Why Did I Miss a Period?
In this busy day and age, we’re not always the best about listening to our bodies, but a missed period will set off alarm bells in most women’s heads as a clear sign that something is up. The most obvious answer is that amenorrhea (the medical term for a missing period) is a sign of pregnancy, but for those who are not sexually active or for whom a pregnancy test has ruled that reason out, what could be the root cause of a missed period? Turns out, there are a lot of potential reasons.
For starters, how long should you be skipping periods before you start to worry? Typically once a pregnancy has been ruled out, the time span varies based on regularity. If you’re usually very regular, start talking to your doctor after a few months have passed. If you have a history of being irregular, six to nine months is usually the time to start looking for the cause of your amenorrhea.
Nutrition and Lifestyle
When the body doesn’t receive enough nutrients, endures exercise that is too intense, or a combination of those factors, the reproductive system shuts down to try to help the body cope with the physical stress. Amenorrhea is a common symptom of eating disorders for this reason, but it’s also seen in athletes or people with intense and unhealthy fitness regimens. You may see the myth floating around in weight loss and exercise circles that a missing period means you’re on the right track and working hard enough, but this is false– and dangerous. If you’ve noticed your period stopping as a result of your diet and physical activity, it’s time to reassess. Make sure you’re getting enough nutrients of all kinds and not over-exerting yourself when you exercise.
PCOS
PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a hormonal disorder, and even though it’s fairly common, it is often overlooked. Irregular or missing periods are a symptom of PCOS, as well as infertility problems, weight struggles, and excessive body hair and acne. A doctor can diagnose PCOS through checking your hormone levels with a blood test. If you suspect you have PCOS, it’s important to bring it up to your doctor and ask about being tested, because women with PCOS are at a higher risk for diabetes, and you may need regular screening to help you avoid this additional problem.
Thyroid Disease
If tests have ruled out hormonal problems like PCOS but you’re still having trouble figuring out why your period is missing, it’s possible that your thyroid might be the problem. Because there are so many potential causes for amenorrhea, the thyroid isn’t often the first thing doctors test for, but it is important to consider it as a factor when other explanations don’t add up.
Birth Control
Going off the pill and suddenly having a missing period can be a shock when you’ve gotten used to the regularity that the pill offers, but it’s not unheard of. Some women do experience about four to six months of amenorrhea after stopping the pill, so if you’ve just cancelled your prescription, make sure you rule out pregnancy as a cause, and then give your period a little time to come back before you really start worrying.
Menopause
We all know that menopause marks the end of our menstruating years, but your period won’t just stop dead as you approach this age. In most cases, it’s a slower process in which your period becomes irregular and unpredictable, often just skipping a month. It’s important to note that you can still become pregnant at this time in your life! When your period is irregular it becomes harder to predict ovulation, so make sure you stay on top of your birth control methods if a baby isn’t in the cards for you at this time.
Breastfeeding
With the craziness that accompanies a new baby, you may be grateful to hear that periods often stop during breastfeeding, especially if you are exclusively breastfeeding. During the weaning process it may crop back up and be irregular at first before settling back into your natural cycle, but again remember that missing or irregular periods does not mean it’s impossible for you to get pregnant. Ovulation comes before the period, and it can still happen if you aren’t careful.
Stress
There’s a good reason that medical professionals of all types are always urging their patients to lower their stress levels. Stress really can damage your physical health, and one of the telltale signs of this is menstruation coming to a stop. When stress of any kind becomes intense enough, the body goes through changes that allow it to better handle danger, and one of these changes is shutting down the reproductive system. If tests and discussion with your doctor have ruled out other causes and conditions, it may come down to the stress of your life forcing your body into a constant state of fight or flight.
With these potential causes for a missing period in mind, you’re now ready to take charge of your own health and get to the bottom of what’s going on with your body. Renewed Vitality is passionate about helping people stay informed and involved in their health. We are the Berks County area’s top facility for hormone replacement therapy and other treatments. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact us!
When you’re a man in pain, it’s easy to feel both internal and external pressure to “toughen up” and put off seeing a medical professional. Especially if you aren’t exhibiting symptoms, reasons to put off preventative health screenings are usually easy to find. But ignoring preventative care options, like prostate exams, colonoscopies, and others often causes more harm than good.
It can feel invasive and unnecessarily vulnerable to seek medical attention of any kind, but annual physicals and other preventative care help you take responsibility for your own health in the long term. Such earns you the chance to monitor real risks, prevent healthcare complications, and catch any serious illness early when it’s likely easier to cure or treat.
These four men’s health tips will empower you with choices that put you on the road to your best health.
Understand Your Risks
Certain health issues are more prevalent in men, and taking preventative steps is critical toward managing and treating them. For instance, knowing you have an increased risk for developing certain diseases may convince you to take steps to improve your health.
Conditions that are more common in men include: heart disease (including coronary artery disease and heart attack), hypertension (high blood pressure), skin cancer, lung cancer, and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Men are also more prone to atrial fibrillation, diabetes, having an elevated BMI, and using tobacco products.
Don’t Avoid Annual Exams
Even when you don’t feel sick, you should still see your primary care doctor at least once a year. Your annual wellness visits are an opportunity to engage with your physician and review family history, medical conditions, your history with surgery, and any current prescription and nonprescription medications or other supplements.
Normal preventive care practices, including screenings, immunizations, and counseling are often 100% covered by individual healthcare plans, so make sure to review your benefits and check with your doctor’s office before confirming an appointment.
Alternatively, using telehealth services will put you in contact with a doctor for a live virtual doctor’s visit. This option can help men who can’t easily make it to the doctor’s office find the time for preventative care, wherever they are.
Choose To Live Healthier
In addition to committing to annual checkups, adopting even small-seeming changes in your life can improve or even save it in the long run. To live a healthier lifestyle, consider the tips below:
- Exercise Diligently
- Regular exercise helps keep your body at a healthy weight, decreasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. The CDC officially recommends 30 minutes of exercise a day, five days per week. Any physically strenuous activity counts, so choose something you enjoy — like calisthenics, cycling, swimming, or hiking — keeps it pleasurable for you. When you motivate yourself to exercise with fun, you’re more likely to commit.
- Eat Healthier
- Adjusting your diet can have a major effect on your overall health. Focus on eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean sources of protein (including fish and chicken that isn’t fried). Limit how much red meat you eat, and do the same with processed foods, saturated and trans fats, and foods with added sugar and sodium.
- Stay Within A Healthy Weight Range
- Making sure your weight stays within a healthy range has tons of health benefits: it lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer. If you are overweight, it’s especially important to commit to gradual habit changes so your weight loss is consistent and lasts. If you’re trying to lose weight, start small to not overwhelm yourself. Ask your physician what your medically-based suggested weight range is and how to best get there.
- Stop Smoking And Limit Alcohol
- If you smoke cigarettes, vape, or use additional forms of tobacco (chewing tobacco, snuff, etc.), talk to your doctor about the best ways to quit. Ingesting alcohol increases your risk for certain types of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. If you occasionally drink, moderation is essential to keeping a healthy lifestyle.
Be Transparent With Your Doctor
To make the most out of your doctor appointments and build overall trust between you and your physician, transparency is crucial. Men may feel embarrassed about experiencing medical difficulty, but without being open about all the factors that contribute to your health, they can’t do their job as well.
Some men may not want to hear about having to change their diet or lifestyle habits, or may even not feel ready to confront a health issue. But your doctor is your partner in caring for your health and living a long, healthy life. You can be assured that whatever happens, your physician has heard similar concerns before and is trained to help you medically, whatever the cause(s).
At Renewed Vitality, we specialize in helping people stay informed and passionate about their lives and health. We are the Berks County area’s premier facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. We serve both men and women, offering safe, effective care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms and restores quality of life for patients at all stages of life. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality today!
I’ve never met a woman that has said, “Wow, I love menopause!.” Of course, it’s a struggle for many women, and even if it’s not, most will still attest it’s unpleasant. I mean, lets’ face it, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, cold sweats, does any of this sound fun? That’s a hard no, right?
But, while every woman’s menopausal experience is entirely different, there are a few symptoms that remain consistent. For those who have experienced it, I’m positive you’ll find yourself relating to at least a few of the following:
The one when we struggle to get quality sleep.
Menopause is a time for change – major change. These are occurring on an emotional, hormonal, and physical level all at once. This can make sleeping nearly impossible at times. A few everyday sleep struggles are insomnia, hot flashes, and developing sleep-disordered breathing. Getting a good night’s rest is the best start to a day, and even basic tasks can get challenging day after day of not sleeping.
A few things that might improve your sleep are sticking to a bedtime routine, exercising during the day, limiting caffeine, especially around bedtime, and avoiding napping during the day. You can also try drinking chamomile tea before bed, having a warm bath, or listening to a sleep meditation soundtrack.
The one where we cry about everything.
Okay, maybe not “everything,” but it might feel like that to those around us! Because menopause is such a hormonal journey, you might find your emotions a bit harder to control.
Try self-calming techniques like meditation, yoga, deep guided breathing, or going for a walk to practice control over emotions. The most common sentiment reported is irritability. A few things that might help this are daily exercise, a healthy diet, and talk therapy.
The one when our periods are irregular.
This is common for many women. In fact, some women never have a regular menstruation cycle. As ovulation shortens through menopause, the flow and length of your periods change, and menstruation cycles may not be consistent from month to month, or some monthly periods might be missed. It’s common for cycles to shorten during menopause, and eventually, your period will no longer occur. Unfortunately, that usually takes several years, so your period might be irregular for a while!
The one when we’re tired.
When aren’t we tired? Many of us are mothers or maybe even grandmothers. Tired is our middle name! Hormone fluctuations in menopause can be exhausting, making even daily tasks very difficult. In addition, massive changes in estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones can directly impact sleep and cause fatigue.
To boost your energy naturally, try incorporating exercise into your routine. Limit caffeine intake, embrace relaxation, don’t overwork yourself, and stay aware of your energy and time.
The one where we’re moody.
Okay, this is a no-judgment zone, right? Being moody is tough, and as women, we already have so much to go up against. It can get very discouraging. It’s common to feel anxious, depressed, and experience episodes of crying.
Remember, menopause is a massive shift in the body and involves several chemical and hormonal changes. Many women describe themselves as being very irritable and having little to no patience. During menopause, hormone levels of estrogen drop, which has an impact on the entire body. Hormone shifts can also intensify feelings like anger, rage, anxiousness, and much more.
There isn’t a way to eliminate this symptom, but a few things that might help you deal with it are journaling, meditation, and daily exercise. Positive self-talk and daily affirmations are also tools that can help inspire and motivate you to get through difficult times.
We’re All in This Together
Menopause is most definitely not a walk in the park. Though every woman’s experience is unique, common symptoms are an almost universal part of the change of life. Menopause is a time for significant change in your body and has hormonal, chemical, and physical manifestations.
Symptoms can leave you feeling frustrated and alone, but you’re not! Society has taught us it is a private topic we shouldn’t talk about, that it’s something to hide. But that’s not accurate. Let’s talk about menopause and all the pleasant (JUST KIDDING!) symptoms together and celebrate all it means to be a woman.
A Widespread Problem
If you or your partner have experienced painful sex, you are not alone. This problem affects many couples and, likely, many more couples than you think. It is estimated that roughly 20% of women experience dyspareunia.
Dyspareunia refers to persistent or recurring pain during intercourse. Pain during sex often goes unmentioned, even at the doctor. It can have a massive impact on a relationship, resulting in anxiety and stress. In addition, pain during sex can impact a couples’ level of intimacy.
What Causes Painful Sex?
There are many possible causes of pain during sex. Therefore, it’s important to discuss your specific symptoms with your doctor to ensure proper treatment. A few possible causes include:
- Insufficient vaginal lubrication – This affects 50-70% of women after menopause. It can be due to medications, diet/lifestyle changes, emotional or psychological stress, and something else entirely. It’s a common issue that many, many women deal with.
- Vaginismus – This is extreme tightness of the vaginal muscles or spasms of the vagina.
- Vaginal infections due to yeast or bacteria.
- Vaginal atrophy – This is thinning and drying of the tissue that makes vaginal walls and is common after menopause.
- Ovarian issues such as cysts.
Symptoms of Painful Intercourse
Most women who experience sexual discomfort experience pain at entry, during thrusting, or after intercourse. In the latter case, burning, aching, or sharp pain can last up to hours afterward.
Diagnosing Sexual Pain
It’s essential to seek medical attention if pain during sex is a common, persistent issue. Your doctor will review your symptoms and perform a physical examination, including a pelvic exam. Common questions that you may be asked are a description of the pain, sex positions where it is most problematic, and whether your pain has happened with every sexual partner or just one or a few. Additional tests may be required for diagnosis, such as:
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Blood tests
- Hormone level testing
Treatment of Pain During Sex
Treatment varies greatly depending on your diagnosis. A few common treatments for pain during sex are:
- Use of a lubricant
- Medications to decrease vaginal dryness
- Vaginal relaxation exercises
- Sex therapy or counseling
- Trying new sexual positions
- Increased communication with your partner during intercourse
- Hormone replacement therapy
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
If you’re struggling with pain during sex, hormone therapy might be an option for you. Bioidentical hormone therapy refers to supplementing your natural hormones with plant-based, animal-based, or synthetic hormones to balance everything out.
Renewed Vitality has extensive experience creating individualized replacement hormone therapy treatment plans. Bioidentical hormones are made from plant-based sources. Unlike lab-produced synthetic hormones, plant-derived hormones are designed to give the patients the best and most natural results with the least side effects. Bioidentical hormones are identical to those your body already makes, so they can be used more efficiently and have fewer side effects.
Forms of Hormone Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy is usually given in the form of a pellet. A simple procedure which uses a needle to insert a pellet right under the skin, usually in the thigh, hip, or buttocks. As time passes, the pellet releases the hormone directly to the bloodstream. This pellet supplements the natural production of testosterone and estrogen. As hormone levels normalize, the body returns to its usual level of function, and you may notice a decrease in unwanted symptoms like sexual pain.
Each pellet can last from three to six months. This form of therapy is known to be safe and effective. Placement is completed by a professional, and the pellets have fewer side effects than other known treatments. Other options for receiving hormone therapy are topical creams, hormone replacement patches, and oral hormone replacement therapy. Your Renewed Vitality practitioner can create a treatment plan that works for your needs and lifestyle.
Bioidentical hormone therapy can help women take their sex life back. It can increase natural lubrication in the vagina, making intimacy less painful.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you’re experiencing pain during sex, your doctor or the professionals at Renewed Vitality can help. Don’t suffer alone in silence! Let us help you find relief so you can reclaim your sensuality today!
