Your time of the month can sometimes be really inconvenient. What’s more inconvenient is unexpected bleeding and spotting. Is this normal, or do you need to see a specialist? How can you stop the inconsistency?
A visit to a menstrual bleeding specialist near Greenbelt, Maryland may be exactly what you need to get your menstrual cycle back on track.
My Periods Are Usually Right on Track, But Now I’m Experiencing Spotting – What’s Causing It?
Spotting, while usually light and not requiring a pad or tampon, can be a bother as well as alarming if you have never experienced it before. There are many causes for spotting, and you could be dealing with one or more reasons.
Stress is a leading cause of spotting. It’s an issue that can affect your body in several other ways too. Headaches, sleep problems, low sex drive, tense muscles, and stomach problems can also be caused by stress. It can even cause you to completely miss periods.
Other common causes of spotting include hormonal changes or hormone birth control, certain STDs, early pregnancy, and underlying medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), polyps, or uterine fibroids. Perimenopause can also be the culprit.
While there is usually no serious reason to worry, you should schedule a visit with your women’s healthcare provider as soon as you notice a problem. This is the only way to determine your specific cause and receive the proper treatment.
How Does a Menstrual Specialist Diagnose the Cause of My Spotting?
Your visit may begin with a conversation about your symptoms. Be prepared to answer the following questions:
- When did the spotting begin?
- How heavy is your spotting?
- Does anything make it worse?
- Do you have cramps with spotting? If so, how severe are they?
- Is there anything you do to prevent or relieve your spotting?
- Do you have other symptoms like bruising, incontinence, or blood in your urine?
Even if your menstrual specialist doesn’t ask every one of these questions, be clear and as detailed as possible when you discuss your symptoms. Even if you think a detail is unimportant, it might not be, so let your specialist know.
You should expect a pelvic exam and tests such as a blood draw, urinalysis, pregnancy test and potentially an ultrasound. If more diagnostic testing is needed, you might be asked to have a cervical biopsy, uterine biopsy, or hysteroscopy.
Once I’ve Been Given a Diagnosis, What are My Treatment Options for Spotting Between Periods?
There are several treatment options. Your specific treatment will depend on variables such as your age, the suspected or confirmed cause of your spotting, and whether or not you plan to have children.
It’s possible your specialist will decide to wait to see if your spotting stops on its own if it is caused by a hormonal imbalance. If your menstrual specialist decides treatment is the right route, the following may be suggested:
- IUD (intrauterine device): An IUD is a small plastic uterine device that releases hormones and can stop spotting.
- Oral contraceptives: Birth control is often prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles, stop cramping, and preventing spotting.
- D & C (dilation and curettage): This is a surgical procedure done to remove a portion of uterine lining.
- Endometrial ablation: Also a surgical procedure, an endometrial ablation destroys the uterine lining while leaving the uterus intact. This procedure can stop menstrual bleeding altogether.
- Hysterectomy: This is done usually as a last resort for women who are not planning to have children. It is a surgery done to remove the uterus and can also include removal of the ovaries if needed.
How Should I Prepare for My Appointment With a Women’s Healthcare Specialist?
It’s normal to feel anxious about your appointment with a menstrual bleeding specialist near Greenbelt, Maryland. Even if you don’t feel nervous, you should still prepare. Ideally, this is a doctor who will become a long-term partner in your healthcare, so building a rapport is important.
Begin by visiting your specialist’s website and downloading patient forms so you can fill them out at home. Having to rush to fill them out in a waiting room might add to your stress.
Gather important information. You’ll need to provide a list of medications, supplements, or vitamins you’re currently taking, dates of past surgeries or medical procedures, and family medical history. Don’t forget to take your medical insurance card and ID!
You’ll also need to be prepared to ask questions and share your concerns. It helps if you take the time to write those down before your appointment.
You might also want to take notes during your discussion. You don’t want to forget the important information given to you by your specialist. This information might include at-home treatments, additional instructions, or dates for tests and follow-up appointments.
Most importantly, remember your specialist will not judge you. Their priority is your health and safety. What matters to them is making sure you feel heard and understood, and that you receive the right treatment.
When Searching for the Best Menstrual Bleeding Specialist Near Greenbelt, Maryland, Look to the Compassionate Providers Here at Women’s HealthCare Specialists!
Choose Women’s HealthCare Specialists if what matters to you is the highest quality, comprehensive medical care. We have a state-of-the-art facility and offer the most advanced treatment options that combine modern medicine with traditional standards of care.
If you are experiencing spotting or any unusual symptoms, please do not delay scheduling your appointment. Contact us at 301-812-3400 today!
