Menstrual Irregularity Management Specialist in Eugene, OR

Monitoring and documenting your menstrual cycles can be a valuable tool in understanding your own unique patterns. This record-keeping can also help you identify significant changes, like missed periods or unusual menstrual bleeding.

While most irregularities in menstrual cycles are generally not cause for concern, in some instances, they may be linked to underlying health issues.

A typical menstrual cycle for most women falls within a range of 21 to 35 days. However, it’s quite common for women to experience irregular menstrual cycles.

These irregularities can manifest as cycles that are shorter or longer than the typical range, menstrual flow that is heavier or lighter than usual, or the occurrence of other associated problems, such as abdominal cramps.

Several factors can contribute to irregular periods or menstruation. These factors may include fluctuations in hormone levels, stress, specific health conditions, stopping or starting birth control, medication usage, and various other influences.

Irregular, heavy, and painful periods can be a concern for some women. While heavy menstrual bleeding is a common issue, it’s important to note that most women do not experience blood loss significant enough to be classified as heavy menstrual bleeding.

Additionally, some women may encounter menstrual bleeding that occurs between periods or at different times within their menstrual cycles than what is typically expected.

This type of bleeding is often referred to as irregular menstrual bleeding or abnormal uterine bleeding. Irregularities in the menstrual cycle are relatively common, and the underlying causes of abnormal bleeding may vary depending on a woman’s age.

Older women are more likely to experience irregular bleeding due to conditions like cancer, as compared to younger women. On the other hand, pregnancy-related bleeding is more commonly seen among women of reproductive age. Conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis, and bleeding disorders are often associated with heavy menstrual bleeding.

Irregular periods are characterized by deviations from the typical menstrual cycle pattern. These deviations can include menstrual cycles that are notably shorter than 24 days or longer than 38 days. Additionally, irregular periods encompass scenarios where cycle lengths vary considerably from one month to another.

Heavy menstrual bleeding, termed menorrhagia, is a common sign of irregular periods. When menstrual bleeding exceeds the usual volume or duration, it may indicate irregularity.

Unusual menstrual bleeding patterns throughout the menstrual cycle, marked by unpredictable or erratic bleeding episodes, may signify irregular periods. Painful menstrual cramps or discomfort during periods, referred to as dysmenorrhea, are often associated with irregular periods as well.

Menorrhagia refers to a condition characterized by prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding, often to the extent that it can disrupt a person’s daily activities.

There are various forms of menorrhagia, and its primary symptoms include the frequent need to change sanitary pads throughout the day and menstrual periods that last longer than seven days.

Additional symptoms may involve constant lower abdominal and pelvic pain, the passage of large blood clots during menstruation, and feelings of dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is a condition characterized by pain and menstrual cramps that occur during menstruation. This condition can be categorized into two types: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea refers to normal menstrual cramps that typically begin during the teenage years and occur periodically, often without any underlying medical conditions. In contrast, secondary dysmenorrhea refers to the development of menstrual cramps in a woman who previously experienced relatively pain-free periods, and this change is often associated with an underlying medical condition.

Menstrual irregularity management is available at Pacific Women’s Center. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 911 Country Club Rd. Suite A-222, Eugene, OR 97401. We serve patients from Eugene OR, Irving OR, Goshen OR, Coburg OR, Springfield OR, Cresswell OR, and surrounding areas.