A Naturopathic Approach to Happy Periods

What are Menstrual Irregularities?

Many women are affected by some type of irregularity in their menstrual cycle, and often times these issues change at different times of life, such as puberty, post-pregnancy, and menopause. Common issues that we treat regularly are abnormal bleeding, irregular cycles, painful cycles, and PMS.

Abnormal bleeding is usually classified as heavy flow, a long period lasting more than a week, and bleeding or spotting between periods. Irregular cycles can include the absence of regular periods, called amenorrhea, or cycles that vary widely and can be short or long. Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, refers to severe cramping before or during periods. PMS is a common concern that can cause mood changes around cycles.

Causes, Signs & Symptoms

Abnormal or irregular menses can present in the following ways:

  • Short menstrual cycles less than 21 days apart
  • Long menstrual cycles more than 35 days apart
  • Heavy bleeding or flow
  • Light or scanty bleeding or flow
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Bleeding or spotting between periods, after sex, or during menopause
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There can be many contributing factors to abnormal periods, including:

How are Menstrual Irregularities Diagnosed?

Blood tests are necessary to check for thyroid dysfunction and hormone imbalances, including perimenopause, and we often use a specialized urine test to look at hormone levels and metabolites. We may order a pelvic ultrasound to look for any structural abnormalities like polyps, fibroids or cysts, or an endometrial biopsy to assess for endometriosis or cancer.
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How are Menstrual Irregularities Treated?

There are a wide variety of causes and symptoms of irregularities in menstrual cycles, and treatment is individualized according to the underlying issue. We use combinations of botanical and amino acid supplements, bioidentical hormone therapy, and referral to gynecologic specialists when indicated.

Why Choose Spark Health?

Our team of female doctors, acupuncturists and visceral physical therapists understand how impactful menstrual problems can be on quality of life. Our goal is always to get to the root cause of your concerns, and not just cover up symptoms with medications like oral contraceptives. We work together to develop a treatment plan that is specific to each patient's individual needs. Founded in 2013 in Solana Beach, California, Spark Health offers personalized wellness medicine to patients in San Diego and Southern California.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Menstrual periods that are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
  • The time between each cycle changes each time
  • Bleeding or spotting between periods, after sex, or during menopause

We work together to develop a treatment plan that is specific to each patient's individual needs. Our goal is always to get to the root cause of your concerns, and not just cover up symptoms with medications.

  • Periods consistently last for more than a week
  • Heavy bleeding or flow
  • Light or scanty bleeding or flow
  • Absence of regular periods
  • Painful periods
  • Severe cramping before or during periods

Excessive loss of blood can deplete the body's supply of iron and cause anemia. A mild case of anemia can cause fatigue and weakness. A more severe case can result in headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath.

Treatment is individualized according to the underlying issue. We use combinations of natural supplements, bioidentical hormone therapy, and referral to gynecologic specialists when indicated.

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