Patient's question:
My wife has had irregular periods for the past two cycles, where after her period, she always experiences scattered brownish that lasts for about a week before clearing up. Additionally, she has breast tenderness and lower abdominal pain during this time. After her period ends, she also feels vaginal itching. What could be causing this?First follow-up question: Moreover, during her period, she has blood clots, and the duration lasts for about fifteen days with vaginal pain. Is this related to the IUD, or could it be something else?
Doctor's answer:
A normal menstrual cycle is 28-30 days, with a delay or advancement of one week being considered normal. A normal menstrual period lasts 3-7 days, with most lasting 3-5 days. The amount of menstrual flow varies among women, generally ranging from 20 to 100 milliliters. Excessive menstrual bleeding may be caused by factors such as excessive mental stress, environmental changes, malnutrition, and metabolic disorders, leading to functional uterine bleeding. Long-term excessive bleeding can cause anemia, and the underlying cause should be identified and treated. Of course, if menstrual bleeding is too light due to abnormal uteri or ovaries, or due to systemic diseases, this is also abnormal and should be addressed by seeking medical attention in a timely manner.