Alexia,
Have you talked with your doctor about your symptoms? Many women experience painful periods, but if they are interfering with your life (not being able to get out of bed), then you may have a condition called dysmenorrhea (you can read more: EmpowHER encyclopedia: Dysmenorrhea.
Don't be alarmed by the term, as it is just a word meaning "painful periods", and can be caused by many different factors. Depending on what is causing your painful periods and heavy flow, your doctor can diagnose the underlying cause(s) and provide you with treatment options based on your diagnosis.
Especially since this is something relatively new that has been increasing in severity over the past two cycles...this is reason enough to call your doctor (or, see a doctor at your school health center). Anytime you have new symptoms, symptoms that do not go away, or symptoms that become worse over time...these are reasons to have a medical evaluation.
There are two types of dysmenorrhea:
* Primary dysmenorrhea—painful regular (ovulatory) menstrual cycles; the pain is caused by utrine muscle contractions caused by high levels of prostaglandins produced in the lining and body of the uterus after ovulation.
* Secondary dysmenorrhea—painful periods due to an underlying condition, such as endometriosis (a condition involving the lining of the uterus or womb) or infection, that can begin at any age
Regarding your heavy period, there is also a term for this called menorrhagia. Menorrhagia is excessive and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding at regular intervals. Although about 30% of women have heavy periods, only 10% of women have menorrhagia.
Symptoms include:
* Menstrual bleeding lasting more than seven days
* Unusually heavy bleeding (soaking through a sanitary napkin or tampon every hour)
* Menstrual flow requiring change of sanitary protection during the night
* Menstrual flow including large clots
* Menstrual flow interfering with lifestyle
Do these symptoms relate to your situation, or do you feel that you fit into categories of having "painful periods" and "heavy flow" that do not meet the medical definitions of "dysmenorrhea" and "menorrhagia"?
We can definitely help provide you with some information to help ease your pain and discomfort, but I strongly recommend having a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
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Alexia,
Have you talked with your doctor about your symptoms? Many women experience painful periods, but if they are interfering with your life (not being able to get out of bed), then you may have a condition called dysmenorrhea (you can read more: EmpowHER encyclopedia: Dysmenorrhea.
Don't be alarmed by the term, as it is just a word meaning "painful periods", and can be caused by many different factors. Depending on what is causing your painful periods and heavy flow, your doctor can diagnose the underlying cause(s) and provide you with treatment options based on your diagnosis.
Especially since this is something relatively new that has been increasing in severity over the past two cycles...this is reason enough to call your doctor (or, see a doctor at your school health center). Anytime you have new symptoms, symptoms that do not go away, or symptoms that become worse over time...these are reasons to have a medical evaluation.
There are two types of dysmenorrhea:
* Primary dysmenorrhea—painful regular (ovulatory) menstrual cycles; the pain is caused by utrine muscle contractions caused by high levels of prostaglandins produced in the lining and body of the uterus after ovulation.
* Secondary dysmenorrhea—painful periods due to an underlying condition, such as endometriosis (a condition involving the lining of the uterus or womb) or infection, that can begin at any age
Regarding your heavy period, there is also a term for this called menorrhagia. Menorrhagia is excessive and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding at regular intervals. Although about 30% of women have heavy periods, only 10% of women have menorrhagia.
Symptoms include:
* Menstrual bleeding lasting more than seven days
* Unusually heavy bleeding (soaking through a sanitary napkin or tampon every hour)
* Menstrual flow requiring change of sanitary protection during the night
* Menstrual flow including large clots
* Menstrual flow interfering with lifestyle
Here is one additional resource that may help you:
- EmpowHER Article: How to Know if Your Period is Normal
Do these symptoms relate to your situation, or do you feel that you fit into categories of having "painful periods" and "heavy flow" that do not meet the medical definitions of "dysmenorrhea" and "menorrhagia"?
We can definitely help provide you with some information to help ease your pain and discomfort, but I strongly recommend having a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
How do you feel about all of this?
March 7, 2010 - 2:22pmThis Comment
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