Vaginal or uterine bleeding - overview

Vaginal or uterine bleeding 

Vaginal or uterine bleeding 

Vaginal bleeding normally occurs during a woman's menstrual cycle, when she gets her period. Every woman's period is different.

    Most women have cycles between 24 and 34 days apart. It usually lasts 4 to 7 days.
    Young girls may get their periods anywhere from 21 to 45 days or more apart.
    Women in their 40s will often notice their period occurring less often.

Many women have abnormal bleeding between their periods at some point in their lives. Abnormal bleeding occurs when you have:

    Heavier bleeding than usual
    Bleeding for more days than normal (menorrhagia)
    Spotting or bleeding between periods
    Bleeding after sex
    Bleeding after menopause
    Bleeding while pregnant
    Bleeding before age 9
    Menstrual cycles longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days
    No period for 3 to 6 months (amenorrhea)

Causes

There are many causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding.

HORMONES

Most often, abnormal uterine bleeding is caused by a hormone imbalance. When hormones are the cause, doctors call the problem dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB). DUB is more common in teenagers or in women who are approaching menopause.

It is not always clear what causes hormone changes that lead to DUB. Hormone changes may be due to:

    Menopause or perimenopause
    Changes in birth control pills or hormone medicines

PREGNANCY

Pregnancy complications such as:

    Ectopic pregnancy
    Miscarriage

PROBLEMS WITH REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

Problems with reproductive organs may include:

    Infection in the uterus (pelvic inflammatory disease)
    Recent injury or surgery to the uterus
    Noncancerous growths in the womb, including uterine fibroids, uterine of cervical polyps, and adenomyosis
    Inflammation or infection of the cervix (cervicitis)
    Injury or disease of the vaginal opening (caused by intercourse, infection, polyp, genital warts, ulcer, or varicose veins)
    Endometrial hyperplasia (thickening or build-up of the lining of the uterus)

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Problems with medical conditions may include:

    Polycystic ovary syndrome
    Cancer or precancer of the cervix, uterus, or (very rarely) fallopian tube
    Thyroid or pituitary disorders
    Diabetes
    Cirrhosis of the liver
    Lupus erythematosus
    Bleeding disorders

OTHER CAUSES

Other causes may include:

    Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control (may cause spotting)
    Cervical or endometrial biopsy or other procedures
    Changes in exercise routine
    Diet changes
    Recent weight loss or gain
    Stress
    Use of certain drugs such as blood thinners (warfarin or Coumadin)
    Sexual abuse
    An object in the vagina.

Vaginal or uterine bleeding 

Symptoms

Symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding include:

    Bleeding or spotting between periods
    Bleeding after sex
    Bleeding more heavily (passing large clots, needing to change protection during the night, soaking through a sanitary pad or tampon every hour for 2 to 3 hours in a row)
    Bleeding for more days than normal or for more than 7 days
    Menstrual cycle less than 28 days (more common) or more than 35 days apart
    Bleeding after you have gone through menopause

Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the urine may be mistaken for vaginal bleeding. To know for certain, insert a tampon into the vagina and check for bleeding.

Keep a record of your symptoms and bring these notes to your doctor. Your record should include:

    When menstruation begins and ends
    How much flow you have (count numbers of pads and tampons used, noting whether they are soaked)
    Bleeding between periods and after sex
    Any other symptoms you have

Exams and Tests

Your doctor will perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms

You may have certain tests, including:

    Pap test
    Urinalysis
    Thyroid functioning tests
    Complete blood count (CBC)
    Iron count
    Pregnancy test

Based on your symptoms, other tests may be needed. Some can be done in your health care provider's office. Others may be done at a hospital or surgical center:

    Sonohysterography: Fluid is placed in the uterus through a thin tube, while ultrasound images are made of the uterus.
    Ultrasound: Sound waves are used to make a picture of the pelvic organs.
    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): In this imaging test, powerful magnets are used to create images of internal organs.
    Hysteroscopy: A thin device is inserted through the vagina and the opening of the cervix. It lets the provider view the inside of the uterus.
    Endometrial biopsy: Using a small or thin catheter (tube), tissue is taken from the lining of the uterus (endometrium). It is looked at under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific cause of the vaginal bleeding, including:

    Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
    Endometriosis
    Uterine fibroids
    Ectopic pregnancy
    Polycystic ovary syndrome

Treatment may include hormonal medicines, pain relievers, and possibly surgery.

The type of hormone you take will depend on whether you want to get pregnant as well as your age.

    Birth control pills can help make your periods more regular.
    Hormones also can be given as an injection, as a vaginal cream, or through an IUD that releases hormones.
    An IUD is a birth control device that is inserted in the uterus. The hormones in the IUD are released slowly and may control abnormal bleeding.

Other medications given for abnormal uterine bleeding may include:

    Nnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen or naproxen) to help control bleeding and    breduce menstrual cramps
    Tranexamic acid to help treat heavy menstrual bleeding
    Antibiotics to treat infections

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor if:

    You have soaked through a pad or tampon every hour for 2 to 3 hours.
    Your bleeding lasts longer than 1 week.
    You have vaginal bleeding and you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
    You have severe pain, especially if you also have pain when not menstruating.
    Your periods have been heavy or prolonged for three or more cycles, compared to what is normal for you.
    You have bleeding or spotting after reaching menopause.
    You have bleeding or spotting between periods or caused by having sex.
    Abnormal bleeding returns.
    Bleeding increases or becomes severe enough to cause weakness or lightheartedness.
    You have fever or pain in the lower abdomen
    Your symptoms become more severe or frequent.

Prevention

Aspirin may prolong bleeding and should be avoided if you have bleeding problems. Ibuprofen is usually works better than aspirin for relieving menstrual cramps. It also may reduce the amount of blood you lose during a period.

Alternative Names

Irregular menstruation; Heavy, prolonged, or irregular periods; Menorrhagia; Polymenorrhea; Metrorrhagia and other menstrual conditions; Abnormal menstrual periods; Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Source: Medicine Net  ., Medicine Health

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Low Sex Drive

What is Low Sex Drive?

Sexual drive and frequency in adults varies tremendously, depending on a variety of factors. While people may sometimes have less sex than they would like due to a lack of time or opportunity, it is not unusual for both men and women to experience a low sex drive  or low libido, which leads to less frequent sex. While low sex drive is thought to be more common in women, more and more men are also encountering this type of sexual dysfunction.

Diagnosing Low Sex Drive

Sometimes libido is low due to factors related to lifestyle. Very often you may feel fatigued after a long day at work, have financial pressures, personal stress - or a legitimate headache. In addition, unresolved personal issues within a relationship may also escalate into a state where a low libido and a low sex drive becomes the norm. Research has shown that most men who experience a low sex drive can achieve erections, but have lost the sexual desire. Similarly many women can reach an orgasm, but have no real sexual desire.

What Causes Low Sex Drive?

There are various physical and psychological factors that may contribute to a low sex drive.

Physical factors

Alcoholism and binge drinking are quite common and can cause low libido. The abuse of drugs such as cocaine can also cause sexual dysfunction and loss of libido. Other prescribed drugs such as tranquilizers or antidepressants also contribute to causing a low sex drive and sexual desire.
Medical conditions can also cause sexual desire to wane, including:


    Anemia (iron deficiency)
    Pregnancy
    Enlarged prostate
    Mono
    Sleep apnea or lost sleep
    Thrush or yeast infections
    Autoimmune diseases (e.g. Graves disease & Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis)
    Fibromyalgia
    Anorexia
    Cirrhosis
    Hepatitis
    Fatigue
    Hypothyroidism
    Diabetes
    Obesity or being overweight
    Heart disease
    Hyperprolactiamia decreases libido and physical pleasure
    Sexual problems such premature ejaculation and impotence

Psychological factors

Depression is an extremely common psychological factor contributing to a low sex drive. Other factors include stress, sexual hang-ups, and sexual identity crisis, past sexual abuse and relationship problems.

Physical and psychological factors may also contribute to a low sex drive in women. As in men, depression is a very common cause of low sex drive in women.

Manic depression, more commonly referred to as bipolar disorder, may also contribute to decreased sex drive in both men and women. This condition causes an individual to experience stark contrasts in emotions, alternating between depression and elation (mania). Opinions are mixed whether the condition is caused solely by environmental factors or biological factors, with most agreeing that certain experiences may trigger or exacerbate the underlying biological condition. Sufferers of this mood disorder vary, with some cases being more severe than others.

Other factors include anxiety, stress, and poor self image, past sexual abuse or rape, sexual identity crisis or relationship issues with partner or husband.

Other issues such as lack of time, sexual incompatibility and lack of privacy can affect low sex drive in both sexes.

If underlying psychological or relationship problems exist, seek help from a counselor or therapist to help you resolve these deep-seated issues. By addressing the problem, appropriate action may be taken to help you improve your sexual health.
Other factors

Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, thrush, urinary tract infections, anemia and hyperprolactinemia may also decrease sex drive.

Gynecological problems such as vaginismus (involuntary clamping of vaginal muscles) and dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse) may result in lack of interest or fear of sex.

Alcoholism, drug abuse as well as many prescribed drugs can cause low sex drive. While some medications are notoriously known for lessening libido such as anti-depressants and birth control pills, ulcer medications and blood thinners have been reported to lessen desire, cause impotence, or create difficulty having an orgasm as well.

Consult a doctor or gynecologist if you suspect that your low sex drive stems from a physical condition. Your doctor may also prescribe stimulants or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to enhance sexual sensation and pleasure (although these medications may have other side effects).

Low Sex Drive During and After Pregnancy

A decreased sex drive during pregnancy is very common, and may be a combination of physical and psychological factors. Especially during the first trimester, many women will experience morning sickness and fatigue, which can dampen "getting in the mood".

During later stages of pregnancy, psychological issues may come into play, with body image concerns surfacing from weight gain and new curves, leading to sexual hesitation. In addition, it’s not uncommon to worry about the safety of the baby, which can impact libido. Talk to your partner and your doctor to help alleviate these worries.

Following the childbirth, postpartum depression often causes loss of libido and, in varying degrees of severity. Generally, most women are so preoccupied with their newborn that they are too tired to have sex.

Breastfeeding may also release hormones that suppress the sex drive, while many women find that their libido decreases during menopause.

Tips to Increase Low Sex Drive

    Eat a balance diet filled with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
    Regular exercise at least 30 minutes everyday to increase sexual drive and stamina
    Reconnect with your partner by touching – holding each other, massage or kissing
    Learn to relax and de-stress by meditating, listening to music or practicing yoga
    Communicate openly and honestly with each other about the sexual dysfunction
    Be supportive of each other and seek professional help
    Decrease your alcohol intake because it affects sexual desire and function
    Stop smoking naturally as it has a negative effect on male fertility
    Avoid illegal drugs as they destroy your health, including sexual desire in the long term
    Take appropriate steps to manage stress levels

Foods to Increase Sex Drive in Men and Women

    Oysters: one of the "classic" aphrodisiacs, this seafood favorite is high in zinc, which increases sperm and testosterone, plus dopamine, a hormone linked to libido.

    Celery: this crunchy, healthy food contains androsterone, an odorless hormone that is said to be a sexual stimulant for women.

    Banana: this potassium-packed fruit is also rich in B vitamins, which help boost low energy levels, a common cause of low libido, plus contains bromelain enzymes, which also help boost sex drive.

    Avocado: the high folic acid in avocados can help promote energy and thus more drive and stamina, in addition to also being rich in vitamin B6 and potassium.

    Nuts: rich in essential fatty acids, nuts help support the body’s natural production of hormones.

    Eggs: high in vitamins B6 and B5, eggs can help promote balanced hormone levels, which can interfere with sex drive.

Source: NHS UK  ., WEBMD

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Signs You Have a Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal Imbalance

Ladies, we all know those moments when we feel angry, frustrated and emotional, sometimes for no apparent reason. Often we blame this on our hormones. And that’s not just a lame excuse, no matter what your partner says. Hormones, do in fact, play a very important role in women’s health and well being. When hormone levels fluctuate, this can impact on your mood, sexual desire, fertility and ovulation.

What causes a hormonal imbalance?

Hormone problems are common, so if you feel that you are experiencing a hormonal imbalance, then you are not alone. There are certain causes which can throw off your body’s natural chemistry. Common culprits are menopause, pregnancy, menstrual cycle, the contraceptive pill, and lifestyle factors such as inconsistent sleep patterns, stress a poor diet and lack of exercise. Other causes can be thyroid issues or diabetes.

Common signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance

1. Sleep Disorders

Many women find it hard to fall asleep mainly just before their period. This may be due to the sharp drop in the hormone progesterone just before menstruation. Progesterone levels also drop after giving birth, but then you can always blame your baby for not getting enough sleep. Progesterone has relaxing properties, so when its levels drop, It can make you feel restless cause you sleep disorders.

2. Persistent Acne

A lot of women breakout before their period, due to hormonal shifts. However, if you suffer from deep, cystic acne all the time, then it could be androgens (male hormones such as testosterone) which are the culprit. Testosterone stimulates excess production of sebum (oil), which then gets trapped underneath the skin and merges with acne-causing bacteria and dead skin cells. That leads to clogged pores, pimples, and blemishes. The higher a woman’s testosterone levels, the worse the breakout.

3. Memory Fog

Are you forgetting things? Such as where you put your purse, or what time you’re meant to meet your friend? If so, then this could be a hormonal issue. If you’ve been experiencing a high amount of stress recently, then your body will be producing high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Studies suggest that consistently high levels of cortisol can hamper your learning ability and memory.

4. Constant Hunger

In the words of Gym Class Heroes, can you not keep your hands out the cookie jar? If so, then stop telling yourself you’re a pig. Yes is it important to eat healthily and exercise, however, it may be because of your hormones that you are so ravenous. Are you getting enough sleep? In one study, volunteers who were deprived of sleep saw their levels of the hormone ghrelin soar — making them extremely hungry — while their levels of leptin hormone plummeted. You see, the hormone ghrelin stimulates appetite, and leptin and oxyntomodulin, suppresses it. This indicates why people who are chronically sleep-deprived (getting less than seven hours a night) tend to be more overweight than those who get more sleep.

5. Digestive Problems

The stress hormones affects us in different ways. Some may carry stress in their head, and get tension headaches, some may just feel cranky and want to curl up on the sofa with a box of chocolates. However, some people carry stress in their stomach. Cortisol production is naturally high in the early morning to help you wake up. However, people who chronically stress their adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol alter their cortisol concentrations so that cortisol is low in the morning when they wake up instead of high. Also if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), then it could be due to abnormal levels of serotonin. 90% of sufferers are women, some whose IBS symptoms flare up around menstruation. The flux of estrogen and progesterone may also play a role.

6. Constant Fatigue

We all have days when we’re so tired that we’re desperate for a nap. However, if you feel exhausted every day, then you could be suffering from a lack of a thyroid hormone, a condition called hypothyroidism. It is more likely you have this condition if you have gained 10-20 pounds which you cannot shift, even through diet and exercise. Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism, and when the hormone levels are low, all systems slow down, including heart rate, mental functioning, and digestion. Hence why hypothyroidism can make a person feel exhausted, mentally foggy, and even constipated. If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, then you are not alone as it is thought to affect at least 15 million adults nationwide.

7. Mood Swings and Depression

Most ‘midlife’ women experience mood swings and feel anxious in situations that they used to handle calmly before. This is likely due to a hormone imbalance, which could be linked to the menopause.

8. Weight Gain

As women age, they tend to believe that putting weight on is inevitable. Hence why the phrase, ‘middle-aged spread’ exists. But there might be an underlying problem to such weight gain. The problem could be your adrenal system becoming fatigued and then signaling your thyroid that there is a problem. Your thyroid then responds by slowing down your metabolism. Then the pancreas also responds to the signal by thinking it needs to conserve fat, and concentrates on storing fat in your mid-section, on your back and other places that are not suited to your particular body type.

9. Headaches & Migraines

As women enter middle age, they often find they suffer from frequent headaches and even migraines. This could be due to hormonal imbalances around certain times of the menstrual cycle. If you are suffering from headaches and migraines, then it can be helpful to keep a diary of when they occur. This way you can work out if they occur randomly or if they seem to follow certain triggers.

10. Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

If you frequently experience ‘tropical moments’, then this could be due to an imbalance in hormone levels. It was once thought that being too low in estrogen was the issue. However, we now understand that the cause may also be too much estrogen and too little progesterone, or other hormone imbalances in your body that come from the adrenals, ovaries, thyroid, pancreas or gastrointestinal tract. These systems do not always keep in balance, and women are more prone to hormonal imbalances as they go through midlife changes.

11. Vaginal Dryness

As menopause approaches, the reduction of estrogen levels causes changes to the vaginal wall. This can cause vaginal dryness, which can make sex uncomfortable. There are lubricants available which can ease your discomfort, or an intravaginal low-dose estrogen and testosterone cream

12. Breast Changes

As women age, high levels of estrogen can make breasts feel tender and sore, which could lead to lumps, fibroids, and cysts. That’s why it is important to have annual exams and screening mammograms .Get to know your breasts best, by getting into the habit of checking yourself for lumps or anything unusual. While not every lump or breast change indicates cancer, it’s still best to be on the safe side of things and talk to your doctor if you feel something suspicious.

13. Loss of Libido

Hormonal imbalances can cause women to experience a low sex drive. This could be due to low levels of estrogen. Help is at hand though, as your doctor can prescribe a treatment, either as a localized estrogen vaginal cream, or in a tablet, patch or gel form. Or you can try our herb which is known in the Chinese medicine to improve libido.

If you suspect that you are suffering from conditions related to hormonal imbalances, then it’s a good idea to visit your doctor to find out for sure. Hormonal imbalances are well recognized in this day and age, and there are trained specialists such as obstetricians, gynecologists and reproductive endocrinologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hormonal imbalance and abnormalities.

Source: Healthy and Natural World ., WEBMD


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