Menstrual Cycle

Every woman wants to understand her menstrual cycle and to know if there are any issues. Most experience some form of menstrual problem at one time or another whether heavy or painful periods, irregular periods, or absent periods. If you are having any kind of problem with your period, Dr. Remberto Santos in North Miami will determine what is going on and recommend a treatment or management plan for your menstrual cycle.

Some of the more common problems include:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): PMS occurs days before a period begins, bringing a host of unwelcome symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, mood changes, sleep difficulties, and digestive problems. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS. Dr. Santos can help alleviate your discomfort and provide you with treatment that enables you to experience more comfortable periods.

Menorrhagia (heavy periods): Occasionally, all women have heavy periods. But when you consistently experience heavy flows that last seven days or longer, it could be due to a hormonal imbalance, fibroids, or polyps in the uterus.

If medication doesn’t treat the condition, another alternative is endometrial ablation. This is a procedure that removes the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, which in most cases prevents you from having periods or at least returns the flow to normal or very light.

Menopause : Also known as “the change of life,” menopause is a normal part of a woman´s aging process that begins when the menstrual cycle ends – normally when you’re in your 40s or 50s. It is usually triggered by a decline in reproductive hormones, although it can also occur after a hysterectomy or as the result of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. It can also be due to a primary ovarian insufficiency in women under 40.

Menopausal symptoms include:

• Hot flashes or chills
• Night sweats
• Mood changes
• Irregular periods
• Sleep problems
• Weight gain
• Vaginal dryness
• Thinning hair
• Dry skin

Once menopause is over, women tend to be at a greater risk for certain medical conditions including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and incontinence. That is why menopause management under the supervision of a gynecologist is important.

As an experienced GYN, Dr. Santos understands your menstrual symptoms and can recommend ways to help ease them. Call Aventura OB/GYN Advanced Care at (305) 931- 7960 to schedule your appointment or you can request one online