Women Health Tips
	Ladies additionally need to undergo gender specific preventive check ups for ruling out or for nearly detection of ailments like Osteoporesis, Anaemia, Thyroid imbalance, Cancers of the breast and cervix.   Tests like Mammography, PAP Smear, Bone densitometry and Thyroid function tests that can give the necessary inputs to your Gynecologist or Physician. Remember, early detection means total cure.     Q.   What Is Normal? Ans : Most women bleed for 2-7 days   Periods usually come every 24 to 35 days i.e. cyclically.   You should normally not have clots in your period flow.       Q.   Your Periods Are Heavy When: Ans You bleed more than 7 days   You pass clots in your periods   You need to change pads or tampons more frequently(provided you are using the same brand)   You need to wear ‘double’ protection i.e. more than 1 pad or tampon plus pad to prevent     soiling clothes.   Your blood count(haemoglobin) drops   You need to take time off work due to excess bleeding, fatigue   If you bleed between two periods of after having intercourse you need to check with your doctor regarding getting your cervical smear done. A cervical smear implies checking the fluid near the mouth of the uterus(cervix) to look for abnormal cells.       Q.   Is It Normal To Get Heavy Bleeding Sometimes? Ans   No usually periods should not be heavy. However sometimes the first period following delivery or miscarriage may be heavy. If it persists then you should see your doctor.     Q.   Why Do Periods Become Heavy? Ans : Periods become heavy usually due to hormonal imbalances or thyroid disorders   Other causes may be benign masses in the womb i.e fibroids or overgrowths of the lining of the     womb i.e polyps   Some women may have underlying bleeding problems in which case they might bleed after dental     extractions etc and may bruise easily. If so, this should be brought to your doctors notice.   Rarely one may have to rule out pre malignant or malignant conditions. Q.   What Should You Do If Your Periods Are Heavy Or Irregular? Ans : You should see your doctor to undergo a gynaecologic check up and necessary Investigations Q.   What Are Your Treatment Options? Ans : Most of the time your problem will be settled with medication ie. Tablets (with or without     hormones)   If you are diagnosed with a thyroid disorder you may need to start the required medication for the     same.   In some cases medication for the bleeding may not be successful in decreasing your blood loss.   There are newer ways to decrease blood loss by inserting a device in your womb ie. Mirena.   If this also doesn’t work you may have to check with your doctor regarding further options like     surgery example removal of fibroid etc if fibroids are the cause of your bleeding.   If nothing else works, the last option usually is removal of your uterus which may be facilitated by     key hole surgery or an open surgery.