Cosmopolitan Health: How well do you know your period?
Check your dates
If your periods are as unpredictable as the weather, it
could be a sign of something more serious, but before you dash to
the doctors, apply the three-cycle rule. "Occasional irregularities
can be caused by dieting, travel and stress," says Dr Marilyn
Glenville, nutritionist and author of The Natural Health Bible
for Women (dymocks.com.au). "Monitor your cycle and get a
check-up if changes last for three cycles in a row." However, if
you could set your watch by your periods, it's likely you're
ovulating healthily.
Any cycle that goes for between 21 and 42 days is normal if it's
consistent. If they're irregular for longer than three months
you'll need to visit your GP. "Erratic periods could indicate
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or a hormonal imbalance, which can
have a negative effect on fertility," explains gynaecologist Dr
Peter Bowen-Simpkins.
Also, look out for signs of ovulation, such as breast changes, PMS
and changes in cervical mucus, says obstetrician, gynaecologist and
president of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Gino Pecoraro.
"Lack of these signs, long and heavy periods and short, light,
irregular periods could also indicate you're not having ovulatory
cycles where an egg is being released."
Take action "Flaxseeds are full of good hormone-like chemicals
called phytoestrogens, as well as omega-3 and 6 essential fatty
acids, making them a star period regulator," says Dr Glenville.
Go with the flow
Take note if your periods are becoming progressively
heavier, as this could indicate endometriosis or fibroids. "Heavy
bleeding, especially if it's heavy for the whole duration of your
period or you're passing blood clots, is a symptom of endometriosis
and fibroids," says Dr Bowen-Simpkins. "As the Pill often lightens
periods, you may notice that they get heavier if you come off it."
Endometriosis is a common condition affecting as many as 20 per
cent of women, says Dr Pecoraro, and is characterised by painful
periods and pain with sex.
Take action Step one: a check-up with your GP, including a pelvic
exam and pap smear with or without an ultrasound scan, can rule out
many major conditions that might harm your ovaries, womb or
fallopian tubes. Then you can look at lifestyle factors like
stress.
"Monitor your cycle and get a check-up if changes last for three cycles in a row."
Read your pain
Cramps and periods often go hand in hand, so don't presume
all twinges are bad news. Mid-cycle pain around 14 days before your
period, especially if it's on one side, is a sign you're ovulating
- so think of it as your body's way of telling you to head for the
bedroom if you're trying to conceive!
Cramps during your period are caused by womb contractions and are generally nothing to worry about. "It's important to note, however, that if the pain is always on the same side, it might not be an ovulation pain but a symptom of endometriosis affecting the ovary or pelvis on that side," says Dr Pecoraro.
Also be wary of pain that crops up when your period is nowhere in
sight, especially during or after sex. "A constant dull ache in
your pelvis is a hallmark of endometriosis," says Dr
Bowen-Simpkins, "And pain during intercourse could be pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID), which is often caused by the sexually
transmitted infection chlamydia. Both are linked to internal
scarring, which can lower your fertility. So get them ruled out by
your doctor."
Take action "'But I'm always careful' is something I hear often
from my patients," says GP Dr Pixie McKenna. "You may think it's
impossible you have an STI, but I still advise all women to have a
chlamydia test. It often has no obvious symptoms and, if it's left
untreated, it can lead to infertility problems."
Pick up the 2011 issue of Cosmopolitan Health for your
period calendar, contraceptive options and other period-related
issues explained.
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