Period Problems of the Adult Women
Irregular and Delayed Periods
Some lucky women have a precise 28 day cycle, but the usual variation is from 25 to 33 days. The actual length is not an indication that something is wrong, but variation from what is normal for that person can suggest that careful monitoring is required. Hormonal imbalance is assumed to be the cause.
Painful Periods
(Dysmenorrhoea) Pain can be expected before or at the onset of a period, a few suffer pain throughout the period. It can get so bad for some that the suffer period pain for up to 15 days of the cycle. There are two types of period pain. Spasmodic pain is where there is cramping in the lower abdomen which begins at the start of the period and can last up to seven days. Congestive pain is a dull ache before the period and stops at the start of the period.
No Periods
(Amenorrhoea), This is where there is no period, after a regular cycle has been established. Pregnancy, lactation, physical and emotional illness, stress, air travel, night work and diabetes are all causes of no periods. There is usually no pain associated with this condition.
Heavy Periods
(Menorrhagia), The variation between periods and between different women is large. Periods are usually heavy during the first day, but when they continue to be heavy for up to five days they are then defined as heavy periods. The reason - nothing specific but being over forty, fibroids, hormonal imbalance, (especially the ratio between oestrogen and progesterone), IUD contraception, obesity, endometriosis, emotional tension and stress. Anaemia, exhaustion, lack of energy, irritability, and fatigue are the usual symptoms of heavy periods.
Spotting
This is when a small amount of bleeding occurs mid cycle and not at period time. It can be caused by a unsuitable contraceptive pill, sex, cervical erosion, a polyp, psychological stress or cancer.
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