You have just found out you are pregnant, and you are overwhelmed with excitement. There are so many things to do and plan for, but first things first. That means schedule your first prenatal visit with Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates!
Yes, they show up about every 30 days, they are uncomfortable or sometimes painful, can give you headaches and slow you down, and can transform you into the wicked witch of the east every month before they start. No wonder they’re known as the “curse.” Yes, the decades of having your period affect your life in various ways, but don’t let periods rule your life. Some side effects are normal, but some are definitely not. Let’s look at ways you can gain some control.
Passing clots larger than a quarter or going through a tampon or pad in an hour is an obvious sign that is too much blood. Normal bleeding lasts about 5 – 7 days and any longer is too long. These signs can mean you may be suffering from a condition known as menorrhagia. Heavy bleeding and bleeding for too long can cause anemia leaving you weak and fatigued. Some women have never known anything different so they think this is normal. It is not. You should see Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates if you are bleeding too much or too long. Other causes of heavy bleeding include the following:
All this abnormal bleeding can affect a woman’s quality of life, so be proactive and see Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates and don’t let periods rule your life.
Some pain and discomfort just come with having periods. Is it pain you can handle or pain that will go away with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory med? If so, not to worry. If the pain is so bad it causes you to hit the bed for days, maybe you should worry a bit. Cramping is normal during menstruation but not so much that you can’t function. As with heavy bleeding, fibroids can also cause extremely painful periods along with endometriosis. It is probably time to find out what is causing this much pain.
Irregular periods are those starting or lasting longer than average. For example, if the time from the first day of your last period to the start of the next one is less than 24 or longer than 38 days, that is not normal. It can be perfectly normal for teen girls to have irregular periods for the first few years. This is also true of perimenopausal women. Talk with Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates about treatments like birth control pills, an IUD or shots to control irregular periods. Other areas of concern include the following:
Anything out of the ordinary related to your period should be discussed with your doctor. Unless you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or post menopausal, you should have regular periods. If your period is starting to rule your life, don’t wait to see Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates for some answers.
As always, if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call (404) 355-0320 or request an appointment online today!
You Might Also Enjoy...
You have just found out you are pregnant, and you are overwhelmed with excitement. There are so many things to do and plan for, but first things first. That means schedule your first prenatal visit with Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates!
Endometriosis is a confusing condition with various symptoms, no symptoms, or severe symptoms. It’s not always easy to diagnose, leaving many women to suffer with pelvic pain and other unpleasant symptoms for years. Here are six signs you may have...
The CDC recommends that if you are a woman considering getting pregnant, start taking folic acid. If you just found out you are pregnant, start taking folic acid and continue to take it while you are pregnant.
Most of us are wary of looking stupid or asking stupid questions, but at your OBGYN, there is no such thing as a “stupid” question or subject. Trust us, we have heard it all.
A woman’s body goes through many changes during the nine months of pregnancy. Some are expected like nausea in the early months, weight gain (of course), and certain crazy cravings.
Heavy bleeding during your period is sometimes known medically as menorrhagia. Although every woman is different and menstrual cycles can vary, when should you see Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates about a heavy period?