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Clarifying Your Questions About Abnormal Periods

You’ve been dealing with your period since you were a teenager, so you probably know a thing or two about what to expect. But, what happens when your typical menstrual cycle starts to change. Many people deal with abnormal periods that last days longer than the usual week. If you’re having symptoms of irregular periods or heavy bleeding, Manhattan Reproductive Surgery Center is here for you. Our team welcomes you to our New York City office, where we’ll work to come up with a treatment plan for you. We proudly serve patients from the Greater NYC Area, as well as Southern New Jersey and Connecticut. Below, you’ll find the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about atypical periods. If you can’t find your question here, please reach out to our friendly team directly.

A doctor talking to a patient in Greater NYC

What Is Abnormal Menstruation?

Abnormal menstruation is a general term used to describe a range of problems you may experience with your period. While many people experience painful periods accompanied by cramping and nausea, they should not be incapacitating. Excessive cramping and vomiting could be a sign of an abnormal period. Heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged menstrual cycles could also signify that you’re dealing with this condition. Other examples of abnormal periods include:

  • Periods that are less than three weeks apart or more than five weeks apart
  • Lighter flow than usual or otherwise irregular bleeding
  • Abnormal absence of menstrual periods for three or more months
  • Menstrual bleeding lasting more than seven days
  • Spotting or bleeding between periods
  • Bleeding despite having already gone through menopause
  • Abnormal bleeding after sex

What Kinds of Symptoms Should I Look for?

Heavy bleeding is among the most common signs of an abnormal period. Blood might soak through your pad or tampon on more than one occasion in less than an hour. If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night because of heavy periods, you may be experiencing excessive bleeding. Large blood clots and a menstrual flow that lasts more than a week may also indicate an abnormal period. Besides excessive bleeding or spotting, you may even notice symptoms similar to anemia. If you have abnormally heavy periods, as well as the below symptoms, make an appointment with MRSC.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale skin
Woman talking to the doctor about fertility problems in Greater NYC

Could an Abnormal Period Indicate Another Condition?

Many times, an abnormal menstrual period is a sign of another underlying condition. When you meet with the team at MRSC, we’ll be sure to screen you for any possible conditions. Most commonly, abnormal periods are a warning sign of these issues:

  • Endometriosis: This widespread condition occurs when the uterine tissue grows outside the uterus rather than inside. Besides irregular periods, you may also notice painful bowel movements, stomach pain, and pain during sex.
  • Uterine Fibroids: Fibroids are a medical condition in which noncancerous growths begin to appear on the uterus. Frequent urination, constipation, leg pain, pelvic pain, and backaches are other symptoms of this issue.

When Should I See a Doctor?

Because normal periods can already be painful, it’s difficult to know when you actually need medical attention. For many people, abnormal periods and spotting may not look that different from their typical menstrual cycle. However, you should remain vigilant for one or more symptoms of an abnormal period. Please make an appointment with our team right away if you notice one or more of these symptoms:

  • Abnormal, dark bleeding between periods
  • Lack of menstrual bleeding for more than three months
  • Sudden irregularity
  • Periods that are unusually heavy
  • Spotting between periods
  • Extreme cramping or nausea
  • Prolonged periods or unusually light bleeding

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Don’t wait to talk to a professional about abnormal bleeding between periods and excessive cramping. Too often, we accept period pain as a given. While most people experience some discomfort, the pain shouldn’t keep you from living life. The team at Manhattan Reproductive Surgery Center is here to help you find relief for uncomfortable and inconvenient abnormal period symptoms. Feel free to contact us with additional questions, or make an appointment at our NYC office today.

Take Your Reproductive Health into Your Own Hands