Menstruation can be a very uncomfortable and inconvenient thing to cope with. Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different. Some are short while others are longer. Some women have light periods while others have heavy periods. Although the duration, flow and frequency of a menstrual cycle can vary, there are some problems that should be checked out by a gynecologist. Below are some signs of an abnormal period:

Very Heavy Bleeding

Most women will need to change their pad or tampon every three hours. The number of times that you need to change your pad or tampon is dependent on how heavy the flow is. However, very heavy bleeding is not normal. If you have to change your pad every hour, then you will need to see a gynecologist Surprise AZ.

Your Period Has Stopped

If your period has stopped, then this could be a sign of perimenopause or menopause. Your ovaries produce less estrogen as you get older, which is why periods become less frequent. However, if you are under the age of 40 and your periods have stopped, then you need to see a gynecologist.

There are many other things that can cause your periods to stop. If you are sexually-active, then pregnancy may be a possibility. Excessive exercise can also cause your periods to stop. Additionally, thyroid issues, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian failure and stress can cause your periods to stop.

Very Painful Cramps

Cramping is normal. However, if the cramping is so bad that it is starting to interfere with your daily life, then you should consider seeing a gynecologist Surprise AZ. Very painful periods can be a sign of endometriosis. This is a condition where the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. If the condition is not treated, then it can lead to infertility. Uterine fibroids can also cause painful periods.

Spotting In Between Periods

Many women bleed in between their periods, and it is often not a cause for concern. However, in some cases, spotting can be a sign of an infection. It can also be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. In rare cases, spotting is a sign of cervical or vaginal cancer.

Your Period Lasts Longer Than Seven Days

The average period lasts three to seven days. However, it should not last for more than seven days. Uterine fibroids can cause you to bleed for more than seven days. Prolonged bleeding can also be caused by uterine polyps, ovarian cysts and infections.