Abnormal periods can be a cause for alarm especially if it is not yet time for your menstruation. Abnormal periods can be classified as bleeding heavily, bleeding in between periods or not at all. Sometimes, an underlying medical disease causes this to occur. Fortunately, the causes of abnormal periods have specific treatment options.
Polycystic Ovary Disease
Polycystic ovary disease, also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a condition in which small cysts form in the ovaries.
Specific symptoms of polycystic ovary disease include abnormal periods that can be irregular, light or infrequent in nature. This disease can also lead to lack of a period, infertility, acne, obesity and weight gain. Other symptoms of polycystic ovary disease include a small breast size, facial hair and an increase in insulin in the blood. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that is responsible for maintaining blood sugar levels.
As follicles develop in the ovary, an increase in the follicle stimulating hormone, or FSH, and male hormones develop. This leads to polycystic ovary disease's characteristic symptoms.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids refer to benign tumors that actually grow in the uterus. MedlinePlus says these tumors are the most common pelvic tumors. It also states that one out every five women have uterine fibroids during their fertile years.
Specific symptoms of uterine fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding in between periods, gas or constipation. Uterine fibroids can also lead to pain during sexual intercourse, pelvic cramping with periods and pressure in the lower portion of the abdomen.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown.
Treating uterine fibroids involves taking birth control pills to manage heavy bleeding. Other treatment options involve taking iron supplements to manage anemia, a condition in which the red blood cell count is low. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can also be given to manage uterine fibroids. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumors, seal off the leaky blood vessels or remove the uterus.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer refers to a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries and can spread to other parts of the body such as the bones. The University of Maryland Medical Center says ovarian cancer is the fifth common type of female cancer.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include vaginal bleeding, bloating, constipation, a poor appetite, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include indigestion, a swollen stomach, weight gain or weight loss and a poor appetite.
The cause for ovarian cancer is unknown.
Treating ovarian cancer involves removing the ovaries or uterus. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment can also be used to destroy cancer cells.
