Tag: Menstruation

Problem in Uterus: what are the risk factors for developing endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a complex condition, and while the exact cause is still unknown, several risk factors have been identified. These risk factors include:

  1. Family history: If a close female relative, such as a mother, sister, or aunt, has endometriosis, the chances of developing the condition may be higher.
  2. Early onset of menstruation: Starting menstruation at an early age, such as before the age of 11, may increase the risk of endometriosis.
  3. Short menstrual cycles: Having menstrual cycles shorter than 27 days may be associated with a higher risk of endometriosis.
  4. Longer periods: Periods that last more than seven days may increase the likelihood of developing endometriosis.
  5. Never giving birth: Women who have never been pregnant may have a higher risk of developing endometriosis.
  6. Certain medical conditions: Conditions that affect the normal flow of menstrual blood, such as uterine abnormalities or a compromised immune system, may contribute to the development of endometriosis.

It is important to note that these risk factors do not guarantee the development of endometriosis, and many women with the condition have none of these risk factors. If you suspect you may have endometriosis, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance.

What are the causes of intermenstrual bleeding? How it is treated?

Causes and Treatment of Intermenstrual Bleeding

Intermenstrual bleeding (IMB) refers to vaginal bleeding at any time during the menstrual cycle other than during normal menstruation. It can sometimes be difficult to differentiate true IMB bleeding from metrorrhagia (irregularly frequent periods) [1]. Here are some possible causes of IMB:

  • Hormonal changes: Changes in hormone levels can cause IMB. This can occur during puberty, perimenopause, or menopause, or as a result of hormonal birth control[2].
  • Uterine or cervical polyps: These are noncancerous growths that can develop in the uterus or cervix and cause IMB[2].
  • Infection or inflammation: Infections or inflammation of the cervix or uterus can cause IMB. Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can also cause bleeding[2][3].
  • Endometriosis: This is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and bleeding[4].
  • Cancer or precancerous growths: These can cause IMB, especially in women who have had abnormal pap smears or other risk factors[2][5][6].

If you experience IMB, it’s important to see your doctor for testing, diagnosis, and treatment options. Your doctor may perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and may perform one or more of the following tests: blood tests, hormone tests, tests for sexually transmitted diseases, a pregnancy test, or an ultrasound of the pelvis to evaluate the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder[6].

The treatment for IMB depends on the underlying cause. Here are some possible treatment options:

  • Hormonal birth control: This can help regulate hormone levels and reduce bleeding[7][8].
  • Progestin: This can be given by a shot, implant, or device placed in your uterus called an IUD[7].
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These can help reduce bleeding and pain[7].
  • Surgery: If the bleeding is caused by a growth or cancer, surgery may be necessary[6].
  • Tranexamic acid: This medication prevents fibrin degradation and can be used to treat acute IMB[9].

In conclusion, IMB can have many different causes, some of which are benign and easily treatable, while others may indicate a serious underlying condition. If you experience IMB, it’s important to see your doctor for testing, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Citations:
[1] https://patient.info/doctor/intermenstrual-and-postcoital-bleeding
[2] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003156.htm
[3] https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/what-causes-bleeding-between-periods/
[4] https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/symptoms/intermenstrual-bleeding
[5] https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/menomonie/services-and-treatments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/heavy-or-irregular-bleeding
[6] https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/vaginalbleeding
[7] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15428-uterine-bleeding-abnormal-uterine-bleeding
[8] https://familydoctor.org/condition/abnormal-uterine-bleeding/
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532913/

By Perplexity at https://www.perplexity.ai/search/619a70b6-dcd1-4648-add7-2a87a97c5d9d

What helps with premenstrual syndrome?

The days before a woman’s period are frequently extremely stressful. Premenstrual syndrome follows (PMS). What actions can reduce the symptoms?

In the second half of their cycle, particularly the week leading up to their period, many women experience changes in their physical and psychological well-being. When symptoms are severe, a person’s ability to function is obviously compromised. The symptoms appear during the first few days of the period and then vanish, suggesting premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Each symptom is very unique, and they don’t always manifest in the same way throughout a cycle. Among the symptoms experienced by those who are affected are indigestion, water retention, sleep disorders, and muscle or headache pain. Additionally, mood swings from irritability to depression happen.

The cause of PMS is not fully understood. Apparently, the hormonal fluctuations during the female cycle play a role. Other connections are discussed.

Correctly interpreting complaints with PMS

Doctors recommend doing a thorough body examination and keeping a symptom and cycle diary. There are now numerous apps that enable fast, digital documentation, and the evaluation shows which symptoms are associated with the menstrual cycle. Data protection is particularly important, and tips on this can be found in the article “Data protection is feasible: Tips for using smartwatches and health apps safely”.

What options are there for PMS treatment?

PMS is frequently treated with dietary supplements and herbal preparations. However, their impact is frequently not sufficiently supported by science. Therefore, before using it, women should consult their doctor. 

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can cause physical and emotional symptoms that can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes include reducing salt and caffeine intake, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, and practicing stress-reducing exercises. Medications include antidepressants, NSAIDs, and diuretics. Natural remedies include herbal teas and homeopathic remedies. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or medication.

The pill can stop menstrual cramps

Hormones can be used to stop symptoms, such as mood swings, sexual reluctance, and an increased risk of thrombosis. Preparations with a proportion of estrogen and progestin are particularly suitable. Hormone rings and patches have the same effect, but the hormone spiral is usually not suitable. It is important to weigh up whether a hormone preparation is the drug of choice with the gynecologist, as these drugs can lead to mood swings, sexual reluctance, and an increased risk of thrombosis.

Psychological complaints in the foreground

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is the most severe form of PMS and affects up to 8% of women. It is caused by extreme irritability and depression before menses, and can be treated with the contraceptive pill and antidepressants from the serotonin reuptake inhibitors group. Psychotherapy can also help to accept the predisposition and manage it well in everyday life.

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What tests can not be done during menstruation? Morphology and period

Menstruation can affect the results of some tests. It may disturb the parameters of morphology, blood coagulation system, urinalysis, gynecological examination and cytology. This should be kept in mind when interpreting results if tests were performed during the period. Check what tests cannot be done during menstruation, and which should be done then.

Menstruation is a state during which a woman’s body undergoes physiological changes that may affect test results. Therefore, doing some of them during your period is discouraged. Other tests may even be recommended at this particular point in the menstrual cycle. Will the test results be reliable when performed during the period? What to do if the visit is scheduled at the time when menstruation appeared. Is it better to postpone such a visit? Here are the answers to the most important questions.

Menstruation can affect some blood parameters. During its duration, there is a small loss of blood in the body and physiological changes that may make the test results unreliable.

During menstruation, it is not recommended to perform tests such as:

Morphology : During the period there may be a slight disturbance of red cell parameters (e.g. hemoglobin) and platelet parameters; if you had a morphology done at that time, it is enough to inform the doctor about it during the interpretation of the results, tests of coagulation system indicators (eg APTT, INR) – blood clotting naturally decreases at this time, so it is better to perform the test at another time of the cycle.

Urine test : Urine with a high probability will be contaminated with blood, which may affect the incorrect interpretation

of the urine test, gynecological examination – not always, but sometimes you should not do this test during menstruation

Cytology : Bleeding interferes with the collection of material for examination

Breast and vaginal ultrasound : the recommended date of these tests is between the 5th and 10th day of the cycle – the results will then be the most reliable.

In the case of hormone level testing, you should go to the collection point on a strictly defined day of the cycle. There are also examinations that are performed several times during the cycle, then the gynecologist gives detailed instructions.

Morphology and period. Can I go for morphology during menstruation?

Morphology is a basic preventive examination that each of us should perform every year. It is best to perform morphology in the middle of the menstrual cycle, and avoid the examination during menstruation. During bleeding, especially if it is abundant, the results of morphology may be disturbed. If the test was performed during or just after menstruation, you should inform your doctor when discussing the results. Menstruation does not affect all blood parameters. The results of components such as lymphocytes, granulocytes and monocytes are fully reliable.

How many days after menstruation can blood tests be done?

If you want to perform a control blood test, it is best to report to the collection point at least 3-5 days after menstruation. However, the most convenient time to perform morphology is about half of the menstrual cycle. Then the results will be the most reliable. In exceptional cases, your doctor may order a complete blood count during or after menstruation, e.g. when there is heavy bleeding and the purpose of the test is to diagnose or rule out anaemia.

What blood tests are done during menstruation?

Some blood tests are recommended during menstruation. It is primarily about hormone tests, the results of which are necessary to diagnose endocrine disorders. Therefore, the doctor may order the patient during the period to determine:

  • prolactin
  • estradiol
  • testosterone
  • FT3, FT4
  • anti-TPO
  • androstenedione
  • luteinizing hormone (LH)
  • follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • anti-TG,
  • AMH.

Information on hormone levels during menstruation is needed to confirm or rule out certain diseases.

Parameters independent of the menstrual cycle are: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as cholesterol and triglycerides. The test to evaluate them can be performed at any time during the cycle.

Urine test and period During the period : A general urine test should not be performed , since blood will get into the sample with a high probability. The result obtained, which also applies to the presence of blood in the urine, can confuse the doctor when interpreting the study. Blood in the urine can mean kidney disease and urinary tract infections, so the test should be done when a woman does not have menstruation.

Blood sampling and period. What to keep in mind?

During menstruation, you may be weakened. It is worth remembering a few rules that will make blood sampling less troublesome:

  • hydrate before the test (drink water),
  • lie down during blood sampling if you do not feel very well
  • squeeze the ball, which will facilitate blood collection, give up intense physical exertion before the test,
  • concentrate on slow and deep breathing during blood collection.