A missed period for several months in a row (not due to pregnancy or breastfeeding) is usually the result of a hormone imbalance such as PCOS. Stress, weight gain, eating disorders and other health problems can also cause amenorrhea.

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding during your period can have a big impact on your quality of life. It can also lead to anemia, fainting and other health problems. Fibroids and hormone imbalances are common causes.

Abnormal periods may mean you have short (less than 24 days) or long (more than 38 days) menstrual cycles. Irregular periods are common in teens and in those approaching menopause.

Mild discomfort is common during your period, but sometimes you may experience severe pain, cramps and other symptoms. Dysmenorrhea can be a sign of uterine and endometrial conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

You’re in menopause when you stop having periods for 12 consecutive months. Most people reach menopause in their 50s. Perimenopause refers to the transitional years before menopause when your hormone levels are changing.

Menopause and perimenopause are natural stages of life, not disorders or diseases. But they can produce symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, hot flashes and decreased libido (sex drive).

About 90% of menstruating people experience PMS in the weeks leading up to their periods. Symptoms may include bloating, headaches or changes in mood. Some people have a severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) that can lead to depression, migraines and other serious problems.

Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to anemia. Anemia means your blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells, so your body doesn’t receive enough oxygen.

Many with PCOS also have depression and anxiety. Mental health conditions can also get worse during PMS or if you have premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

More than half of people with female hormone imbalances such as PCOS or irregular menstrual cycles develop prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes, obesity and other risk factors for menstrual disorders also increase your risk of endometrial cancer.

You are more likely to have high cholesterol and high blood pressure if you have amenorrhea (absent periods) or irregular periods. These conditions increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Conditions leading to menstrual disorders, such as PCOS and uterine fibroids, are common reasons for difficulty getting pregnant.

Women with amenorrhea or those who are in menopause have low estrogen levels. Low estrogen weakens your bones and puts you at risk for osteoporosis and fractures.

Endocrine or female reproductive system cancers can affect hormones or cause abnormal menstruation. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also affect your periods.

Blood thinners, hormone replacement therapy, birth control and other medications may lead to hormone imbalances or menstrual disorders.

A diet high in salt, caffeine, saturated fat and processed foods can make PMS symptoms and other menstrual problems worse.

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia can cause extreme weight loss that can lead to irregular or missed periods.

Chronic (long-term) stress and anxiety disrupt your body's testosterone, estrogen and progesterone levels.

Uterine or ovarian disorders affect your hormones and menstrual cycle. The most common problems include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency.

Obesity increases your risk of irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding and ovulation disorders.

Adopting a balanced diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of some menstrual disorders.

Symptoms of PCOS, fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding may improve with hormonal birth control. Birth control options include the pill, shot, patch, ring or an intrauterine device (IUD).

A medication called tranexamic acid, which you take at the start of your period, relieves heavy bleeding.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen effectively relieve PMS symptoms such as cramps, headaches and abdominal pain.

You may benefit from hormone therapy, especially if you are entering menopause or have irregular periods. Hormone therapy increases certain types of hormones in your body to reduce your symptoms.

We use minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic techniques to treat many disorders, including uterine fibroids and endometriosis.

We offer endometrial ablation for heavy menstrual bleeding. This minimally invasive procedure uses heat to reduce the lining of your uterus so you don’t bleed as much during your period.