Menstrual disorders

Problem Periods

If you are experiencing concerns about your periods or your cycle, our clinic is here to help. You may suffer from:

• painful periods
• heavy or prolonged periods
• irregular periods
• absent/no periods (amenorrhea)
• bleeding between periods
• bleeding during or after sex
• premenstrual stress/tension (PMS)
• premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

In addition to these types of disorders, there are conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis that affect your periods and cycle, and can cause ongoing difficulties for women when left untreated.

You can read more information in our Support Centre on Menstrual Disorders, including ways to help manage related issues.

There is a wide variety of ways to treat the above conditions, including hormone treatments to make your periods lighter or not occur at all, or medicine to lighten the flow, and stronger painkillers if needed. Dr Summerhill might also want to check your iron levels or refer you to other specialists for further investigation.

PMS and PDD

Further information about PMS and PMDD can be found here.

In order to diagnose PMS and PMDD, symptoms must be logged, ideally over two cycles. Please take a look at the menstrual diary below to enable you to record your symptoms.

NAPS-MENSTRUAL-DIARY.docx (live.com)

Dr Summerhill is able to advise on the initial treatment options if you have PMS, such as the newer contraceptive pills and hormonal patches or coils, as well as some antidepressants.

Book an appointment with Dr Summerhill if your periods or cycles are having a negative impact on your life, there is plenty that can be done to improve problem periods and premenstrual syndrome disorders.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS affects 1 in 10 women, but there is a lack of research into this condition. It is estimated that 50-75% of people with PCOS are unaware they have it.

PCOS is a hormone disorder that affects how your ovaries work and stops ovulation occurring. This results in follicles in the ovaries producing higher quantities of androgen (‘male’) hormone which has knock on effects around the whole body.

Symptoms include:

• irregular periods 
• increase in androgen hormone which can lead to unwanted hair growth on face and body and male pattern baldness
• polycystic ovaries. 

As well as these symptoms there can also be:

• weight gain
• acne and oily skin
• skin tags
• dark or thick patches of skin on back of neck, armpits and under breasts
• difficulties getting pregnant.

Diagnosing PCOS

There isn’t a single test to diagnose PCOS, and Dr Summerhill may wish to do one or more of the following:

1. Physical exam which may include an internal pelvic exam 
2. Blood tests to check hormone levels for any irregularities and help rule out other causes of disordered periods or high androgen levels. Additional blood tests may include evaluations of fasting cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and a glucose tolerance test to gauge the body’s response to glucose.
3. Ultrasound provides a visual assessment of the ovaries and the uterine lining thickness. This involves using a transducer placed in the vagina, emitting sound waves translated into images on a computer screen. Dr Summerhill can refer you to our partners, Starlight Ultrasound for this investigation.

Treating PCOS

Treating your PCOS will be individualised to your health and priorities. There are various options and these often depend on whether you are wanting to become pregnant or not.

Your weight, diet and level of physical activity will be discussed as these can have an impact on managing PCOS symptoms. If you have PCOS and you’re overweight, losing weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet can make some symptoms better and there are medicines to address excessive hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems.

With the right treatment, most women with PCOS are able to get pregnant if that is desired.

Consultations