Your yearly gynecological checkup can be a nerve-wracking time, and it’s not unusual to be so flustered that you forget to ask the questions about menstrual disorders you were meaning to bring up during your appointment.
To avoid that sinking feeling that comes when you get to your car and realize you forgot to ask something important, jot down a list of questions ahead of your appointment and bring those with you to make sure you address all of your concerns.
Questions To Ask About Menstrual Disorders
Here is a look at some of the questions that you may want to ask your gynecologist about menstrual disorders.
Is This Normal?
By definition, menstrual disorders involve menstruation that falls outside of the normal range of duration and intensity. Therefore, if you suspect that something is amiss with your period, the first question you should ask is whether your experience is normal.
It is very helpful if you can bring a log of your periods to your appointment so that your doctor can spot any trends. Whether you’re not sure if the length of time you experience your period is normal or if you worry that you’re bleeding too much, finding out what is normal should be your first step.
I’m Not Pregnant, So Why Am I Not Getting My Period?
The most obvious reason that many women don’t get their period is pregnancy, but what happens if you are not pregnant and your period isn’t coming? You may have a menstrual disorder known as amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation. Some of the reasons that regular periods may suddenly stop include weight loss, excessive exercise, illness, and stress. Your doctor can help you uncover the cause of your amenorrhea.
Could My Birth Control Be Affecting My Period?
If your period is troubling you in any way, whether you have a diagnosed menstrual disorder or it’s simply impacting your lifestyle, you may want to ask if your birth control could be affecting your period in any way, or if medication may help control your period better.
In some cases, it may be possible to switch to a different birth control method. For example, an IUD might be causing unwanted bleeding. Some women find that taking certain hormonal birth control pills leads to lighter periods and less cramping; your doctor can advise you on the best course of action for your body.
Why Is My PMS So Bad?
Many women experience premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and some monthly moodiness, nausea, breast tenderness, and cramping are not a cause for concern. However, a small group of women experience what is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, which is a heightened level of PMS that causes physical discomfort as well as emotional symptoms that may impact your life, affect your relationships, or your ability to work. If you feel that this describes you, be sure to mention it to your gynecologist and find out how it can be treated.
How Can I Determine My Fertile Days If I Have Menstrual Disorders?
One challenge for women with menstrual disorders is predicting their cycle. This is very inconvenient if you are trying to start a family. While women with normal cycles can typically determine their fertile window with relative ease, women who have a menstrual disorder that makes their period unpredictable cannot do this easily.
Your gynecologist can let you know about other signs to look for to signify your fertile days when you can’t rely on the calendar alone, and any other challenges to getting pregnant that may be posed by your disorder.
How Long Should My Period Last?
At the heart of many menstrual disorders is an unusual period length, whether it’s an abnormally long period or a surprisingly short one. If this only happens once, there may not be cause for concern, but if your once-normal periods begin to change dramatically in length, this is something you should discuss with your doctor to determine if you have a disorder.
Some women may bleed so heavily during their period that they need to put their normal lives on hold so they can address the heavy blood flow. If you must change your tampon or pad every hour instead of three or four times a day, you may be experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding.
Although this may be common at some stages in your life, such as when you first start to menstruate and when you head into menopause, it is best to discuss this with your doctor to decide if a menstrual disorder is the culprit.
Why Am I Bleeding Less During Periods?
Many women welcome less bleeding during periods, but if you’ve always been a heavy bleeder and you suddenly start bleeding significantly less each month, you should talk with your doctor. It may not signify anything serious, but your doctor can ask you about other symptoms to determine what might be occurring.
Reach Out To Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness For Questions On Menstrual Disorders
Periods are not fun, but your cycle doesn’t have to be a source of extreme stress every month. Make an appointment with the highly trained physicians at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness to get answers to all your menstruation-related questions.