Florida Hospital Best in Care: Women and Children - Summer 2011 - (Page 3)

Menstrual cycles are a good barometer for your general health. What’s Your period can give you important clues about your body. Are you listening? Normal, What’s Not Menstrual disorders are one of the most common reasons women seek help from a gynecologist. Excessively long, heavy or frequent periods can disrupt a woman’s life, interfering with her normal activities, her favorite pastimes and her sexuality. But, according to D. Ashley Hill, D. Ashley Hill, MD, MD, board-certiﬁed gynecologist Obstetrics and at Florida Hospital Orlando and Gynecology medical director of the Center for Menstrual Disorders, that doesn’t need to be the case. “By understanding what normal menstrual pain and bleeding is, a woman can begin treatment earlier,” says Dr. Hill. What’s Normal • A ﬂow that is light, then gets heavier, then tapers o again • Having your period every 25 to 35 days • Mild cramping lasting a few days What’s Not • Requiring two menstrual products at a time or using more than 10 tampons or pads per day • Bleeding more than seven days • Pain a ecting your day-to-day life • Anemia requiring iron or blood transfusions SMART SOLUTIONS Most doctors like to categorize menstrual disorders into two groups: abnormal hormones and uterine problems. Generally, most women with irregular periods have a hormonal imbalance or similar problem. This may be treated with medication or intrauterine-device therapy — a small, ﬂexible, hormone-releasing device inserted into the uterus. Women with regular but heavy periods may have a problem with the uterus, such as a ﬁbroid tumor or uterine polyp. It’s important that they speak with their gynecologist soon if they have heavy bleeding. It can cause anemia and fatigue — resulting in absence from work or school or di culty conceiving, and could even lead to blood transfusions. “Physicians at the Center for Menstrual Disorders work closely with hematologists, gynecologic oncologists and infertility specialists as needed to create an individualized treatment plan for each woman that may include minimally invasive surgery such as polyp removal and endometrial ablation,” explains Dr. Hill. • Up to 80 percent of women report pain during menstruation, and about 35 percent of adolescents report missing school as a result of painful periods. • About one-third of women report heavy menstrual bleeding at some point in their lives. • Aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes, three days a week, can reduce cramping and help you ﬁght cravings. To put a stop to your menstrual problems, make an appointment with a board-certiﬁed gynecologist like Dr. Hill. Just call us at (407) 303-BEST (2378). Facts Get the EVENT JULY DO YOU HAVE PERIOD PROBLEMS? LET US HELP Join Dr. Hill at 5:30 pm, July 19, for a FREE lecture at Florida Hospital Orlando on menstrual disorders. Healthy refreshments provided. Reserve your seat by calling (407) 303-BEST (2378). HEALTHY 00tips Many people don’t know their health risks until it’s too late. Take responsibility for your well-being and commit to getting a yearly physical. TAKE TIME FOR YOU FloridaHospital.com 3 http://www.FloridaHospital.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Florida Hospital Best in Care: Women and Children - Summer 2011

Florida Hospital Best in Care: Women and Children - Summer 2011
Understand the clues your monthly cycle provides
When to seek the help of a fertility specialist
Expert tips for bed-wetting problems
An Amazing Journey
Events Calendar

Florida Hospital Best in Care: Women and Children - Summer 2011