A woman's menstrual cycle occurs approximately every 28 days. It usually lasts from 3 to 8 days; however it varies from woman to woman. The cycle can be regular or irregular and often includes light bleeding between menstruation and the next. This disorder is often referred to as "spotting". It is usually caused by hormonal modulation, eating habits or intense physical activity. In this article, we will show you some ways to prevent premenstrual bleeding.
Steps
Step 1. Take the birth control pill at the same time every day
Irregular intake of the contraceptive pill is the main cause of bleeding in the intra-menstrual period.
Step 2. Change your contraceptive method if you are using an IUD
The latter causes a greater amount of losses than other birth control methods.
Step 3. Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen if possible
Both of these non-steroidal pain relievers can thin the blood, increasing blood loss caused by the normal cycle of hormones.
About 10% of women are subject to ovulatory spotting, due to a sharp drop in estrogen (hormonal shift) that precedes the ovulatory peak and causes a small flaking of the uterine mucosa
Step 4. Avoid Stress
Excessive stress can determine the irregularity of the menstrual cycle. Reduced production of progesterone and estrogen hormones are among the main causes of spotting.
Both mental and physical stress can affect your menstrual cycle. Doctors recommend moderate physical activity, yoga, and relaxation exercises to help combat stress
Step 5. Monitor your weight
Obesity increases the risk of uterine cancer. Excessive physical activity or drastic weight loss can also upset the menstrual cycle, causing it to jump or make it irregular.
Step 6. Get examined by your gynecologist every year
You can have a pap smear and other tests that may prevent irregular bleeding.
Mild blood loss is likely after testing, but it will disappear within a day
Advice
- Spotting can be a symptom of pregnancy and is normal in the first few months as well as late in the pregnancy. It can also be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the oocyte is fertilized but implants itself before reaching the uterus, in a fallopian tube or outside the uterus, so the pregnancy is interrupted.
- Spotting can also be a symptom of the early stages of premenopause, otherwise called the menopausal transition. Talk to your doctor for more information about this transition phase.
- Taking antibiotics in conjunction with the use of the contraceptive pill can cause the interruption of the menstrual cycle, as well as make contraception ineffective. Talk to your doctor before stopping any treatment.
- Vomiting and diarrhea can also affect the regularity of the cycle. But when these disorders disappear, the normal cycle returns.
Warnings
- Contact your doctor if you suffer from impaired thyroid function and have blood loss. In this case, the spotting could be caused by hypothyroidism.
- Dark yellow discharge may indicate a vaginal infection. In this case, consult your doctor.
- Excessive losses can be a symptom of a more serious problem with the reproductive system. If they occur for more than 3 days, consult the gynecologist to rule out the presence of cancer of the uterus or cervix, sexually transmitted diseases and polyps.
