What They Mean and When to See the Doctor

Aug. 22, 2001 — The Monthly Bill. The Woman’s Curse. The Stop Sign.

The nicknames we give to the monthly shedding of the uterus lining reflect the troubles it brings, including spotting, heavy bleeding, and cramping. These symptoms can range from merely inconvenient to downright life-changing, depending on how frequent they are and how severe. So how do you know when to grin and bear it and when to see the doctor?

What’s Normal and What’s Not

“There are only three times in a woman’s life when her periods can be irregular but completely normal,” says Jonathan Scher, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Those times are after the first period, or menarche; the first few periods after a miscarriage, abortion, or childbirth; and before menopause. During these times, ovulation is not taking place.

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If a woman is of reproductive age, any other change in her usual pattern by a week or more either way is abnormal, says Scher. Heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods — including light “spotting” — and missing a period should all be reported to a doctor, he advises.

Endometriosis

Heavy or painful menstruation can signal endometriosis, a condition that occurs when endometrial tissue, which lines the uterus, begins to form in other areas in the body, such as on the ovaries or between the vagina and the rectum. This can lead to inflammation within the abdominal cavity, which in turn can cause pain, formation of scar tissue, bowel problems, and infertility.

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‘Beth’ (not her real name) is a 56-year-old Texan whose life was changed when she began bleeding heavily during her monthly cycle. “When I was in my mid-40s, my period became very heavy,” says Beth. “It got to the point where I felt I was chained to the bathroom.” Her cycle changed, too. “My periods started lasting eight, nine, or 10 days, and the average time in between shortened from 28 days to 25 to 21,” she says. “My body was getting more and more run down.” When she consulted her doctor, he diagnosed her condition: endometriosis.

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A diagnosis of endometriosis is confirmed with a laparoscopy, in which a fiber-optic device is inserted into the abdominal cavity, explains Richard C. Roberson, MD, a family practitioner in Athens, Ga. “In mild cases, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, or birth control pills can be effective,” says Roberson. “In more severe cases, laparoscopic surgery is often used, as well as hysterectomy — the removal of the uterus.”

Uterine Polyps

Bleeding between periods — whether heavy or just light “spotting” — can be a sign of uterine polyps. This was the case for Linda Murray, a 32-year-old San Francisco woman. Polyps are benign growths on the inner lining of the uterus, and may form spontaneously or result from hormone overproduction.

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“I started having a period all the time, like spotting but a little more,” says Murray. She endured almost constant spotting for six months before consulting her doctor. “I had to wear a panty-liner every day,” she remembers.

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Murray speaks easily about the situation now that she’s undergone minor surgery to remove the polyps. “I didn’t know what it was,” she says. “I started asking my friends, ‘Do you get this?’ When I finally went to the doctor, she knew right away what it was. It was a relief.”

Fibroids

Fibroids are common benign tumors often found in the uterus. They can form when estrogen stimulates the uterine tissue, and may cause spotting and infertility. Fibroids typically occur in women 30-40 years of age, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and are the most common reason for hysterectomy in the U.S. Many fibroids don’t cause symptoms, and they tend to get smaller or go away with pregnancy or menopause.

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“If fibroids are not causing pain, excessive bleeding, or other problems, they are best left alone, particularly if the patient is approaching menopause, when the tumors will generally shrink,” explains Roberson. Hormone treatments can sometimes shrink fibroids. There are surgical treatments less extensive than hysterectomy that can be used in certain cases, particularly in younger women or those who plan to become pregnant.

When a Hysterectomy Is Needed

It was a hysterectomy that eventually improved Beth’s endometriosis. Her doctor gave her two options: a “D and C” (dilation and curettage, where the lining of the uterus is scraped away) or a hysterectomy.

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Harris chose the “D and C” first. But when it didn’t help much, she consulted with her doctor and decided to go ahead with the hysterectomy. The results? “My lifestyle improved drastically, my physical strength went up, and I felt back to normal.”

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Not all women recover easily from a hysterectomy, however. A woman should make the decision only after a thorough discussion with her doctor.

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Fortunately, most menstrual-bleeding abnormalities are the result of benign conditions, says Roberson, and can be treated without surgery.

What is a normal period cycle in your 20s, 30s and 40s?

In the United States, the average age of a woman’s first period is 12.3 years old, which means most women have menstrual cycles a significant portion of their lives. Because of this, some of the most common questions I’m asked are about periods and what is a “normal” period cycle. Here is what an average menstrual cycle looks like and some signs you may want to talk to your primary care provider—a virtual visit is an effective, convenient way to get started.

Your menstrual cycle in your 20s and early- to mid-30s

Your period should have become regular and predictable by this time. The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days when counting from the first day of one cycle to the first day of the next cycle. Eighty percent of cycles occur within 21 to 45
days. Typically, cycles will last two to seven days. 

Be sure to watch for the following:

• heavy flow (need to change a pad or tampon pad every one to two hours) or abnormal bleeding that last more than seven days
• menstrual cycles less than 21 days or longer than 38 days
• spotting or bleeding between cycles or after intercourse  
• missed periods, as this could be an early sign of pregnancy or may be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially if missed periods are accompanied by excess hair growth, weight gain and high cholesterol.

Irregular menstrual cycle and bleeding

Some abnormalities during the reproductive years might include polyps, fibroids as well as anovulation (lack of ovulation), endometriosis (growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus) and—less common—tumors/growths. Bleeding can also be a symptom of infection such as endometritis (infection of the inner lining of the uterus) or
pelvic inflammatory disease.   

Remember, not all bleeding and irregularity is a cause for concern. For example, it is very common to have irregular bleeding with some contraception methods. Stress and other issues can also cause changes to your cycle from time to time.

Also, many women in the 20s and 30s experience painful menstrual cramps. You can treat cramps with over-the-counter pain relievers or heating pads.

Your menstrual cycle in your late-30s and 40s

The average age of menopause (12 months of no cycles) is 51 to 52. However, menopause can occur earlier for some women. During the 10 years before menopause, many women often experience changes to their cycles. 

The average menstrual cycle for women in their late-30s and 40s tends to be shorter cycles with heavier bleeding. They may also have intermittent menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. During this time, you can also expect some variation in the number of days of bleeding or the amount of flow. Some cycles may be skipped and then
followed by a heavy cycle. 

Watch for the same issues as above, but also pay attention to:

• heavy bleeding that is accompanied by dry skin, hair loss and a slow metabolism, as this could signify thyroid issues
• bleeding between cycles or after intercourse.

Remember, you know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right to you, contact your provider to determine the right course of action. Seeing your provider for an annual physical is a great opportunity for you to talk about any changes to your menstrual cycle and body.

Periods after pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

One of pregnancy’s perks is enjoying at least 9 months without your period. But what happens to your periods after your baby is born? Here’s a quick guide to how periods work and why they change during and after pregnancy.

Why do periods stop during pregnancy?

Each month, your body goes through a cycle of changes to prepare for a potential pregnancy. One of your ovaries releases an egg, hormones prepare the vagina and cervix to support possible sperm, and your womb or uterus thickens to nurture a possible baby. If you don’t become pregnant, on day 28 on average the cycle ends and the lining of your womb sheds — this blood is your period. If you have sex during a cycle and your egg meets a sperm, you can become pregnant. Throughout your pregnancy, your body retains the lining of your womb, which is why you stop getting your period during this time.

Can I bleed during pregnancy?

Even though your periods stop, you can still experience bleeding during pregnancy. This happens in almost 1 in 4 women for different reasons. Many women who bleed during pregnancy go on to deliver a healthy baby. However, you should immediately contact your doctor or midwife if you notice bleeding from your vagina at any time during your pregnancy.

In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the fertilised egg planting itself in your womb may cause bleeding. This is known as implantation bleeding. It normally only lasts for a few days. However, bleeding during early pregnancy could signal that the fertilised egg has planted itself outside the womb — this is called an ectopic pregnancy. It could also signal a miscarriage.

In the later stages of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding can have many different causes.

Bleeding and periods — what can I expect after birth?

In the first few days after birth, it’s normal to have some period-like bleeding as your uterus contracts back to the size it was before pregnancy. Bleeding immediately after birth can be fairly heavy. It can also be bright red for the first couple of days, but gradually becomes a brownish colour before it stops after about 2 months. Bleeding might be heavier in the morning when you get up, after breastfeeding or after exercise.

Uncontrolled heavy bleeding after birth, called a postpartum haemorrhage, can be a serious concern.

If you’ve given birth more than 24 hours ago, contact your doctor or midwife immediately if you notice:

• blood that soaks more than one pad every 1 to 2 hours
• a sudden increase in blood or large clots
• blood which suddenly turns bright red in colour
• dizziness, weakness or trouble breathing
• anything else that seems unusual about your post-birth bleeding

When will my period return?

After birth, your periods will return at your body’s own pace. If you bottle feed your baby, you’ll tend to resume regular ovulation and your period sooner than if you exclusively breastfeed. If you choose to breastfeed exclusively, your first period may not return for several months — sometimes, it might not even return for 1 to 2 years if you keep breastfeeding. If you choose to bottle feeding or partially breastfeed your baby, your periods may return as soon as 3 weeks after childbirth.

Does breastfeeding affect my periods?

Not having your period while you’re breastfeeding is known as lactational amenorrhea. How long it lasts depends on how often you breastfeed and when you introduce other food into your baby’s diet.

It’s hard to predict when your period will return after you give birth — and how you feed your baby is only one factor that influences this. However, once your body begins releasing eggs again, you can get pregnant even before you actually have your first period after giving birth. There are several safe contraception options you can consider while breastfeeding, but speak to your doctor for advice before resuming sexual activity.

Will a period affect the taste of my breastmilk?

Ovulation and menstruation mean hormonal changes are occurring in your body. These may affect both your breastmilk’s taste and supply. If you notice that your baby fusses at your breast when you have your period, it might just be a sign that it tastes different.

When is it OK to use tampons again after pregnancy?

It’s best not to use tampons until after you attend the medical check that occurs 6 weeks after you give birth. If your normal periods return before this, use a sanitary pad until your doctor gives you advice.

Three Months Without A Period May Not Be Normal

Amenorrhea can be natural part of woman’s life, but should never be ignored

DAYTON, Ohio (October 12, 2018) –
A monthly menstrual cycle can be an unpleasant part of female life, but its regular visit plays an important role in a woman’s overall health.

There are times when a normal menstrual cycle may cease to happen in a woman’s life. In some cases – such as pregnancy or the onset of perimenopause – it can be a natural part of life stages. Or there may be times in a woman’s
life where her periods are deliberately stopped using medications under a physician’s supervision. While this is acceptable and healthy, it is not normal for a period to stop on its own without a reasonable explanation. It can signal something
more serious when a woman fails to have a period over a three month period.

The condition, known as amenorrhea, can happen in two different phases. Primary amenorrhea refers to an adolescent who doesn’t begin menstruating during puberty. This type of amenorrhea is rare in the United States.

Secondary amenorrhea, on the other hand, affects about 4 percent of women during their lifetime. This type of amenorrhea is when a woman’s period starts, but then stops. In most cases, this type of amenorrhea comes through natural changes in a woman’s
body such as pregnancy or lactation. However, there are cases when it signals something more is going on inside her body.

“The impact amenorrhea has on a woman’s health is dependent on the root cause of it,” said Jennifer Schneidler, MD, an OB/Gyn physician with Magnolia Women’s Health. “Amenorrhea is not a disease itself but rather a sign of
a health problem, and can happen for many reasons.”

Because amenorrhea is associated with health conditions that are also linked to infertility, leading health organizations have made it an important part of their ongoing research, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It’s link to
infertility is also a reason women shouldn’t take amenorrhea lightly and should understand when it’s important to consult with their physician, said Dr. Schneidler, who practices with Premier Physician Network.

The NIH details out the different causes for both primary and secondary amenorrhea reinforcing the importance of diagnosing it early.

Genetic abnormalities – Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities can cause the ovaries to stop functioning. Various abnormalities – including those characterized by high levels of testosterone – can delay or disrupt a girl’s
menstruation.

Hormonal dysfunction – Problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland in the brain can cause an imbalance in hormones that prevent a period from starting. Likewise, conditions such as eating disorders, excessive exercise and
extreme physical or psychological stress can disrupt hormone function.

Reproductive problems – Amenorrhea can happen when a woman’s reproductive organs are not functioning properly due to a blockage in their passageways.

Birth control – Certain birth control pills, injectable contraceptives and hormonal intrauterine devices can cause amenorrhea. It can often take several months after ceasing birth control for a woman to regain regular periods.

Certain medication – Some medicines that treat conditions such as depression and high blood pressure can increase levels of hormones that prevent ovulation and a menstrual cycle.

Scar tissue – Scar tissue can often build up in a woman’s uterus following procedures such as a dilation and curettage may prohibit regular menstrual cycles.

Dr. Schneidler said girls who are 15 years of age and have had no signs of puberty, or 17-year-olds who have signs of puberty but no period, should consult with their physician. Women who have started their period, but then do not experience one for at
least three months, should also be evaluated.

Menorrhagia | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Many women have this type of abnormal uterine bleeding. It can be related to a number of conditions including problems with the uterus, hormone problems, or other conditions. While heavy bleeding can make it tough to take part in normal daily life at times, there are treatments to help.

What causes menorrhagia?

During your menstrual cycle, if an egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining breaks down, and bleeds. The egg and the uterine lining are then shed during your period.

Hormone problems or conditions that affect the uterus can result in heavy bleeding. Other diseases or bleeding disorders can also cause it.

Hormone problems include:

• Imbalance of estrogen and progesterone or other hormones

Problems with the uterus include:

• Fibroids (non cancerous)
• Cancer
• Pregnancy problems (such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy)
• Use of an intrauterine device (IUD)

Other conditions such as thyroid, kidney or liver disease, cancer or bleeding disorders can also cause heavy bleeding.

What are the symptoms of menorrhagia?

If you have to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours because it is soaked, or bleed longer than 7 days, see your doctor. Spotting or bleeding between periods is also a sign of a problem.

The symptoms of menorrhagia may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is menorrhagia diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history and about your periods. You will also have a physical exam including a pelvic exam. You may be asked to keep track of your periods and how many pads or tampons you use for a few months if you haven’t already done so.

• Blood tests. These check for anemia and test how fast your blood clots.
• Pap test. For this test, cells are collected from the cervix and examined. It’s used to check for cancerous changes, infection, or inflammation.
• Ultrasound. Using sound waves and a computer, your healthcare provider can check for fibroids or other problems inside the uterus.
• Biopsy. Examining a tissue sample from the uterine lining can help your healthcare provider find cancer or other abnormal tissue.

Other tests include:

• Hysteroscopy. Using a viewing instrument inserted through the vagina, your healthcare provider can see the cervix and the inside of the uterus.
• Dilation and curettage (D&C).This procedure involves scraping and then examining the uterine cavity.

How is menorrhagia treated?

Your healthcare provider will consider your age and overall health and your personal preferences when finding the best treatment for you.

Treatment for hormone problems may include:

• Prostaglandin inhibitors. These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), including aspirin or ibuprofen. They help reduce cramping and the amount you bleed.
• Birth control pills. These stop ovulation and result in lighter periods.
• Progesterone. This is a type of hormone treatment.

Treatment for problems with the uterine lining (endometrium) may include:

• Ablation. Healthcare providers use this procedure to destroy the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
• Resection. In this procedure, the lining of the uterus is removed.
• Hysterectomy. This is the surgical removal of the whole uterus.
• Iron supplements. If you have anemia as a result of the heavy loss of blood, you may need iron supplements.

When to seek medical care

See your healthcare provider if:

• You have to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours because it is soaked
• Bleed longer than 7 days
• Have spotting or bleeding between periods

Key points

• Menorrhagia is heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. It is a common problem in women.
• It is caused by hormone problems, problems with the uterus, or other health conditions.
• Menorrhagia is diagnosed with a pelvic exam, ultrasound, pap test, and sometimes a biopsy.
• Treatment includes hormones, or other medicine, or procedures to treat the uterine lining or remove the uterus.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

My Period Stops, Then Starts Again, Then Stops – What’s Going On?

3. Liver qi stagnation 

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners often view periods that on and off period as an indication of stagnation of energy flow (qi) in the body. This can be a physical stagnation of energy (i.e. stagnation of the blood moving out of the uterus), emotional stagnation (i.e. holding on to frustration, anger or sadness), or both. 

Visiting a reputable acupuncturist or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner can help to remove the stagnation in this area. If you are based in Sydney, Australia, I highly recommend my friend and colleague Isabella who practices both Maya abdominal massage and fertility acupuncture. 

4. Emotional stagnation

While it may seem woo-woo to some, we all know how powerful our brain is on influencing our health (think of the placebo effect or how worrying can cause your stomach to hurt). Many women have an emotional connection with their menstrual cycles. When we are feeling stuck, not in the flow or stagnating in areas of our life, this can show up in a physical form in our bleeding patterns. 

Experience painful periods or a heavy flow? It’s likely that your body is feeling tense as you ride the waves of cramps. Holding on or tensing your body can also restrict the flow of blood out of your uterus. If you can relate to this scenario, or the feeling of being ‘stuck’ emotionally, it can be helpful to focus on deep breathing, relaxing your pelvis and ‘letting go’ during your period. 

I have found menstrual meditations to be of tremendous help during particularly painful periods or when I feel I have something emotional that I need to clear during my bleed. There are several menstrual meditations on my favourite free ap Insight Timer, or try searching YouTube for free guided meditations designed for your menstrual cycle. 

Another technique I have found incredibly helpful for myself and my clients is taking a slow walk on the first day or two of your cycle while focusing on deep belly breaths and repeating the phrase “I release all that no longer serves me” in your head. It can help to visualise the blood moving out of your body and carrying with it any emotions or experiences from the previous month that you would like to let go of. 

5. Hormonal imbalances 

In a normal menstrual cycle, the first day of your bleed correlates with a sharp decline in all of your sex hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone). These hormone levels remain low for the first few days of your bleed. 

Around days 4 or 5 of your cycle, your body begins to increase levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This stimulates several eggs to begin maturing in your ovaries in preparation for ovulation in the middle of your cycle where one dominant egg will be released.

As these eggs begin developing, your body begins to produce increasing amounts of estrogen which triggers your period to stop, and your uterus to begin building up another healthy lining in preparation for potential embryo implantation. 

In some women, estrogen levels are too high in this first phase of the cycle. This can cause bleeding to stop too early in the cycle when there is still menstrual blood to be shed resulting in some females who may have bled for an hour then stopped with a period that starts and stops the same day. Excess estrogen commonly presents as increased period cramps, heavy, clotted periods and PMS symptoms before your bleed. 

Wondering if you have a hormonal imbalance that is contributing to your stop-start-stop period? Take my free 3-minute hormone balance quiz to find out if your symptoms indicate a hormone imbalance, plus get access to my free personalised guide to healing your individual imbalance naturally.

Your First Period After Giving Birth

One of the perks of pregnancy is nine-or-so months of skipping your monthly flow, but after the baby is born, it’s only a matter of time before you’re back in pads or period underwear.  

If you’re breastfeeding your baby, you might experience many menses-free months, especially if you are nursing exclusively. If not, Aunt Flo could pop back sooner rather than later. 

So when will your period return, and how heavy will it be? Here’s what you should know about your first postpartum period.

When should you expect your first period after giving birth?

While it’s impossible to pin down the timing with any certainty, your first postpartum period may hinge on your breastfeeding regimen. The reason? It’s a hormonal thing. 

Women who breastfeed exclusively and frequently do not, in most cases, ovulate. And if you’re not ovulating, you’re probably not having a period. (You can still get pregnant while you’re breastfeeding and before the return of your period, though. More on that below.)

Generally speaking, here’s when you can expect your period to resume:

• If you’re not breastfeeding, your period could return as soon as four weeks after giving birth, although that’s not typical. Six to 12 weeks is about average. Most new moms are back on track by week 24 postpartum.
• If you’re breastfeeding exclusively, you’ll likely have a longer break from your monthly cycle than other new moms. Look for your cycle to restart in three to six months. That said, there’s a lot of variability. It’s completely normal for women who breastfeed exclusively to have their first postpartum period six weeks after delivery or a year or more later — even 18 months after giving birth. 
• If you’re breastfeeding some of the time, you might see your period return sooner. Women who combine bottle-feeding and breastfeeding often see their periods return six to 12 weeks after giving birth.

Will your first postpartum period be heavy?

In short, there’s no typical pattern for the first period after having a baby. Some women may have heavy, painful periods. Others may enjoy light, easy periods. Many women are surprised to find that their first period after baby has more blood clots in it. You can use tampons once it’s been four to six weeks since you gave birth and with your doctor’s okay.

Your postpartum flow may depend on your choice of birth control. If you’re not breastfeeding and decide to go back on the pill after giving birth, you may have a lighter period. 

Can you get pregnant before you get your first postpartum period?

Even before your period resumes, you can get pregnant again — and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. That’s because ovulation precedes menstruation in the monthly cycle.

So unless you’re planning on back-to-back babies (and doctors advise against that because of the possible risks), you’ll want to use birth control as soon as you start having sex again — which likely won’t be for at least four to six weeks postpartum if you had a vaginal delivery.

All types of contraceptives are safe to use while you’re breastfeeding. But keep in mind that your contraceptive needs may have changed.  

For example, if you used a diaphragm or cervical cap pre-pregnancy, you’ll need to have it refitted by your gynecologist, as your cervix may no longer be the same size. It can take six weeks after the birth of a child for your cervix to return to normal.

Because estrogen can reduce a woman’s milk supply, birth control methods containing the hormone aren’t recommended until breastfeeding is well-established, around six weeks after giving birth. Instead, your practitioner may prescribe what’s known as the “mini pill,” which is considered safe during breastfeeding.

It’s also best to wait at least three weeks before starting a birth control method that combines estrogen and progestin, like the pill or the patch. The reason? Women are already at greater risk of developing blood clots in the postpartum period. These combined hormonal methods can up the risk.

Postpartum period vs. lochia: What’s the difference?

Don’t confuse the heavy bleeding after giving birth with your period. Your body is still shedding the blood, tissue and mucus that lined your uterus while you were pregnant. It’s called lochia, and it’s not the same as your period. 

Lochia starts out bright red and often contains many blood clots. The flow will be heavy for three to 10 days after delivery. As it tapers off, the color morphs from red to pink to brown and then a yellowish-white hue. 

Light bleeding can continue for a month or longer, so keep a supply of sanitary pads handy. By the way, moms who have C-section deliveries may have less lochia than women who deliver vaginally.

Contact your doctor immediately or call 911 if you experience any of these signs of postpartum hemorrhage, a dangerous type of bleeding that can occur up to 12 weeks after giving birth:

• Heavy bleeding that doesn’t slow or stop, like soaking more than one pad an hour for several hours in a row 
• Blurry vision
• Chills
• Clammy skin 
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness, faintness or confusion
• Nausea

Is it normal to have irregular periods after giving birth? 

There are no guarantees when it comes to your period after pregnancy. You could start having periods like clockwork — two to seven days of bleeding every 28 days, on average. 

Or they could be irregular, meaning the length or duration of your cycle is longer or shorter than usual. You might even miss a period. Again, your breastfeeding status can play a role. If you get your period back but you’re still lactating, for example, you can have irregular periods.

Over time, it’s a good bet that your period will return to what used to be normal for you. But if your period goes missing for months, or if you have questions or concerns about your post-pregnancy body, it’s best to check in with your practitioner.90,000 Normal cycle – What is your period?

If you are one of them, this will soon pass. In any case, the concept of “normal” periods is very broad and includes their onset, duration and symptoms.

On average, women start menstruating between the ages of 11 and 14. A normal cycle lasts 28 days, but it can last from 21 to 35 days. And even longer during puberty! And it will be established only with time. After puberty, most women have a regular menstrual cycle with approximately equal intervals between periods and the same duration of the menstrual period.Menstrual bleeding lasts only 2 to 7 days, with an average duration of 5 days.

The most severe bleeding occurs during the first 2 days. Usually 2-3 tablespoons of blood (30-40 ml) are lost during menstruation. But remember that it always seems like there is more blood. Some women bleed more profusely and have to change their pads more often or use pads with a higher absorbency level.

At the peak of menstruation, the blood is red, and on days when the bleeding is less profuse, the blood can be pink, brown or black – this is absolutely normal.Hormonal changes before menstruation can also cause emotional shifts and physical discomfort: diarrhea, back pain, flatulence, nausea, breast enlargement. Some women feel sad before their period and become whiny or irritable. There are signs of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Little joy, but all within normal limits

Over-the-counter pain relievers or light exercise can help ease pain and discomfort. You can also place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your stomach.It helps a lot to get cozy under the duvet. If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain reliever. Symptoms such as flatulence, mood swings, and irritability tend to get better after your period starts and disappear completely soon after your period ends.

90,000 WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR BODY? – clinic “Dobrobut”

On which days are you most likely to get pregnant and on which days should you be prepared for unexpected changes in mood and well-being? The answers to all these questions will provide insight into what is happening in your body during each menstrual cycle.

From menstruation to menstruation

The menstrual cycle is a series of cyclical changes that occur in the body of a woman of fertile age, determining the readiness for a possible pregnancy. About once a month, the inner walls of the uterus are covered with a soft, porous tissue (endometrium), which has the ability to retain a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur and pregnancy does not occur, the outer layers of the endometrium are rejected and released outward, causing bleeding – this is menstruation.This cycle repeats over and over again. Monthly menstrual bleeding (also called menstruation or menstrual period) becomes the norm for every healthy woman from early adolescence (from puberty) to about 50 years, when the childbearing period ends and menopause occurs.

The menstrual cycle is calculated from the first day of menstrual bleeding (1st day) to the first day of the next menstrual bleeding. Although the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, it is perfectly normal for your cycle to be shorter or longer.For some women, the menstrual cycle is erratic and changes in duration each time. This is not always a deviation from the norm and should not be a cause for concern (if at the same time you feel quite healthy), but you should consult with your gynecologist on this issue.

Dependence of the duration of the menstrual cycle on the woman’s age:

• Menstrual cycles in adolescents can be much longer (up to 45 days) – within a few years, their duration will be reduced.
• Between the ages of 25 and 35, most healthy women have regular menstrual cycles, mostly lasting 21 to 35 days.
• Around the age of 40 to 42, a woman tends to have the shortest and most frequent menstrual cycles.
• In the next 8 – 10 years, at about the age of 42 to 50 years, a woman’s menstrual cycles become much longer, less regular – until the cessation of menstruation and the onset of menopause.
• Three phases of the menstrual cycle

The phases of the menstrual cycle are determined by the level of special hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, luteinizing hormone and progesterone. The main and defining changes in a woman’s body during the menstrual cycle concern the ovaries and endometrium. According to the functioning of the ovaries, for each menstrual cycle, the follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases are distinguished, and according to the endometrium, the menstrual, proliferative and secretory phases. And now about all these complex terms – clear and simple.

Menstrual period

On the first day of the menstrual cycle (with the onset of menstruation), the outer functional layers of the endometrium – soft porous tissue that covers the inner walls of the uterus – are separated and rejected, which is accompanied by bleeding. Typically, in a healthy woman, menstruation can last from 5 to 7 days. No matter how abundant bloody discharge may seem to you these days, in fact, a woman loses no more than 25-30 cubic meters of blood during menstruation.see. To it is also attached the secret of the glands of the mucous membrane of the uterus – thanks to this secret and the enzymes that it contains, menstrual blood does not clot. You need to be aware of this, since blood clots in menstrual flow may indicate uterine bleeding or other pathologies, so in this case, you should definitely consult a gynecologist.

The most abundant spotting is possible in the first three days of menstruation. On these days, you may feel painful cramps in the lower abdomen, as well as pain in the pelvic joints, legs, and back.Even mild to severe seizures are possible. Lower abdominal pain is caused by spasms of the walls of the uterus, which contribute to endometrial rejection. Any manifestations of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which somewhat complicated your life in the last days before the onset of menstruation, will disappear already in the first days of the menstrual cycle.

Follicular phase

The follicular phase can last from 7 to 22 days, but the average fertile age in a healthy woman is 14 days. At this time, the final maturation of the dominant follicle occurs in the ovary, in which the egg cell is formed.As a rule, with each menstrual cycle, a woman forms and releases one mature egg (but there are exceptions – proof of this is a multiple double pregnancy). At the same time, a layer of new endometrium (proliferative phase) grows inside the uterus – the woman’s body prepares for a possible pregnancy.

The last five days of the follicular phase plus the day of ovulation is the period of fertilization. That is, if these days you have unprotected intercourse, you will most likely become pregnant.This is necessary to know both for those women who want to have a child, and for those for whom pregnancy is bored.

Ovulatory phase

Throughout the follicular phase, a dominant follicle called the Graaf follicle is identified and continues to grow. When it reaches maturity, the ovulatory phase begins, which lasts about three days. During this short phase of the menstrual cycle, for 36-48 hours, several waves of luteinizing hormone release occur in a woman’s body – due to its sharp increase in plasma, the development of the Graaf follicle is completed, its walls break and release a mature egg (actually ovulation).

During ovulation, some women experience mild bleeding, pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen – these signs of ovulation are usually normal, but you still need to tell your gynecologist about them.

Luteal (premenstrual) phase

This phase begins on the day of ovulation – the day when a mature egg is released from the dominant follicle. This can happen anytime between the 7th and 22nd days of a healthy woman’s normal menstrual cycle.The luteal phase lasts until the next menstrual bleeding begins, usually 13-16 days. If the egg is fertilized, the uterus prepares for its implantation in the endometrial tissue and pregnancy begins. The term of such a pregnancy is calculated from the 1st day of this menstrual cycle (not from the day of ovulation or probable fertilization – so many expectant mothers mistakenly believe).

According to the complex processes inside your body, the so-called yellow body corresponds the other day – the Graaf follicle, from which the egg came out, has been changed.Luteal pigment accumulates in its cells, due to which it acquires a yellow color. The corpus luteum secretes hormones: progesterone, estradiol and androgens. It is for the high level of progesterone and estrogen that changes occur in the outer layers of the endometrium, which begins to secrete and prepare for implantation of a fertilized egg (secretory phase). With the onset of pregnancy, the corpus luteum will continue to produce progesterone until the placenta develops in the uterus – in the future, it will independently produce a sufficient amount of estrogen and progesterone.

If the egg is not fertilized and pregnancy does not occur, the level of progesterone and estrogen gradually decreases, the outer layers of the endometrium begin to collapse and after a few days are rejected by the walls of the uterus, causing another menstruation. A new menstrual cycle begins.

Many women experience various unpleasant premenstrual symptoms during all or part of the luteal phase. This phenomenon is called premenstrual syndrome – PMS.You may feel stressed, irritated, or overly emotional and vulnerable. It is also normal to make yourself feel very tired and lose energy. Among the physiological manifestations of premenstrual syndrome, the most common are edema, tenderness and pain in the chest, and the appearance of acne on the skin. The day (or more) before your next period starts, you may have cramps in your abdomen, back, or legs. Some women experience PMS with headache, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, dizziness, and even fainting.

If premenstrual symptoms complicate your usual life, consult your gynecologist about the possibilities of controlling the manifestations of PMS.

The author of the article is an obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor: Kondrashova Irina Viktorovna

When do my periods recover after an abortion?

Abortion is an intervention that brings significant changes to a woman’s body. In particular, her intimate health is under severe stress.And for the female reproductive system to fully recover, it will take some time. Accordingly, the regular menstrual rhythm after termination of pregnancy will not resume immediately. However, not every woman understands this, and the absence of menstruation can cause really serious experiences.

In this article, we will figure out when menstruation should appear after an abortion and how the type of termination of pregnancy itself affects this.

Bloody discharge after cleaning the uterus

If a woman underwent a surgical abortion, almost in the very first days of the rehabilitation period, she may experience spotting.In their type, they will in many ways resemble menstruation, but in fact they are not menstrual. So, when a pregnancy is interrupted by instrumental methods, in absolutely all cases, damage to the uterine mucosa occurs, which leads to tissue bleeding.

Bloody discharge is a standard and predictable response of the body to such surgical interventions. The discharge usually lasts about seven to ten days. Their number can vary from insignificant smearing, dark brown discharge to intense with clots.If they stand out too actively, and four large pads are filled in 2 hours, immediately contact a doctor who, after examination, will prescribe the optimal treatment.

In order for the discharge to meet the established standards, it is recommended to protect yourself from too strong physical exertion. Also, doctors advise not to start sex too early after an abortion.

When should your period return?

Termination of pregnancy brings a kind of delay in the menstrual cycle.This is absolutely normal and you shouldn’t worry at all for this reason. There are several main reasons that directly affect the resumption of the menstrual cycle:

• type of abortion performed,
• terms of interrupted pregnancy,
• age characteristics of the patient’s body,
• general condition of the body,
• medications prescribed by the doctor to the patient and their effects on hormones,
• the level of professionalism of the doctors who performed the surgical procedure.

On average, menstruation after an abortion comes in 28-45 days. At the same time, gynecologists note that the first menstruation can be accompanied by a rather scanty discharge, which is also absolutely normal. This happens for the reason that at first after the termination of pregnancy, the appendages of the uterus work quite poorly, and the endometrium in the uterus could not fully grow, not recovering in the best way after surgery.

Dependence of the period of onset of menstruation on the type of abortion that was performed

With different types of abortion, menstruation appears in its own way sooner or later:

• Medical abortion.This is the main method for terminating pregnancies no longer than six weeks. Considered to be quite gentle. The gynecologist who performed this type of abortion will be able to predict exactly when menstruation will appear in each case. So, delays in this case will be extremely rare phenomena, and if they do happen, this is a non-standard reaction of the body to the drug used.
• Vacuum abortion. Suitable for termination of pregnancy up to nine weeks. It takes more time for the body to recover after such an abortion.If the operation was performed in compliance with all norms, menstruation resumes after a month. If a woman has not given birth before, the maximum recovery period may be limited to 6 months. For women who have given birth, this interval is reduced to four months.
• Surgical abortion. It is carried out at a later stage of pregnancy. So, the longer the term of the terminated pregnancy was, the more abundant and longer the discharge will become during the rehabilitation period. Accordingly, the ovaries will also need a lot of time to fully recover.The normalization of the menstrual cycle occurs mainly within two months.

Can there be abnormalities in menstruation after an abortion?

The first menstrual period after abortion may have some deviations. In particular, the first discharge often has a rather unpleasant odor. In some cases, their consistency also changes: if a woman has always had liquid discharge, it can become thicker and vice versa. Some atypical lower abdominal pain may occur during the first post-abortion period.

The non-standard onset of menstruation should be a reason for seeking advice from the attending gynecologist, because if the problem turns out to be serious, this can often lead to further infertility and various problems of an intimate nature

Why are your periods delayed?

Even after a properly performed abortion, the menstrual cycle can be delayed and start relatively at the wrong time. In particular, it can be caused by the slow rate of healing of the lining of the uterus.In order for its recovery to occur as quickly as possible, it is recommended that all the prescriptions of your attending gynecologist be followed exactly.

If you have problems with the restoration of the menstrual cycle after an abortion, this is a reason to seek qualified help from a doctor. Remember that the body is in a stressful state and only an experienced and highly qualified doctor can rehabilitate it.

90,000 How to determine the duration of pregnancy | Center for Fetal Medicine at Chistye Prudy

1. Methods for determining the duration of pregnancy
2. Fetal term
3. Obstetric term
4. By date of last menstruation
5. By date of ovulation or date of conception
6. By the size of the uterus
7. By ultrasound
8. By the level of hCG in the blood
9. On the first fetal movement

Here the pregnancy test showed the cherished two strips, the expectant mother is in a hurry to register with the antenatal clinic. The first thing that the obstetrician-gynecologist determines when registering is the gestational age. This indicator is extremely important in order to understand whether the pregnancy is proceeding correctly and the baby is developing, when it is necessary to take tests and undergo additional examinations, when to go on maternity leave and wait for the baby to be born.

The exact period of pregnancy is also very important to know for screening tests for the presence of genetic abnormalities in the fetus (ultrasound and blood tests), since these examinations are carried out strictly at certain periods of pregnancy.

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Methods for determining the duration of pregnancy

Turning to an obstetrician-gynecologist, many expectant mothers begin to worry about the difference in the timing of pregnancy – what the doctor calculated and what the woman herself presumed. In order not to worry in vain, you need to know that there are 2 stages of pregnancy – obstetric and embryonic.

Fetal term

This is the true gestational age from conception, it usually lags behind the obstetric term by about 2 weeks.

Obstetric term

Doctors determine it from the first day of the last menstruation before pregnancy. It should be remembered that all doctors use only the obstetric term, all test results, fetal size, the timing of examinations, maternity leave and the term of delivery are calculated taking into account only the obstetric term of pregnancy.

There are several ways to determine the gestational age.

Determining the duration of pregnancy by the date of the last menstruation

This is the most common way to calculate the due date.However, it can only be used if a woman’s periods come regularly at the same interval.

It is not always possible to accurately calculate the duration of pregnancy, guided only by the date of the last menstruation. This happens when a woman has irregular periods or those patients who have a regular but long menstrual cycle. For example, if a woman has a normal cycle duration of 35 days (and not 26 – 28, as in most women), then most likely she will be able to conceive only on about the 21st day of the cycle (and not on the 14th, as on a 28-day cycle).Accordingly, the period calculated for menstruation will be one week longer than the “real” obstetric gestational age.

By date of ovulation or date of conception

If the date of conception is known, two weeks must be added to this date – we get the obstetric gestational age. However, it must be remembered that even if a woman knows for sure the date of ovulation or the date of sexual intercourse after which pregnancy has occurred, this does not mean that she absolutely knows the date of conception.

A sperm that has entered the female body is capable of fertilization within 4-5 days, sometimes even within a week, and a mature egg retains the ability to conceive for 2 days after ovulation.Therefore, even knowing the exact date of sexual intercourse or ovulation, it is impossible to say with certainty that fertilization took place on that day. It could have happened later. Therefore, the term calculated by ovulation or the date of conception cannot be considered entirely accurate.

Doctors calculate the gestational age somewhat differently in cases where the pregnancy has occurred as a result of IVF. In this case, the fertilization of an egg with a sperm is performed “in a test tube” by an embryologist. Embryos develop in the laboratory for 3-5 days, after which they are transferred to the uterus.

The actual gestational age after IVF is calculated by doctors from the date of ovarian puncture, that is, the stage of the procedure when the follicular fluid and the follicles contained in it are taken with a special needle for subsequent fertilization “in a test tube”, and to determine the “usual” obstetric period, add 2 weeks at the date of ovarian puncture.

If the transfer of the embryo into the uterus was preceded by its cryopreservation (that is, freezing in liquid nitrogen), to determine the exact duration of pregnancy, doctors add 5 days to the transfer date (this is the number of days of embryo development before freezing), and to determine the obstetric period, add 2 weeks.

By the size of the uterus

Examining a woman in a gynecological chair, an obstetrician-gynecologist with both hands determines the size of the uterus. At the same time, you can also determine the approximate duration of pregnancy.

This method of determination will be most accurate in the early stages of pregnancy, up to about 12 weeks. The earliest term that can be determined by the size of the uterus is 5 weeks of pregnancy. By this time, the uterus enlarges slightly, softens and becomes rounded.At a later date, the size of the uterus may vary slightly depending on the size of the fetus, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the structure of the woman’s pelvis. For example, it is believed that at 16 weeks, the bottom of the uterus is located in the middle of the distance between the pubis and the navel, at 24 weeks of pregnancy, the bottom of the uterus is at the level of the navel.

By ultrasound

In early pregnancy, by measuring the size of the ovum and embryo, the gestational age can be determined with great accuracy.

At 4-5 weeks in the uterus during an ultrasound examination, a small “black circle” is determined – this is a fetal egg, in which an embryo will appear a little later.At about 6-7 weeks, an embryo appears in the form of a small “strip” and you can see its heartbeat. More accurate is the period calculated by measuring the CTE of the embryo (CTE is the coccygeal-parietal size, that is, the maximum distance from the head end of the fetus to its coccyx), and not by the diameter of the ovum.

After 12 weeks, the gestational age with an ultrasound examination is determined according to the so-called fetometry, that is, measurements of various sizes of the head and abdomen of the fetus, the length of the arms, legs, the size of the heart, etc., are used to calculate the period.d.

Up to 9-10 weeks of pregnancy, the embryo grows proportionally, and its size in all women with the same gestational age will be approximately identical. In the future, the size of the fetus will differ in expectant mothers of different nationalities, with different body weights, the weight of the mother and father at birth will matter, and so on. That is, in the later stages of pregnancy, normally developing babies of the same period may have different sizes (fluctuations can be about 2 weeks, sometimes more), and in such a situation, the gestational age cannot be reliably determined according to ultrasound data.In the later stages, the determination of the gestational age by ultrasound is only clarifying. In addition, the lag in the size of the fetus during ultrasound at long periods of pregnancy is most often regarded by doctors as a developmental disorder due to the fact that the placenta does not carry out oxygen and nutrients well enough.

All types of ultrasound during pregnancy, including ultrasound in early pregnancy, are performed at the expert level at the Center for Fetal Medicine in Moscow.

Our center is organized in such a way that the entire range of services is concentrated in one place, where a woman receives the results of various types of research, including ultrasound, biochemical, and a specialist’s consultation within 1-1. 5 hours.

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By the level of hCG in the blood

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. It begins to be produced with the onset of pregnancy, gradually its amount increases, until about 11 weeks of gestation, and then begins to decrease slightly.

Determination of the concentration of hCG in the blood in the early stages of pregnancy helps to accurately determine the period. Having received the results of a blood test for hCG, it is worth noting that in the laboratory tables of the hormone level correspondence to the gestational age, the embryonic period is often indicated, that is, to determine the usual obstetric gestational age, 2 weeks should be added to the result obtained.

Recently, tests have appeared to determine the duration of pregnancy by urine. They also determine the concentration of the hCG hormone in the urine of a pregnant woman and, in addition to confirming the very fact of pregnancy, they show what period the hormone content corresponds to. The only thing to remember is that urine tests also show the fetal stage of pregnancy.

All types of tests for pregnant women are performed at the Fetal Medicine Center.

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Determination of gestational age by the first fetal movement

This method of determining the term has recently been used less and less.It is based on the fact that primiparous women begin to feel the first movements of the baby at 20 weeks gestation, multiparous a little earlier – at 18 weeks. That is why obstetricians-gynecologists recommend that a woman remember the date of the first fetal movement and enter this data into an exchange card.

However, this method of determining the gestational age is often erroneous.

A mother who is expecting her first child, indeed, most often begins to feel fetal movements a little later than a multiparous woman.This is due to the fact that “experienced” mothers know how at first the movements of the baby are felt and what they should feel. Some first-pregnant women perceive the first movements of the fetus as an increase in intestinal motility, “gaziki”.

Many women describe the first fetal movements as a feeling of fluid overflow in the abdomen, “fluttering of butterflies” or “swimming of a fish”. The first movements are usually rare, irregular. The time of the first sensations of fetal movements naturally depends on the individual sensitivity of the woman.Some expectant mothers feel the first movements as early as 15-16 weeks, and some only after 20. Slender women, as a rule, begin to feel movements earlier than full ones. Women who lead an active lifestyle, who work a lot, usually feel the fetal movement later.

Having determined the gestational age, the doctor can calculate the approximate date of birth. On average, pregnancy lasts 280 days or 40 weeks (remember that this is obstetric).

Menstrual cycle in adolescents – ProMedicine Ufa

Puberty in girls, as a rule, begins at the age of 8-9 years. Changes in the body begin, caused by an increase in the level of sex hormones – the growth rate, pelvic bones, the amount of adipose tissue increase, secondary sexual characteristics appear. So, first, the growth of the mammary glands begins, then pubic hair appears in the armpit area. At about 12 years of age, menstruation starts.

Violation of the menstrual cycle in adolescents is one of the most common gynecological pathologies. The severity of this problem is sometimes underestimated, but it can further affect a woman’s health.

The duration of the menstrual cycle is calculated from the beginning of the onset of menstruation to the beginning of the next. Its average duration is 28 days. A cycle that is shorter or longer by a week is also considered normal. Bleeding in girls lasts from 3 to 5 days, the volume of blood loss is from 35 to 80 ml.

Often in the first two years, adolescent girls have irregular periods. It happens that the cycle is anovulatory, that is, the egg does not come out and ovulation does not occur.

The regularity and intensity of your periods depend on many factors.This, heredity, also, for example, ecology, psychological environment around, stress, physical activity, poor nutrition, various gynecological problems.

Girls and their mothers should be alarmed if:

• By the age of 13, the mammary gland did not begin to develop, and by the age of 15, menstruation did not appear;
• menstruation has stopped, and they have been gone for 3 months;
• after establishing a regular cycle, it again became unpredictable;
• menstrual cycle less than 21 days or more than 40;
• bleeding lasts from 7 days;
• very intense bleeding;
• between periods there is spotting;
• menstruation accompanied by pain;
• the temperature suddenly rises, and painful sensations occur when using tampons.

If you observe the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

Often menstrual irregularities are caused by an increase in the synthesis of the hormone prolactin produced by the pituitary gland. Because of this, the production of other hormones that regulate menstruation is disrupted, which can lead to further infertility, polycystic ovary disease and other disorders. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the symptoms associated with menstrual irregularities in time, consult a specialist and begin treatment.

As a rule, painful sensations in the lower abdomen during menstruation are common and easily tolerated by girls. But sometimes menstruation is accompanied by sharp unbearable pains that aggravate nervous disorders. Such a pathology, when menstruation is very painful, is called dysmenorrhea . It can occur at a time when the girl has just had her period, as well as, secondarily, due to a certain disease. The first case is common in adolescents. Most often, pain occurs before the onset of bleeding and during the first hours or days.

Why does dysmenorrhea occur?

This can only be established by a specialist gynecologist. In most cases, the cause is increased excitability, neuropsychic instability at the beginning of menstruation. Also, pain can be caused by anatomical changes in the genitals. For example, with the small size of the uterus during menstruation, it can squeeze the nerve endings, causing discomfort. Sometimes the cause of pain can be mechanical obstacles to the free outflow of blood, which happens in adolescence with underdevelopment of the uterus.

Treatment of girls with primary dysmenorrhea is not an easy task, since its cause is not so easy to find, and if it is known, it is not always possible to eliminate it. Often, pain is caused by a number of factors, among which almost always – psychogenic. Therefore, when prescribing any treatment, the neuropsychic state of the patient should be taken into account, without the normalization of which local treatment is useless.

Patients suffering from genital hyperplasia and constitutional anomalies are difficult to treat.It is important here to eat well, to normalize living conditions, and to use fortifying drugs. Also, primary dysmenorrhea is treated with hormonal agents. But here you can not do without symptomatic treatment – the use of pain relievers. Very rarely, but with excruciating pain, you have to resort to anesthesia and novocaine blockade.

There is an opinion that painful periods pass after the girl’s marriage, when a regular sex life appears, pregnancy and childbirth occurs.But, it should be borne in mind that marriage, sex life up to 18-20 years old is unacceptable and even in some cases harmful to the female body. In addition, only a doctor can decide what kind of pain during menstruation in a particular case. Therefore, one cannot do without visiting a specialist.

90,000 Pregnancy and menstruation | Kotex

The question “Am I pregnant?”, Probably, arose at least once in the vast majority of heterosexual women who are sexually active.

Despite the fact that the absence of periods is the most noticeable early symptom of pregnancy, many women have many questions when it comes to whether it is possible to have periods during pregnancy.

Can there be periods during pregnancy?

No, they cannot. If you have your period, it means that you are not pregnant.

Menstruation occurs only if the monthly egg leaving the ovaries has not been fertilized.

If the egg has not been fertilized, it leaves the uterus and is excreted along with menstrual blood through the vagina.

The difference from pregnancy seems obvious at first glance, because during pregnancy there are no periods, and if you are not pregnant and are in reproductive age, then you have periods.

But on this score, some women have doubts, which are associated with the fact that about 20-30% of pregnant women have irregular spotting, which in essence is not menstruation and differ from it: most often they have a light pink or brown and not as abundant.Sometimes women confuse them with menstruation if they occur at about the same time as menstruation is expected.

• Normal menstrual bleeding is mild at first and then intensifies, and the blood becomes more intense red
• Normal menstrual bleeding becomes less intense towards the end of menstruation, the color also becomes less intense

What causes bleeding during early pregnancy?

Bloody discharge during pregnancy can be associated with many factors, each of which is a reason to urgently visit a doctor in order to exclude pathology.

The main causes of bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy are:

• bleeding after the egg is attached to the uterine wall
• signs of threatened miscarriage
• infections
• ectopic pregnancy

Many women who experience this light bleeding then have a normal pregnancy and give birth to healthy children, but in about a third of such bleeding becomes more intense over time and eventually leads to miscarriage.

Unfortunately, there is no way at home to determine what caused such bleeding, so whenever such light bleeding occurs during pregnancy, you should contact your gynecologist for advice to rule out the possibility of pathology.

Important : If you are pregnant and have started bleeding, which becomes more intense and does not stop, accompanied by painful sensations in the abdomen and lower back, you should immediately consult a doctor.

When does your period start after pregnancy?

Both after cesarean section and after vaginal delivery, women have vaginal bleeding.

In the first weeks after childbirth, the blood may come with clots and be more intense than normal menstruation, but then they become brown, light red and at the end of a whitish hue.

Such discharge is called lochia and usually lasts no more than 45 days after vaginal delivery and up to 60 days in women after caesarean section.Lochia begins immediately after childbirth, and menstruation occurs only when the level of the hormone prolactin drops in a woman’s body, which causes the appearance of breast milk.

If you are not breastfeeding, your period usually comes back 6-8 weeks after giving birth.

If you are breastfeeding, your period may be absent for the entire period while you are breastfeeding your baby only.

During lochia it is recommended to use pads, not tampons.

Abortion and menstruation

Many questions about menstruation arise in women who have encountered an unplanned pregnancy and have decided to have an abortion.

How this procedure will affect the body depends on many factors, primarily on whether the abortion was medical or surgical. Bleeding after an abortion is normal, but in the literal sense of the word, menstruation is not.

Medical abortion

During a medical abortion, your doctor will give you two tablets.

Usually, the first pill is taken under the supervision of a doctor, in a clinic. After taking this pill, the endometrium of the uterus, to which the fertilized egg is attached, stops thickening, and pregnancy can no longer develop.Some women start bleeding at this point.

After that, the woman leaves the clinic and takes the second pill at home. After taking it, the endometrium begins to separate from the walls of the uterus and exit through the vagina. Such bleeding usually begins within 0.5-4 hours after taking the pill. Usually, for 4-5 hours of bleeding, it becomes more intense, then its intensity decreases, and it becomes similar to regular menstruation.

Surgical abortion

In the case of a surgical abortion, bleeding may start immediately after the procedure, but in some women it starts after 3-5 days. This bleeding is usually lighter than normal menstruation. The bleeding may go away or last until the next period.

How long does the bleeding last after an abortion?

Bleeding after any type of abortion often lasts 1 to 2 weeks. Most often, after this period, it becomes very insignificant, and in some women it completely disappears until the next menstruation.

What should be the bleeding after an abortion?

Post-abortion bleeding is similar to normal menstruation, but the blood itself is often brown rather than red.After a medical abortion, it is usually more intense than after a surgical one.

You may notice blood clots and most often this is not a cause for concern, but if they continue to stand out against the background of intense bleeding and last more than two hours, then you should contact your doctor.

Many doctors advise against using tampons for at least two weeks after an abortion, during this period it is better to use sanitary napkins.

First menstruation after abortion

Abortion restarts the menstrual cycle.

Menstruation after it usually returns to normal within 1-1.5 months after the procedure. The timing depends, among other things, on how long the pregnancy was terminated — as a rule, the longer the period, the more time the body may need to restore the usual level of hormones.

90,000 Sex and menstruation at an early age every

should know this

Adolescence is a difficult period for every girl, not only from the point of view of psychology, but even just physiologically: many changes take place in the body, and one of the most noticeable is, of course, the appearance of menstruation and the development of sexuality.

The appearance of the menstrual cycle in adolescents is often associated with many questions that many are embarrassed to ask parents or a doctor, and due to the fact that the topic itself is often considered indecent, even with friends this topic is often closed.

The first menstruation is a sign that the body has changed and you have now become a sexually mature woman who can give birth to a child if she wants to.

Periods are part of the menstrual cycle, during which a number of hormonal and physiological changes occur in the female body.

During each cycle, the lining of your uterus (endometrium) becomes thicker so that if the egg that leaves the ovary every month is fertilized with a sperm, there is room in the uterus for the embryo to develop there.

Menstruation is a process that occurs in the absence of fertilization, during which the thickened endometrium is separated from the walls of the uterus and excreted through the vagina. After that, the cycle then starts over.

During menstruation, blood is mainly secreted, it can have various shades, from bright red to brown, and sometimes lumps and clots can be found.

The duration of menstruation is usually 3-5 days and is different for different women: the norm applies to any number of days from 2 to 7, as well as the length of the period between menstruation, which usually ranges from 3 to 5 weeks.

The first day of the menstrual cycle is the first day of the period. The last day of the cycle is the day before the next bleeding, and then the next menstrual cycle begins.

Usually the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but the norms differ from girl to girl.It can last 21, 30, and 35 days.

As soon as menstruation ends, the lining of the uterus begins to thicken again to prepare for the release of a new egg from the ovary. It continues to thicken for a couple of days before the next period begins. All this happens if the egg has not been fertilized.

Approximately 12-16 days before the next menstruation, ovulation occurs, that is, the release of an egg ready for fertilization from the ovary. During this period, many women feel pain in the lower abdomen, on the side in which the ovary is located, from which the egg came out.

The ovum passes through the fallopian tube from the ovary to the uterus. If the egg has not been fertilized, then it lives for about 24 hours.

If fertilized, hormonal levels change and menstruation begins and the cycle starts over.

Menses and sex

Don’t think you can’t get pregnant if you haven’t had your period yet. In fact, a woman can get pregnant a short time before the first menstrual period in her life.

You can get pregnant even if you have sex during your period.As soon as your period begins, the body begins to prepare for the next ovulation. The time it takes for your body to prepare an egg depends on the changes in hormone levels that occur during your menstrual cycle. The days when the chances of fertilization of an egg are most likely are called fertile days, and because of the unsettled cycle, they are especially difficult to predict in adolescents. Because adolescents often have an unstable cycle and changes in hormone levels may not be as regular and consistent as in adult women, the timing of ovulation can be unpredictable, and sometimes ovulation can even occur on the 7th day of the menstrual cycle.Remember that sperm cells can remain active inside a woman’s body for up to five days. Thus, it turns out that if ovulation can occur already on the 7th day of the cycle, and pregnancy can occur as a result of any sex within 5 days before ovulation, then it turns out that there is a chance of getting pregnant, even if you had sex on the second day of the cycle.

Safe sex

If you do not want to get pregnant, then the rules for safe sex are the same for first sex, for sex during menstruation, for first sex during menstruation and all other days of the cycle: make sure that your partner is wearing a condom if you are about to have penetrative sex.There are no exceptions to this rule: the only 100% working method of contraception is abstinence. Fortunately, there are now a number of highly effective methods of contraception, the most effective of which are hormonal drugs and barrier contraception (condoms).

Talking about how to stay healthy and have safe sex is very important. And it’s perfectly okay to be nervous before talking to your partner like this, but it’s necessary.

If you are having penetrative vaginal sex with a man (when the penis enters the vagina), then you must use a condom and an additional method of contraception, such as oral contraceptives or hormonal patches.Thus, you will be protected from sexually transmitted diseases and from unplanned pregnancy.

If you have anal sex, you must use a condom and lubricant. If you are having oral sex, then you must use condoms for oral sex. This is sometimes called safer sex rules because it reduces the risk of sexually transmitted disease transmission.

Taking care of not getting an STD is just as important as taking care of not getting pregnant.

Important Some people find kissing and oral sex to be safer than vaginal or anal sex. In fact, herpes and other diseases can be transmitted through kissing.

Condoms are generally considered to provide one hundred percent protection against transmission of STDs.