| |
Suffer from heavy periods? Find sex painful? Or just feel that something is not right down under? Dr Cordelia Han and Dr Tan Thiam Chye of KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital touch on the following gynaecological conditions.
Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual disorders include Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS), Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding), Oligomenorrhea (light or infrequent menstruation), Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) and Amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation).
You might be familiar with PMS. The symptoms are tender breasts, weight gain, bloatedness, headaches, lower backaches, food cravings, fatigue, increased or decreased sexual desire, irritability and depression.
Menstrual cramps can begin 2-3 years after the onset of menses. The "crampy" lower abominal pain can begin as early as 2 weeks before the menstrual period. The discomfort will ease with the period. However, if symptoms are disruptive to your lifestyle, consider seeing a specialist.
Who gets it
Any menstruating woman
Solution
Treatments include painkillers, birth control pills, hormone therapy and even anti-depressants.
Tips to relieve menstrual cramps
-
Take over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
-
Drink a hot cup of tea.
-
Place a heating pad or hot-water bottle on your abdomen or lower back.
-
Take a warm bath.
-
Gently massage your abdomen.
Related articles:
Ovarian Cysts
Subfertility
Vaginal Discharge |
|