Youre Experiencing An Ectopic Pregnancy
An unusually heavy period can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy , says Dr. Horton. Taking a pregnancy test can help you figure out if that’s what’s going on.
If you have a positive pregnancy test and have pain and vaginal bleeding, you should be evaluated, she says. Your doctor will get blood work and a pelvic ultrasound to see where the pregnancy is located and, if it is ectopic, treat it with medicine or surgery. Unfortunately, it’s not safe for a mother to carry an ectopic pregnancy.
Your Thyroid Isn’t Working Properly
An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can cause your period to come twice in one month. The thyroid gland is regulated by hormones produced and regulated in the same area of the brainthe pituitary and hypothalamusas the hormones that control menstruation and ovulation, explains Dweck. When one is off, the other might be affected.
If you have hyperthyroidism , you may also lose weight unexpectedly, feel nervous or anxious, have a rapid heartbeat, or have trouble sleeping. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, constipation, fatigue, and increased sensitivity to cold, among other symptoms.
Your risk of developing a thyroid disease could vary by race, potentially due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. According to a 2014 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder often at the root of hyperthyroidism, is more common in Black, Asian, and Pacific Islander women compared to white women. On the other hand, Hashimotos disease, which often causes hypothyroidism, is more common in white women.
Here Are Some Home Remedies You Can Try
If youre not experiencing any symptoms of a medical emergency and youre waiting to hear back from your doc, there are some things you can try on your own to deal with your marathon flow.
- Make sure youre getting enough iron.Iron deficiency anemia can happen after heavy blood loss. Women between 19 to 50 years old should try to get about 18 milligrams of iron daily. Younger women, older women, and men will need less.
- Drink plenty of water.Staying hydrated helps your body just function better. It can help you feel less light-headed, combat fatigue, improve your digestion, and so much more.
- Soothe the pain. If youre experiencing painful cramps, you can try resting a heating pad on your belly.
If you experience a super long and heavy period along with other serious symptoms like fainting, go to the hospital right away.
- Your period lasts longer than 7 days.
- You soak through more than one tampon or pad per hour.
- The clots are bigger than a quarter.
- Youre bleeding after menopause.
- Youre bleeding in between periods.
- Your quality of life is being affected.
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Treatment For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Treatment will depend on the cause, but may include:
- medication such as prostaglandin inhibitors, hormone replacement therapy or antibiotics
- dilatation and curettage involving dilation and gentle scraping of the cervix and the lining of the uterus
- change of contraception it may be necessary to explore methods of contraception other than the IUD or hormones
- surgery to remove tumours, polyps or fibroids or to treat ectopic pregnancy
- treatment of underlying disorders such as hypothyroidism or a bleeding disorder
- hysterectomy the removal of the entire uterus is a drastic last resort, generally only considered for treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding when a serious disease, such as cancer, is also present.
How To Stop Your Period
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For many women, periods are just a monthly nuisance. But for some of us, periods are painful and disabling, causing us to miss out on school and work and life.
For the majority of my teenage years, my monthly period triggered a migraine and cramps so severe I might throw up or even blackout. I spent a lot of time lying in bed with a heating pad and popping prescription ibuprofen.
I was in my early 20s before a doctor finally told me that I could stop my period altogether. Its called menstrual suppression and typically involves continuous use of birth control pills. The hormones trick the body into acting like its pregnant, and periods stop. My quality of life improved within two months.
Women suppress their periods for a variety of reasons. Athletes use the method to avoid the hassle of periods and cramps during important competitions. Brides and vacationers use period suppression so a special event or trip isnt ruined by a difficult period.
Research shows that the idea of never having periods appeals to women. In 2005, the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals surveyed more than 1,100 women and 55 percent said theyd be interested in learning more about suppression.
I would get terrible mood swings, cramps, night sweats, she said. I basically felt like I was going through early menopause in my late 20s.
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What Conditions Might Cause Someone To Bleed Between Periods
Bleeding between menstrual cycles can be due to structural issues within the uterus or womb, including endometrial polyps or fibroids. Polyps are small abnormal tissue growths that can occur in a number of places, including the cervix and uterus. Most polyps are benign, or noncancerous.
Spotting can also be due to sexually transmitted infections that typically infect the cervix, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Learn the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections and contact your doctor if you suspect you have one.
What Is Abnormal Bleeding
Abnormal bleeding during a menstrual cycle can look like any the following problems.
- Your periods occur less than 21 days apart
- Your periods occur more than 35 days apart
- You miss three or more periods in a row
- Your blood flow is much heavier or lighter than usual
- Your periods last longer than seven days
- You experience excessive pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting during your periods
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Preparing For Your Doctors Appointment
Changes to your menstrual cycle can indicate a health problem, so its important to discuss abnormal bleeding with your doctor. They will likely ask a lot of questions about your symptoms.
- How long are your cycles? Is this normal for you?
- If your shorter cycle isnt normal for you, when did the changes to your bleeding start?
- How long does the bleeding last?
- What color is the blood?
- How heavy is the bleeding? How quickly does it fill a pad?
- Are there clots? If so, how big are they?
- Do you have any other symptoms?
To calculate the length of your cycle, start counting on the first day you bleed. This will be day one. Your cycle will end on the first day that you start bleeding again. Many smartphone apps are available to help you track your cycle.
If you have a history of irregular bleeding, tracking your cycles on an app can help you identify a problem more quickly. It can also make it easier to share your cycle information with your doctor.
How Is It Even Possible To Get Two Periods In One Month
The average cycle should occur every 21 to 35 days and last anywhere from two to seven days, explains Lakeisha Richardson, MD, an ob-gyn based in Greenville, Mississippi. So, if youre on the shorter end of that spectrum, that math could easily translate into getting your period twice in one month. And about 40 to 60 percent of women will have some irregular periods throughout their lives, she says.
About 40 to 60 percent of women will have some irregular periods throughout their lives.
Meanwhile about five percent of women can have one period followed by mid-cycle bleeding, says Anna Rhee, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at Mount Sinai. “Mid-cycle bleeding occurs during ovulation due to increasing luteinizing hormone . It is usually light and lasts two to three days just in the middle of a cycle,” she explains.
If you don’t just have a cycle thats on the shorter end of the spectrum, your period might be bleeding linked to a medical condition or birth control. Even though most of the reasons are totally benign, seeing your doctor can help identify the cause and start treatment early if needed.
Here’s what might be going on if you’re getting two periods in one monthand what to do to get your cycle back on track.
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Reasons For Missed Periods Or Absence Of Menstruation
Some peoples periods arrive each month like clockwork. For others, periods are unpredictable and may come as a surprise. Sometimes, they dont happen at all! This doesnt necessarily mean youre pregnant.
Missed or late periods may happen for a variety of reasons apart from pregnancy. Common causes of missed or irregular periods range from hormonal imbalances to medical issues. Lets discuss the main reasons for a missed period and when its time to contact a health care provider.
What Underlying Conditions May Cause Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding
A visit with your gynecologist or other healthcare professional is the first step in determining the cause of your prolonged menstrual bleeding. Your doctor will make a diagnosis after performing a series of tests.
Depending on your age and other symptoms, your doctor may test your blood for pregnancy, hormone levels, and thyroid function. Other diagnostic tests may include Pap smears, endometrial biopsies, ultrasounds, laparoscopic surgery, or other procedures.
A wide range of medical conditions can be the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding. These include:
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No Period For Three Months: Is This Normal
Not having your period for three months or more is known as secondary amenorrhea. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Natural causes of an absence of menstruation for three months include perimenopause, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Certain lifestyle factors like stress and excessive exercise may also cause it. Furthermore, having either excessive or low body fat can also cause a missed period. Tumors on the pituitary gland or a hypoactive/hyperactive thyroid gland can also lead to hormonal imbalances and trigger secondary amenorrhea. Low levels of estrogen or high levels of testosterone can also result in a missed period.
Genetic disorders such as Swyer syndrome and Turner syndrome result in a lack of menstruation without proper hormone replacement therapy. Some people experience a missed period because of medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or chemotherapy drugs. You could also notice no period for three months or more if you have just stopped taking birth control pills.
Physical issues like problems in your reproductive organs could also cause delayed or missed periods.
You’re On Hormonal Birth Control
Anything that manipulates your hormones has the potential to make your periods longer, says Dr. Toth. This includes all types of hormonal birth control like the pill, patches, rings, shots, and implants. The good news is that there are lots of options with varying levels and types of hormones, so if your body doesn’t respond well to one type or dosage, there’s a good chance you can find a different one that will work.
The length of your period is just one factor your doctor will use to help you determine which type of birth control works best for you.
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Can Medications Cause Vaginal Bleeding
Some medications, such as anticoagulants can make you more likely to bleed. If you are taking an anticoagulant and are experiencing vaginal bleeding, you should speak to your doctor right away. Do not stop taking any prescribed medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
Hormone replacement therapy after menopause can sometimes cause irregular bleeding. This is not a cause for concern and should settle down after several months.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is also common when you start using hormonal contraception . If it does not go away or is bothering you, talk to your doctor.
Abnormal bleeding can also occur when you change or stop your hormonal contraception.
Uterine Polyps Or Fibroids
Uterine polyps are soft growths in the endometrium. They can be as small as a sesame seed or larger than a golf ball.
You can have one or multiple polyps, which are usually not cancerous. They’re more common with age and rare in people under 20.
Symptoms of uterine polyps include:
- Post-menopausal bleeding or spotting
- Bleeding after vaginal penetration
- Infertility
Uterine fibroids are growths in the muscle tissue rather than the endometrium. They’re also called leiomyomas, myomas, or fibromas.
Fibroids can be inside or outside the uterus. As with polyps, you can have one or several.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- Bloating and swelling in the abdomen
- Frequent urination and being unable to empty your bladder
- Pain during vaginal penetration
- Constipation
- Vaginal discharge
Both polyps and fibroids can cause problems with your menstrual cycle. You may have more frequent periods , longer and heavier periods, and bleeding between periods.
The treatment for polyps and fibroids ranges from symptom management and hormonal therapies to surgical removal of the growths. In more serious cases, people need to have a hysterectomy.
Uterine growths can also affect your fertility and may even cause miscarriages.
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Risk Factors And Causes
When injury occurs in a blood vessel, small fragments inside a type of blood cell called platelets normally clump together to plug the wound and stem the bleeding.
vWF, which carries clotting factor VIII, helps platelets stick together to form a clot. Clotting factor VIII is either missing or faulty in people with the most common form of hemophilia.
Family history is the most common risk factor for von Willebrands disease. That said, the genetic content needed for each type to develop will differ.
For example, in types 1 and 2, only one gene is necessary to cause the condition. Also, the biological parents will likely have von Willebrands disease themselves.
In type 3, both parents need to pass on genes, and they will most likely be carrying the disease without actually having it.
Acquired von Willebrands disease can happen later in life, so advanced age is a factor.
Early diagnosis and treatment significantly increase the chances of living a normal and active life with von Willebrands disease.
Some people with type 1 or type 2 may not experience major bleeding problems. Therefore, they may not receive a diagnosis until they have surgery or a serious injury.
The diagnosis of type 3 usually occurs at an early age, because major bleeding will probably occur at some time during infancy or childhood.
A doctor will look at the persons medical history, carry out a physical exam, and run some diagnostic tests.
Blood tests can assess:
I Am Still On My Period And It Has Been Two Weeks Is That Normal
Posted
No. Normal menstrual periods last 3 to 7 days. Longer than normal periods can occur because of stress, a hormone imbalance, pregnancy, infection, a thyroid condition, and other causes. You should make an appointment with your health care provider. Be prepared to tell him/her the date of when your period started, how many pads or tampons you use in 24 hours, and if you have had sex, and if you have other medical problems or are taking medications.
The Center for Young Womens Health is a collaboration between the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine and the Division of Gynecology at Boston Childrens Hospital. The Center is an educational entity that exists to provide girls, young women, transgender and nonbinary young people, and intersex young people with carefully researched health information, health education programs, and community spaces.
All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your health care provider.
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Treatment For Frequent Menstruation
The treatment for frequent menstruation depends on the underlying cause. If you have just started having periods or you normally have shorter menstrual cycles, you wont need any treatment. However, if your doctor is concerned that the frequency of blood loss due to your periods is causing anaemia, they may suggest taking iron supplements.
In some cases, hormonal birth control may be recommended to treat frequent menstruation.
Medicines And Medical Treatment
As discussed above, a number of contraceptive treatments can stop you having periods. Other medicines can affect periods too. Examples are some medicines for schizophrenia , an anti-sickness medicine called metoclopramide and strong painkillers called opiates.A number of operations may result in absent periods. For example, after a hysterectomy you will not have periods. A hysterectomy is an operation where the womb is removed. As the blood during a period comes from the womb, you will never have periods again afterwards. Another operation , which is sometimes done for heavy periods, also causes periods to stop. In this operation the lining of the womb is removed. This is not usually permanent and periods start again in time.
Treatments for cancer, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, can also damage the ovaries and result in absent periods. Recreational drugs such as heroin may also cause periods to stop.
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