Painful Irregular Periods
Painful Irregular Periods

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Painful Irregular Periods

Painful Irregular Periods

Periods can be difficult enough, but when women experience painful irregular periods, their difficulty –and patience –may begin to dwindle. Below, please find more detailed information about painful irregular periods that can help many women begin their path to relief.

About Painful Irregular Periods

The onset of a change in your menstrual cycle is most frequently associated with menopause, generally described as one of the earliest signs of this impending life change. Women usually begin to experience painful irregular periods around their 40s or 50s, although the late 30s and early 60s are not unheard of either. While the pain might be just another aspect of the irregularity, excessive or prolonged abdominal pain should be examined by a doctor.

Irregularities in periods are subjective since each woman’s body is different. But typically, “irregular” refers to periods that arrive early or late and/or exhibit new bleeding qualities.

Painful Irregular Periods1Characteristics of painful irregular periods include:

• Infrequent or too frequent periods.
• Abnormal duration of bleeding.
• Changes in blood flow.
• Absent periods.
• Fertility problems.

Causes of Painful Irregular Periods

Painful irregular periods are most often caused by changes in hormones that are directly linked to menopause. As estrogen production decreases, women’s periods may begin to behave erratically. The pain associated with irregular periods, however, might be more troubling.

Painful Irregular Periods2Painful irregular periods might be caused by a number of slightly more serious medical conditions, such as:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Uterine abnormalities, such as uterine fibroids
• Cancer
• Diabetes

Women who suspect that their periods might be more serious than usual cramping should see a trusted doctor for a thorough examination.

More Information about Painful Irregular Periods

Women who want to regain control of their bodies and combat things like painful irregular periods have a variety of treatment options ranging from more natural methods to clinical ones. These options can be divided into the following categories:

• Lifestyle changes
• Alternative remedies
• Prescription drugs

Women can explore these links to their content and discuss their findings with a trusted medical professional before beginning any kind of treatment regimen.

Other Related Articles:
Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual Disorder and Acupuncture
Menstrual Cycle Problems and Regulation
Long Menstrual Cycles
Irregular periods for years

Sources:
  • Hutchinson, Susan M.D. "The Stages of a Woman's Life: Menstruation, Pregnancy, Nursing, Perimenopause, Menopause." November 2007.
  • Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
  • BMJ Group. "Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007.