Menstruation (cont.)
What is a typical menstrual period like?
During your period, the thickened uterine lining and extra blood are shed
through the vaginal canal. Your period may not be the same every month and it
may not be the same as other women's periods. Periods can be light, moderate, or
heavy, and the length of the period also varies. While most periods last from
three to five days, anywhere from two to seven days is normal. For the first few
years after menstruation begins, longer cycles are common. A woman's cycle tends
to shorten and become more regular with age. Most of the time, periods will be
in the range of 21 to 45 days apart.
What kinds of problems do women have with their periods?
Women can have a range of problems with their periods, including pain, heavy
bleeding, and skipped periods.
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is the lack of a menstrual period. This term is used to describe
the absence of a period in:
- young women who haven't started menstruating by age 15
- women who used to have regular periods, but haven't had one for 90 days
- young women who haven't had a period for 90 days, even if they haven't been
menstruating for long
Causes can include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and extreme weight loss caused
by serious illness, eating disorders,
excessive exercising, or stress. Hormonal
problems, such as those caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or problems
with the reproductive organs, may be involved. It is important to talk to a
doctor.
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, including severe cramps. When
menstrual
cramps occur in teens, the cause is too much of a chemical called
prostaglandin.
Most teens with dysmenorrhea do not have a serious disease even though the
cramps can be severe. In older women, a disease or condition, such as
uterine
fibroids or endometriosis, sometimes causes the pain.
For some women, using a
heating pad or taking a warm bath helps ease their cramps. Some pain medicines
available over the counter, such as ibuprofen (for instance, Advil®, Motrin®,
Midol® Cramp), ketoprofen (for instance, Orudis® KT®), or naproxen (for
instance, Aleve®), can help with these symptoms. If pain is not relieved by
these medicines or the pain interferes with work or school, you should see a
doctor. Treatment depends on what is causing the problem and how severe it is.
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding is vaginal bleeding that is different from normal
menstrual periods. It includes very heavy bleeding or unusually long periods,
periods too close together, and bleeding between periods. In both teens and
women nearing menopause, hormonal changes can cause long periods along with
irregular cycles. Even if the cause is hormonal changes, treatment is available.
These changes can also go along with other serious medical problems such as
uterine fibroids, polyps, or even cancer. You should see a doctor if these
changes occur. Treatment for abnormal bleeding depends on the cause.
Next: When does a girl usually get her first period? »
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