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MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS Many women experience some discomfort or problems with their menstrual cycle including pain, irregular cycles, and heavy bleeding. Most of the time, these problems are not serious and only temporary. Other times these symptoms are a signal to something more serious. Women are usually very in tune to their menstrual cycle. This is very helpful because any significant change could signal a problem. Keeping track of your cycle not only helps you determine what is normal or abnormal, but also will assist your physician. If you miss a period when your cycle has been otherwise regular, it is best to see your physician. A common cause of missed periods is pregnancy. If that gets ruled out, your doctor will need more information to identify the cause. Some other reasons for missed periods include breastfeeding, stress, menopause, over exercising, and hormonal problems. Keep in mind it is not uncommon to skip one or two periods a year, so a missed period does not automatically signal a problem. Spotting between periods is another symptom that you should talk about with your doctor. For women using birth control, light bleeding between periods may mean the pill needs to be changed. Not taking the pills at a regular time each day can also cause some bleeding. Ovulation and conditions such as an overactive thyroid or diabetes can also contribute to abnormal bleeding. Cramps are a common condition associated with menstrual periods. Often, a dull or throbbing pain in the lower abdomen is felt just before or during the first few days of a cycle. For most women, this can usually be treated with over the counter pain relievers. There is cause for concern if the pain becomes more severe or prolonged, or if it interferes with your day-to-day functioning. Endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, and pelvic inflammatory disease are some of the problems that can be associated with unusually painful periods. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or anything else that doesn't seem normal, it is important to schedule an appointment with your physician. HYSTERECTOMY A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman's uterus. Each year nearly 600,000 women in the U.S. have a hysterectomy. The procedure can also include removal of one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is the second most common surgical procedure among women. Reasons for having a hysterectomy include gynecological cancer, fibroids, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and uterine prolapse. Once a hysterectomy is performed, a woman stops having periods and no longer has the ability to become pregnant. Talk to your physician about alternatives if you are considering a hysterectomy and want to become pregnant. Although generally considered a very safe surgery, hysterectomies, as with any surgery, have a risk of complications. These include, but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, and early onset of menopause. Recovery time from a hysterectomy is generally six to eight weeks. During that time, it is important to get plenty of rest and follow activity restrictions. ALTERNATIVES TO HYSTERECTOMY The most common reasons for a hysterectomy include uterine fibroids, heavy bleeding, endometriosis, and chronic pelvic pain. Below is a discussion about each condition and possible treatment alternatives. • uterine fibroids: tumors, usually benign, found on the muscles of the uterus. They can cause pain, infertility, and heavy bleeding. Absent any of these symptoms, some physicians take a "wait and see" approach choosing to monitor the situation and hold off on surgery. If the symptoms become worse over time, surgery or hormones or anti-inflammatory drugs may be used.
Novasure®: is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure to remove the lining of the uterus. This procedure is done on women who have excessive menstrual bleeding. It is a safe procedure with no incisions and generally takes less than five minutes for your physician to perform. Most women have a significant reduction in bleeding (many stop completely), as well as a reduction in PMS symptoms. This procedure is recommended for women who have completed childbearing. Cramping and some discomfort are usually felt after the procedure. A watery and/or bloody discharge is also common for several weeks after the procedure. Being informed about your treatment options along with open communication with your physician will help you decide what is best for you. ESSURE® Women have many choices when it comes to birth control. From pills to patches, rings, and IUDs, there are many options. Essure is permanent birth control and an alternative to tubal ligation. Unlike tubal ligation, Essure does not involve any cutting or burning. Coils are inserted into the fallopian tubes and during the first 3 months following the procedure, the coils and your body work to form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. After 3 months, a test is performed to confirm that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked. Until the confirmation test, another form of birth control should be used. Studies have shown Essure to be 99.8% effective. Essure contains no hormones like other forms of birth control and has a minimal recovery time. Menstrual periods generally continue in their natural state after the procedure and it is covered by most insurance plans. Essure is not reversible. Talk to your physician to see if Essure may be right for you. ADOLESCENT ACNE Most teens, male and female, will experience some form of acne, ranging from mild acne characterized by just a few pimples, to more severe acne, which can be dozens of pimples that may be bigger and painful and result in scarring. Pimples commonly occur on the face, back, neck, and shoulders. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate and greasy foods do not cause acne. Changing hormones during puberty make skin more oily, which can trigger acne. Teenage girls who have started their period are more likely to develop acne and may see flare-ups just prior to starting their period. Acne can also be hereditary if one or both parents had severe acne. Although acne cannot be totally prevented, the following can help keep it from getting worse: gently washing skin every day, especially after activities that cause sweating, washing hair if oily and keeping it off of your face, and avoiding hair and skin products that contain a lot of oil. Avoiding tight-fitting clothing items can also help, including sports equipment padding or straps, helmets, bra straps, and headbands. Minimizing stress and touching your face can also help. Mild to moderate acne can be treated with over the counter cleansers and creams. Some of the most common include benzoyl peroxide (found in Clearasil) which unplugs pores, and alpha-hydroxy acid or salicylic acid, which dries up blemishes and causes the top skin layer to peel. Make sure to always read and follow directions carefully when using these products. If the over the counter products improve your condition, then no further treatment is usually needed. However, if you are bothered by your acne, if it doesn't clear up at home in 6-8 weeks, or scars develop, it is probably best to schedule an appointment with your physician. Stronger treatment, including birth control pills and antibiotics, may be necessary. SKIN CARE TIPS FOR TEENS • Choose cosmetics and moisturizers that are oil-free. This will reduce blocked pores which
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