Menstrual Cycle Irregularities

What causes menstrual cycle irregularities?

Irregular menstrual cycles can be the result of the natural aging process and your transition to menopause or be a symptom of an underlying gynecologic condition.

Artemis OB/GYN specializes in diagnosing the root cause of irregular periods and abnormal bleeding, so you can begin any necessary treatment as quickly as possible. Your doctor can diagnose common causes of menstrual cycle irregularities like:

• Polyps
• Fibroids
• Cancer
• Infections
• Endometriosis
• Chronic diseases
• Hormonal imbalance
• Use of certain medications

Your Artemis OB/GYN doctor also determines if irregular menstrual cycles are the result of your lifestyle, such as too much strenuous exercise or excessive weight gain or loss.

How are irregular menstrual cycles diagnosed?

To determine the cause of your irregular menstrual cycles, your Artemis OB/GYN provider reviews your personal and family medical history, existing health, and lifestyle.

Ruling out certain diseases may involve a blood or urine test, and your provider may opt to perform noninvasive diagnostic testing, such as an ultrasound, to get a closer look at your reproductive structures and identify abnormalities that can cause heavy or irregular bleeding.

Artemis OB/GYN also offers in-office hysteroscopy procedures that involve the insertion of a slender instrument with an attached light and magnifying lens that allows your provider to evaluate your uterus and surrounding structures.

In some cases, more invasive diagnostic testing is necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Artemis OB/GYN uses minimally invasive surgical technologies, including laparoscopy and robotic surgery, to confirm conditions like endometriosis and fibroids.

During these types of procedures, your provider can also perform a biopsy – taking a sample of tissue for evaluation at a medical lab to confirm cancer - if necessary.

What treatments are available for irregular menstrual cycles?

Your treatment plan for irregular menstrual cycles depends on the root cause of your condition. Your Artemis OB/GYN provider tailors your treatment to your needs, focusing on conservative therapies, such as taking hormonal birth control pills to regulate periods before suggesting surgery.

When your symptoms relate to menopause or a hormone imbalance, your provider may recommend hormone replacement therapy to restore normal hormone levels.

If you have fibroids, endometriosis, polyps, or other excess tissue growths, they can use the minimally invasive surgical technologies to remove them through small incisions.

The goal of treatment is to regulate your periods and resolve associated symptoms, like pelvic pain or heavy uterine bleeding, Your Artemis OB/GYN provider continues to monitor your condition, and if your current treatment plan isn’t working, they may recommend a minimally invasive hysterectomy to remove your uterus and possibly other reproductive organs.

Don’t delay a diagnostic evaluation for irregular menstrual cycles. Contact Artemis OB/GYN by phone or online to schedule an appointment today.