The vast majority of women will experience a period in their lifetime. But, not all periods are created equal. If you are one of the women who has irregular, painful, or non-existent periods then click on the resources below for answers to your common questions about periods.

Heavy Bleeding: Heavy periods and extra bleeding outside of your normal scheduled period can be handled in a number of ways depending on what tests show. Once we have done an appropriate evaluation, and we are sure there is nothing “wrong,” you may not choose to do anything. You can change your mind at any time, and we can move down the list on this page of options. If the bleeding is heavy then you may become anemic. A low blood count is a reason to do something. If you elect to do nothing then you will need Yearly evaluation and the bleeding should stop when you go into menopause. The average age of menopause is 51 years old.

Missing Periods: The old myth about a woman “needing” her period is just that…a myth. Medically, the cells at the lining of the uterus need progesterone to remain healthy. Without progesterone the cells may grow constantly. Constant growth of the cells which line the uterus can result in pre-cancer and cancer of the lining of the uterus. Progesterone comes in many forms.

• All forms of hormonal contraception: pill, shot, Mirena IUD.
• Progesterone pills, like medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethindrone.
• Ovulation, either naturally, or with the help of clomiphene citrate or fertility drugs.

Any form will do. The studies show that a progesterone period every three months is “enough” to prevent dangerous overgrowth of the cells inside the uterus.