - so that protection (pads or tampons) need to be changed every 1,5-2 hours in each cycle - it is worth visiting a doctor. Heavy menstruation this may be a symptom of more serious changes, such as the presence of a polyp in the reproductive organ or even a tumor. If this happens from time to time, it could be the result of a hormonal storm. During menstruation, you should not overexert yourself, bathe in hot water and drink caffeinated and alcohol-containing drinks.

Stimulants, coffee and tea should be avoided to reduce bleeding. Avoid hot baths. If heavy bleeding occurs frequently, it is necessary to see a gynecologist to find out what is causing the bleeding. It is worth drinking nettle infusion, eating red meat, fish, egg yolks, liver; Good for women's problems also: whole grain bread and thick cereals, lettuce - because they have a lot of iron.

2. Intercycle spotting

Menstrual pain is not unusual during the menstrual cycle. They arise as a result of the work of hormones that cause the uterus and the vessels surrounding it to contract. Often painful menstruation it also originates in the position of the uterus (forward or backward flexion) and the method of contraception used (coil). However, it is worth keeping an eye on your body, noting other ailments during your period and intervening when the pains get worse from cycle to cycle. They may indicate adnexitis, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Suspicious spotting occurs in the middle of the cycle and is a signal of ovulation. However, if intermenstrual discharge looks suspicious (have an unpleasant odor and an unusual color), consult a doctor to diagnose or exclude erosions, vaginal mycosis, inflammation of the cervix, as well as more serious diseases - endometriosis, fibroids and uterine polyps, cancer. Occasionally, scanty spotting can occur early in pregnancy, like implantation spotting, and around ovulation, when estrogen levels drop, the mucosa is slightly flaky. Then spotting may appear, sometimes accompanied by ovulatory pain. Pregnancy is not always the cause of delayed menstruation. Cycles can be shorter or longer than usual when a woman is exhausted and stressed, has an irregular lifestyle, does not eat well, has taken antibiotics or other medications that affect her cycle, or changes in climate or location. Sometimes diseases and illnesses cause cycle dysregulation female ailmentssuch as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or thyroid problems.

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Article reviewed by an expert:

Magdalena Bonyuk, Massachusetts

Sexologist, psychologist, adolescent, adult and family therapist.