Menstrual cramps
Many women suffer from painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Symptoms include mild to severe cramping in the lower abdomen, back or thighs, headaches, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dizziness, and fainting. During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus produces a hormone called prostaglandin. This hormone causes the uterus to contract, often painfully. Women with severe cramps may produce higher than normal amounts of prostaglandin, or may be more sensitive to its effects. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help ease cramping. Complementary medicine such as acupunture and homeopathy can also reduce cramps. Over the counter ibuprofen works best when taken at the first signs of cramps. Oral contraceptives ("the pill") also decrease cramping. Let the doctor know if you have bad cramps so that he can help you determine the cause and develop a solution.
Missed or irregular periods
There are a variety of causes which include:
- Pregnancy- Stress, weight loss or gain, intesive exercise, and travel- Use of birth control pills or other hormonal contraception, which may cause lighter, less frequent or skipped periods.- Menopause or menarche (starting of menstrual periods). For the first few years and final years of menstration, periods may be irregular.- Hormone imbalance or problems in the reproductive system.- Medication, including steroids, tranquilizers, and diet pills. The normal menstrual cycle starts every 23 to 35 days and has 4 to 6 days of bleeding. To have more regular menstrual cycles, avoid rapid weight loss, learn and practice relaxation exercises to cope with stress, and increase exercise gradually.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
PMS occurs before the period. Women may experience PMS for only a day or two, or for up to two weeks before the peroid starts. Symptoms generally improve with the onset of bleeding. Emotional symptoms can include irritability and anger, mood swings, anxiety, sudden bouts of crying, sadness, fatigue, poor concentration, diminished sex drive, and aggression. Physical symptoms can include headaches, weight gain, breast tenderness, water retention and bloating, food cravings and increased appetite, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness or fainting, and clumsiness. It is estimated that 90 percent of women experience the symptoms associated with PMS. Only about 10 percent of women have severe problems with PMS. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and decreased caffine intake can help to reduce PMS. Let the doctor know if you have problems with PMS and he can help with solutions.
Vaginal infections
Vaginal infections can cause a change in normal vaginal discharge. General symptoms include change in the amount, color, odor, or consistency of the discharge, as well as itching, painful urination, and pain during intercourse. Common types of infections include yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Some types of sexually transmitted diseases can also cause an unusual vaginal discharge, so if you are unsure of the cause of your discomfort, you should be examined by the doctor.
Yeast infections tend to produce clumpy, white itchy discharge with very little odor. They can be treated with over the counter medications. Bacterial vaginosis produces thin gray or milky discharge with a fishy or sour odor. Itching is not usually a problem. Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with oral or vaginal antibiotics prescribed by the doctor. Both of these common infections are caused by an imbalance in the vaginal environment. To keep your vagina healthy and free from infection, eat a balanced diet, limit alcohol and sugar intake, and use barrier methods for safer sex.
Menopause
Menopause occurs for most women between the ages of 45 and 55, when the production of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) declines. These hormonal changes will usually cause irregular menstrual periods before they stop altogether. During this time, women commonly experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Women may also have an increased number of urinary tract infections, fatigue, and frustrations with short-term memory changes. Some women have only irregular periods. All perimenopausal (around the time of menopause) women should talk with the doctor about maintaining healthy bones, getting annual mammograms and dealing with menopausal changes.
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
UTI, also called bladder infections or cystitis, are a common health problem for women, young girls, and some infant boys. UTI's are generally caused by E. coli bacteria, which are normally present in the digestive system. Irritation to the genital area may be associated with bladder infection. Causes of irritation include intercourse, diaphragms, wearing tight jeans or pants, bike riding, infrequent urination, perfumed soaps and powders, and even certain irritating foods. Early symptoms may include burning urination, discomfort in the lower abdomen, and a frequent urge to urinate without being able to pass much urine. Drinking large amounts of water may flush out a very early infection, but an infection that is untreated can lead to a kidney infection. Signs of a more serious infection include fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, and back pain. To prevent a UTI, drink at least 1 liter of water per day, always urinate when you have the urge, wear cotton underwear, urinate soon after having intercourse, and wipe from front to back after going to the toilet to reduce the spread of bacteria from the anus to the uretha.
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a loss of bladder control. It is a condition found most often in women after child birth or in older age. Many causes of incontinence can be controlled, if not cured. Temporary incontinence can be caused by water pills (diuretics) and many other common medications. Constipation, urinary infections, stones in the urinary tract, or extended bed rest are other causes. There are three types of persistent or chronic loss of bladder control. Stress incontinence refers to small amounts of urine leaking out during exercise, coughing. laughing, sneezing, or other movements that squeeze the bladder. Urge incontinence happens when the need to urinate comes on so quickly there is not enough time to get to the toilet. Stroke, Parkinson's disease, kidney or bladder stones, and bladder infections are some of the causes of urge incontinence. Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder cannot empty itself completely. Diabetes may be the underlying cause. If you feel you have any of these problems, let the doctor know. Also, if you do not know how to do Kegel exercises (squeezing of the vaginal muscles), ask the doctor to teach you how. Strengthening these muscles is a common prevention and treatment for incontinenece.
