Many people have a difficult time talking about their sexual and reproductive health because they may feel embarrassed or fear being judged. However, your gynecologist is devoted to helping you manage your sexual and reproductive health without feelings of shame or judgment. Therefore, it is essential to tell them about symptoms, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Here are six symptoms that you should always tell your gynecologist about:
Vaginal Odor
Although it is uncomfortable to talk about vaginal odors, these odors actually provide your gynecologist with key diagnostic information. Changes in your normal odor or foul odors can indicate the possibility of a vaginal infection. Certain odors can even provide insight as to the type of infection.
Urinary or Fecal Incontinence
Incontinence of any kind is extremely stressful and should be discussed with your gynecologist. Both types of incontinence can occur after childbirth or menopause. They can also be symptoms of a pelvic floor disorder. Discussing these symptoms with your gynecologist allows them to provide you with the necessary treatment to relieve these symptoms.
Vaginal Lumps and Bumps
Vaginal lumps and bumps can occur for a variety of reasons. Most cases of vaginal bumps are benign and are simply caused by an ingrown hair or cuts from shaving. However, some cases can be caused by genital warts or herpes lesions. To be safe, you should always see your gynecologist if you notice any lumps or bumps that were not there before.
Painful Periods
While it is normal to experience minor discomfort in the form of cramps, breast tenderness, and headaches during your periods, severe pain should be discussed with your gynecologist. If your cramps are so severe that they make it difficult or impossible to carry on with your daily routine or if the pain has been getting progressively worse with each period, then you should discuss this with your gynecologist since it can be a symptom of uterine fibroids or endometriosis. There are various treatments available for these conditions and other causes of painful periods.
Low Libido
Having a decreased desire for sex can have a variety of causes such as certain medications, underlying medical conditions, stress, and the nature of female sexuality. Your gynecologist can identify the cause of your low libido and help you make certain adjustments to increase your libido.
Dryness or Pain During Sex
In some cases, low libido can be caused by sexual discomfort. Sexual discomfort usually takes the form of vaginal dryness or pain. Vaginal dryness can occur as a result of low estrogen levels and can indicate that a change in birth control or prescription for vaginal estrogen is needed. It can also be a sign that more foreplay is needed before sex. Pain during sex that occurs in any position, is not helped by lubricants, or that is accompanied by bleeding should also be discussed with your gynecologist. Sex should not be painful, and experiencing pain during sex can be caused by a number of things.
Overall, these are six symptoms that you should always tell your gynecologist about so that they can help treat the cause of these symptoms. Your gynecologist is devoted to your sexual and reproductive health, however they cannot help you if you do not communicate your symptoms with them. Even though it can be uncomfortable to talk about your sexual and reproductive health, it is worth the brief moment of embarrassment.
Nobody wants to talk about vaginal infections. However as uncomfortable as it may be to admit, your vagina can get infected just like any other part of your body. If and when this happens, it is important that you know the difference between what is normal and what is not in order to seek the necessary treatment.
For starters, vaginitis is a broad term used to describe the infection or inflammation of the vagina and vulvovaginitis describes the infection or inflammation of both your vagina and vulva. Although some infections will not produce symptoms, the most common symptoms associated with vaginitis or vulvovaginitis are:
Itching
Pain or burning while urinating
A change in the amount or color of vaginal discharge
Pain during intercourse
Bleeding or spotting
Vaginitis can occur when the natural environment of the vagina is altered. There are many factors that can cause the vaginal environment to change such as: hormones, intercourse, pregnancy and breastfeeding, certain antibiotics, and douching or rinsing the vagina. External things like tight-fitting clothes, certain types of fabrics, soaps, and perfumes can also cause irritation and possible changes in or around the vagina as well.
Even though vaginal infections are not life-threatening, you should still set up an appointment with your gynecologist if you suspect you may have one. It is especially important to see your gynecologist for a vaginal infection if you have new sexual partners, think you could be pregnant, have never had an infection before, are experiencing new symptoms, develop a fever, or develop new symptoms after treatment.
Most vaginal infections can be easily diagnosed with a pelvic examination and discussion of your sexual health. In some cases, a vaginal discharge sample may be collected to determine the exact type of infection. One your gynecologist has made a diagnosis, there are different treatments that can be used such as antibiotics, antifungal medication, creams, and lifestyle changes.
While only your gynecologist can make an accurate diagnosis and advise you on the best treatment, here are the three most common infections that can affect the vagina and surrounding regions:
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are the most common type of vaginal infection and they are caused by a fungus known as candida albicans. While candida occur naturally in the vagina, things like hormone changes, high blood sugar levels, and lowered immunity can cause an overgrowth to occur. When this happens, you may experience a thick white discharge that looks like cottage cheese, itching, and redness of the vulva.
Bacterial Vaginosis
While yeast infections are caused by a naturally occurring fungus, bacterial vaginosis is caused by naturally occurring bacteria. However instead of an overgrowth, bacterial vaginosis occurs when the normal lactobacilli bacteria level drops and is replaced by infection causing bacteria such as gardnerella. When this happens, you may experience either a thick, white discharge or a clear, slippery discharge. Both types of discharge are usually accompanied by a fishy odor.
Trichomoniasis
Unlike the aforementioned vaginal infections, trichomoniasis (aka: trich) is a sexually transmitted infection that is passed from one partner to another during sexual intercourse. Nevertheless, trich produces similar symptoms such as yellow-grey or greenish discharge, burning while urinating, redness and irritation of the vulva, and a possible fishy odor.
Ovarian cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that can form on your ovaries. They are very common and affect as many as 3 million women every year. In fact, many women will develop an ovarian cyst at some point in their lifetime. However, you may not even know that you have an ovarian cyst since they are generally painless and don’t cause any symptoms. For this reason, the majority of ovarian cysts are no cause for concern. Unfortunately, there are a few general exceptions to this rule.
Functional Ovarian Cysts: Generally No Need to Worry
Functional ovarian cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst and are considered to be the “good kind” of cyst. They are known as functional cysts because they are produced by normal ovary function. In fact, a cyst about one inch in diameter, as well as several smaller ones, are produced every time a woman ovulates. These functional cysts can be divided into either follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts.
Follicular cysts are filled with clear fluid and lack blood supply. They exist before ovulation occurs and will eventually develop into a corpus luteum cyst. Almost every woman has these, however they generally go away on their own in a few weeks. In some cases, they can grow up to 4 inches in diameter, but they are still usually monitored and left to resolve themselves.
Corpus luteum cysts occur after ovulation and produce progesterone in order to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Without pregnancy, these cysts will disappear in two weeks. However, corpus luteum cysts have a rich blood supply since they produce hormones, and can sometimes bleed or cause pain. Even in these cases, most corpus luteum cysts are monitored and generally resolve themselves.
Non Functional (Neoplastic) Cysts: Possible Cause for Concern
Instead of occurring as a result of natural ovary function, neoplastic cysts are new tissue that grows from tissues in the ovary. There are different types of neoplastic cysts that are differentiated by the type of cells that produced the cysts. Some examples include serous cysts, mucinous cysts, and dermoid cysts. Neoplastic cysts can continue to grow and become quite large if left untreated. For this reason, neoplastic cysts are usually removed if they have grown over 2 inches in diameter. When it comes to neoplastic cysts, it is not the type of neoplastic cyst, rather it is the size that determines if surgical intervention is needed.
Ovarian Cyst Complications: Cause for Concern
It is important to note that while ovarian cyst complications can occur, they are extremely rare. Nevertheless, here are some cases where immediate treatment may be required:
Cancerous cystic ovarian mass: when a neoplastic cyst over 2 inches in diameter is removed, the cyst is usually biopsied to ensure that it is benign. In rare cases, the biopsy can detect that the cyst is actually malignant, meaning that it contains cancer cells or cells that can develop into cancer. In these cases, additional testing and treatment is needed.
Ovarian Torsion: this occurs when the ovary has twisted or changed its position due to a large ovarian cyst. Ovarian torsion can cut blood supply off from the ovaries, which can damage or kill the ovarian tissue. If ovarian torsion occurs, emergency gynecologic surgery is generally required to preserve the ovary.
Ruptured cysts: the most common symptom of a ruptured cyst is pain. Smaller ovarian cysts that rupture may just need to be monitored while managing the pain. Larger ovarian cysts that rupture can cause bleeding in the abdominal cavity and will require treatment.
Did you know that one in every five women will have at least one urinary tract infection during their lifetime? Urinary tract infections are more common in women than men due to the fact that women have a shorter urethra. Unfortunately myths about UTIs are also quite common. A myth is a commonly accepted belief that is not accurate or truthful. There are many medical myths about almost every condition, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are no exception to this.
A urinary tract infection affects the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. UTIs can produce symptoms such as pain while urinating, urgent need to urinate, aching or pressure in the lower abdomen, urine with a strong odor, and blood in the urine. The main problem with UTI myths is that they can ultimately impede proper medical treatment and/or be detrimental to your health. With that being said, here are some common myths about UTIs you should disregard:
Poor hygiene causes UTIs
UTIs can occur in women who are completely clean. In fact, trying to be too clean down there can also increase your risk of developing a UTI. This is because harsh soaps can kill off the natural bacteria responsible for killing off the bacteria that cause UTIs. However, it is recommended to wipe from front to back to prevent harmful bacteria from spreading from the rectum to the vagina and urethra.
Tampons can increase the risk of UTIs
Contrary to popular belief, using tampons does not increase the risk of developing a UTI. In fact, tampons may even help to prevent UTIs since they absorb moisture and keep the external area dryer than pads. Keeping this dryer prevents bacteria from increasing in population, which actually decreases the risk of infection.
UTIs and STIs are the same thing
An STI is a sexually transmitted infection, while a UTI is caused by natural bacteria on our own skin being pushed into the urethra. Unlike STIs, UTIs cannot be spread or transmitted to another person during sexual activities.
Cranberry juice cures UTIs
The only way to truly treat an active UTI is through taking the right antibiotic prescribed by your doctor. Despite the popular belief that cranberry juice can cure a UTI, there is no research that confirms this. With that being said, however, cranberry juice can decrease the risk of developing UTIs by making the urine more acidic and making it harder for bacteria to stick to the bladder. At the very least, staying hydrated by drinking cranberry juice can help decrease the risk of infection and can help to flush out current infections.
UTIs will go away on their own
While some UTIs will resolve on their own, other cases can travel to your kidneys and cause a kidney infection. This can cause permanent damage, as well as severe discomfort. If you are experiencing UTI symptoms, it is recommended that you visit your doctor for an examination as soon as possible. Once antibiotics are prescribed, you will need to take the medication as directed and drink plenty of fluids to help eliminate the infection.
This past Valentine’s Day, the Food and Drug Association approved a new method of birth control from a company called Agile Therapeutics, Inc. Although the product is not yet available to consumers, the company is hoping to begin the manufacturing process to formally introduce this new method by the end of the year. Known as Twirla, this contraceptive birth control patch is made for weekly use. Each patch delivers 120mcg of levonorgestrel and 30mcg of ethinyl estradiol through the skin and is made up of five layers in order to withstand daily use.
Each Twirla patch is applied once a week to the upper arm, buttocks, back, or lower abdomen for three weeks. After the third patch is removed, the fourth week is a patch-free week that allows for menstruation. One of the main benefits of this method is that it only requires women to remember their birth control about three times a month instead of daily. It is also considered to be less invasive than other birth control methods such as IUDs, implants, or the birth control shot.
Before Twirla, there was only one type of contraceptive birth control patch known as Xulane, which contains 150mcg of norelgestromin and 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Xulane was introduced in 2014 to replace the Ortho Evra birth control patch when it was discontinued. Although Xulane is 99% effective against preventing pregnancy when used perfectly, it was found that women who used Xulane had higher blood serum concentrations of estrogen than women who used oral birth control. Unfortunately, these increased levels of estrogen increases the risk of blood clot formation in the legs and lungs.
The makers of Twirla worked hard to develop a low-dose hormonal contraceptive patch that offered the same effectiveness against preventing pregnancy. Since Twirla contains a lower dose of estrogen, the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs is lower than other hormonal birth control methods with higher doses of estrogen. Like other forms of birth control, Twirla does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV.
Like other birth control methods, Twirla may not be right for everyone. For example, Twirla has been shown to be less effective at preventing pregnancy in women who weigh over 202 lbs or have a BMI greater than 30. However, this is also the case with Xulane, yet many women over 202 lbs still use it. Furthermore, Twirla is also not recommended for women who smoke, are at risk for thrombotic disease, experience migraines with aura, have liver disease, or have undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding.
Did you know that a hysterectomy is the second most commonly performed surgery on women? As many as 500,000 women in the United States have hysterectomies each year. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove the uterus. In some cases, the fallopian tubes and ovaries can also be removed.
There are a few different types of hysterectomies, depending on what structures are removed. A subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy is when the upper part of the uterus is removed, but the cervix remains in place, while a total hysterectomy removes both the uterus and the cervix. A radical hysterectomy, often performed when cancer is present, removes the uterus and surrounding tissues, the cervix, and the top of the vagina. The removal of the ovaries is known as a oophorectomy and the removal of the fallopian tubes is known as salpingectomy. When the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed with the uterus this is known as a hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy-oophorectomy.
Hysterectomies are surgically performed in one of three ways: as an open surgery, laparoscopically, or with robotic assistance. Open surgery, also known as an abdominal hysterectomy is when a 5-7 inch incision is made in the abdomen and used for the removal of the uterus. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is when several small cuts are made in the abdomen and the entire surgery is performed through these small holes. Finally, robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies are performed with the use of a surgical robot.
A hysterectomy may be right for you if you have any of the following conditions:
Adenomyosis
This is a condition where the lining of the uterus actually grows into the muscle tissue of the uterus and causes the uterine wall to thicken. Some cases can be treated with hormone therapy and pain medication to alleviate the pain and heavy bleeding. Although adenomyosis resolves itself after menopause, some women with severe symptoms may require a hysterectomy.
Cancer
If you have cancer of the uterus, ovary, cervix, or endometrium, a hysterectomy may be recommended as a way to treat the cancer and prevent it from spreading. However, this depends on the severity and type of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Around 10% of hysterectomies are performed due to cancer.
Delivery Complications
In some cases, delivery complications during both a vaginal or cesarean birth can lead to a hysterectomy. However, this is rare and generally only happens as a lifesaving measure.
Endometriosis
This condition is characterized by the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) growing outside the uterus. As a result, endometriosis causes severe menstrual pain and can cause infertility. Although some cases can be treated with hormone therapy and certain medical procedures, a hysterectomy may eventually be recommended.
Uterine Fibroids
These are noncancerous growths made of fibrous tissue that grow in the uterus. Fibroids are associated with heavy bleeding and severe menstrual pain. In some cases the fibroids can be removed and the uterus can be left intact. However in cases where the fibroids continue to grow back and cause pain, a hysterectomy may be recommended.
Uterine Prolapse
Uterine prolapse is when the tissues and muscles supporting the uterus have weakened, causing the uterus to slip down into the vagina. Some cases of uterine prolapse can be treated with a pessary or by repairing the weakened tissues. If these options fail or if the degree of prolapse is severe, a hysterectomy may be recommended instead.
Struggling to conceive can be both frustrating and emotional. As many as 10-15% of American couples are eventually diagnosed with infertility, or the inability to get pregnant despite having frequent and unprotected sex for at least a year. However, being diagnosed with infertility does not immediately mean that you and your partner cannot conceive a child. It just means that you will need to work with a gynecologist to determine the cause of your infertility and take steps to significantly improve your chances. Here are some of the most common causes of infertility:
Age
One of the most common causes of infertility in women is age. This is due to the simple fact that as a woman gets older, the amount and quality of eggs she produces decreases. As the quality of her eggs decreases, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases. Unfortunately, as many as 70% of miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus instead of inside it. Around 30-50% of women with endometriosis are believed to be infertile. Endometriosis can affect fertility by scarring the Fallopian tubes, preventing implantation, changing the hormonal environment of the eggs, inflaming and distorting the pelvic structures, and altering the quality of the eggs.
Endometrial Polyps
Endometrial polyps, also known as uterine polyps, are small growths that form on the inside of the uterus. Most polyps are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous, however there is a chance that they can eventually turn into cancer. They can vary in size and quantity and the largest polyps can get up to the size of a golf ball. Uterine polyps that are believed to be causing infertility can be removed to increase the chances of becoming pregnant.
Ovulation Disorders
Ovulation disorders can cause a woman to ovulate less or not at all, which can make it challenging or impossible to get pregnant naturally. Although polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common ovulation disorder, ovarian insufficiency and hypothalamic amenorrhea are two other types of ovulation disorders. It is estimated that around 25% of infertility cases can be attributed to ovulation disorders.
Tubal Factor
This type of infertility can occur when the fallopian tubes are damaged, scarred, or obstructed and prevent the sperm from reaching the ovary or prevent a fertilized embryo from reaching the uterus. It can occur as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease, STDs, or endometriosis. In some cases, surgery can be used to repair the fallopian tubes. In other cases, in vitro fertilization may need to be used. Around 25-35% of infertility cases can be attributed to tubal factor infertility.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign growths made of fibrous tissue that form inside the uterus. It is possible to have uterine fibroids and get pregnant, however fibroids that change the shape of the uterine cavity can prevent an embryo from being able to implant. In these cases, surgery can be used to remove the fibroid and increase the chances of getting pregnant.
For many women, Aunt Flo arrives every month for her 3-7 day visit. However, some women may find Aunt Flo more unbearable than others. One reason for this is due to the amount of menstrual bleeding that occurs. Although every woman’s period can vary slightly, normal periods generally last no longer than 7 days and during this time approximately 5 ml-80 ml of menstrual blood is lost.
While this is the norm, it is estimated that 1 in every 20 women has heavy menstrual bleeding. Known as menorrhagia, this condition is characterized by a menstrual period that lasts longer than 7 days, the passing of clots the size of a quarter or larger, and/or soaking through a pad or tampon in less than 2 hours. In these cases, over 80 ml of menstrual blood is lost.
In cases where you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, it is strongly recommended to discuss this with your gynecologist. There are a few possible reasons for heavy menstrual bleeding such as:
Hormonal Imbalance
A balance between estrogen and progesterone is responsible for building up the lining of the uterus. When either one of these hormones is out of balance, this causes the uterine lining to develop thicker, which then leads to heavy menstrual bleeding. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by obesity, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, and thyroid problems.
Uterine Fibroids or Polyps
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors composed of connective fibrous tissue that are found on the uterus. Uterine polyps are also benign tumors, however they occur on the uterine lining and are composed of uterine lining. Both can cause excess menstrual bleeding.
Ovary Dysfunction
In the case that your ovaries fail to release an egg, the body will not produce progesterone. This leads to a hormonal imbalance that can result in heavy bleeding.
Adenomyosis
This is a condition where glands from the lining of the uterus work their way into the uterine muscle. It can affect the entire uterus or it can also be focused in one area. Adenomyosis is known for causing pain and heavy bleeding.
Cancer
Cancers of the uterus and cervix can also result in heavy bleeding.
Pregnancy Complication
Having one period that is both late and heavy can be a sign of a miscarriage. Additionally, heavy bleeding and cramping can also be indicative of an ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus.
IUD Use
In some cases, heavy menstrual bleeding can be a side effect of using an intrauterine device (IUD). The bleeding may become lighter over time, or your doctor may recommend an alternative method of birth control.
Bleeding Disorders
Various bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, Von Willebrand’s Disease, or factor II, VII, X, or II deficiencies can cause excessive menstrual bleeding.
Certain Medications or Medical Conditions
Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal medications, and anticoagulants can increase menstrual bleeding. Additionally, medical conditions like kidney or liver disease can also cause heavy bleeding.
Uterine prolapse is a common condition that affects women, especially those over the age of 50. It is characterized by the uterus falling toward or into the vagina as a result of weak pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. It can be caused by things like pregnancy, vaginal delivery, menopause, and frequent straining. Although many women are hesitant to talk with their doctors about this condition, it is easily treatable with both non-surgical and surgical options.
Uterine prolapse can either be incomplete or complete. Incomplete uterine prolapse describes when the uterus is partially displaced in the vagina, but does not protrude. Complete uterine prolapse describes when the uterus is completely displaced in the vagina, with part of the uterus protruding from the vaginal opening.
In addition to being characterized as incomplete or complete, uterine prolapse is also categorized by the severity of the descent. There are four grades used to describe the severity of the uterus’ descent.
1st grade: uterus has descended into the upper vagina
2nd grade: uterus has descended into the introitus (vaginal canal)
3rd grade: cervix has descended out of the introitus
4th grade: uterus and cervix have descended out of the introitus
In the early stages of uterine prolapse, you may not experience any symptoms, or you may experience them intermittently and may notice they get worse at night. Generally speaking, the more the condition progresses, the number and severity of symptoms is expected to increase. Some symptoms of uterine prolapse include:
A feeling of heaviness or pulling in the pelvis
Lower back pain
Urinary problems
Sensations that something is falling out of the vagina
Pain during sex
To diagnose uterine prolapse, your gynecologist will ask you about any symptoms you have been experiencing. Then they will perform a physical examination to determine organ placement and vaginal elasticity. In some cases, additional imaging techniques, such as an ultrasound or MRI, may be used to determine the grade of the prolapse.
Once the severity of the prolapse has been determined, your gynecologist will discuss your treatment options. In general, milder cases can usually be treated with non-surgical treatments such as kegels, estrogen therapy, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding behaviors that cause straining. More severe cases, as well as cases that continue to progress, may be best treated with surgical intervention. However, women who are intending to get pregnant in the future are not ideal candidates for surgery. Ultimately, since every case is different your gynecologist can help you decide which treatment option is best.
In the case that surgery is recommended, there are different surgical options that can be used. One option is uterine suspension, where the pelvic ligaments are properly reattached or reinforced with medical materials. By repairing the ligaments, this surgical approach places the uterus back in its proper position. Nowadays, uterine suspension surgery can easily be performed as a minimally invasive surgery with tiny incisions, little to no hospital stay, and a faster, less painful recovery.
Another surgical option to treat uterine prolapse is to have a hysterectomy, which is a surgical procedure that removes the entire uterus from the abdomen. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes will also be removed during a hysterectomy. Since a hysterectomy is a permanent form of sterilization, this approach is generally only recommended for post-menopausal women.
Overall, uterine prolapse is a common condition that affects women and can easily be treated with non-surgical and surgical procedures. Mild cases, as well as some more severe cases, tend to respond well to non-surgical treatment, however there are still cases where surgical treatment may be recommended. Ultimately, only your gynecologist can tell you if surgery is the right option for your individual case of uterine prolapse.
Menstruation is an experience that is uniquely female. It starts with puberty and continues all the way until menopause. For many women, monthly periods are something they can always depend on. However, there are some cases where your period may suddenly take a break. If you are usually regular, this can come as quite a shock. If you are not as regular, you may not be immediately concerned. Nevertheless, it is important to understand some of the reasons why your period may suddenly evade you. If you find yourself asking, “why has my period stopped?” it may be for one of the following reasons:
Stress
Stress affects your body in many ways. One way is that it can alter your period. Depending on your stress levels, you may notice changes in your period such as longer or shorter periods, more painful periods, or periods that stop altogether.
Contraceptives
If you are taking the pill, it is not uncommon to have the occasional skipped period. Other types of contraceptives can stop your periods completely. This is something you can discuss with your gynecologist so you know what to expect when taking certain contraceptives.
Intense Exercise
Exercise is generally good for you, however intense exercise can stress your body and cause you to lose too much body fat. A lack of body fat pauses ovulation, which means you won’t get a period.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
This syndrome causes harmless follicles or fluid-filled sacs to develop in the ovaries. Additionally women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of androgen, which is a male hormone. This inhibits eggs from being released, which results in infrequent periods.
Weight Loss
The amount of calories you consume daily affects your hormone levels. If you suddenly loose weight or change your daily caloric intake, your body may not be producing enough hormones to stimulate your period. This is common in women with anorexia or bulimia, however it can occur in any woman with a body mass index less than 18.5.
Weight Gain
Just as weight loss can cause your period to stop, being overweight can also cause your period to stop. This is because women with a body mass index over 30 can produce excess oestrogen, which can make your period stop.
Pregnancy
If you’re trying to get pregnant, a missed period may be a sign that you have succeeded. If you are not trying to get pregnant, a missed period may be a sign that your birth control method has failed. However, pregnancy cannot be diagnosed by a missed period alone. If you suspect you may be pregnant, you should take a pregnancy test and/or schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Menopause
If you are or are nearing the ages of 45-55, your body may be approaching menopause. This causes your oestrogen levels to drop, which slows down ovulation and causes missed periods.
As you can see, there are various reasons why your period may suddenly take a hiatus. The occasional skipped period is generally not a cause for concern, however regularly missing periods can be a sign that you should schedule an appointment with your gynecologist. They can help you determine what the cause of your missed periods is and whether or not you need to make certain adjustments.
