Menstruation
Discomfort during menstruation is just one of many symptoms linked with the menstrual cycle. Others include headaches, mood swings, PMS, back aches and digestive problems. For some women excessive or irregular bleeding, or an absence of bleeding, is the main concern.
If you would like to balance your monthly cycle and/or reduce symptoms, we'll begin with a gynaecology consultation. Treatment ranges from lifestyle or dietary changes to hormone medication and, less commonly, surgery.
You begin by meeting your gynaecologist.
Ultrasound scanning is the main test. It usually provides an accurate diagnosis. CDS sonographers are world leaders in advanced 3D and 4D pelvic scanning. Further MRI scan imaging is very rarely recommended.
Occasionally hysteroscopy, a surgical technique using a tiny camera, is needed to directly visualise the internal cavity of the uterus. Many abnormalities can be corrected using hysteroscopy.
Blood tests may be useful to check your hormones and blood count for anaemia. A blood profile also checks kidney and liver function, cholesterol, calcium and sugar levels.
Medical treatment may include pain relief, hormones (including the pill) and the Mirena IUS. Surgery is occasionally beneficial. We use minimally invasive techniques wherever possible to correct a problem. This usually allows us to avoid major operations such as hysterectomy (see our newsletter, january 2009).
Complementary and lifestyle approaches may help to reduce your symptoms, often in conjunction with medical or surgical treatment. The team at Viveka has an international reputation for regulating menstruation and reducing PMS and pain. Nutritional support, acupuncture, osteopathy and homeopathy can correct menstrual disturbances, PMS or pain; and life coaching, reverse therapy or hypnotherapy can help you make lasting changes to reduce stress.
Viveka's EMO (emotional support) team frequently plays a central role, particularly where mood swings or PMS are the main issue, or as support if surgery is needed.
Did you know?
PMS is sometimes mistakenly treated as if it were depression. A study by the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome reveals that women are commonly offered anti-depressants by GPs when the real problem is menstrual-cycle triggered mood swings. Sharing a menstrual, mood and symptom diary with your gynaecologist or complementary therpaist can assist successful treatment. (see our newsletter, February 2009)
