Menstrual problems
Period problems are a big issue for women. From your menarche to the menopause, it’s common for women to experience pain, heavy bleeding and irregular periods at some stage in their reproductive lives. Menstrual problems are more than an inconvenience; they can affect your health, your ability to work and study, and your social wellbeing.
Many girls and women are self-conscious about discussing their menstrual health, but period problems affect most women at some time. If you're worried about your periods, The Amara Clinic offers a safe, serene and supportive space to access exceptional gynaecological care.
In additions to consultations we can also offer further investigations, including blood tests and ultrasound scanning under the same roof. We aim to streamline your care, which will minimise your stress.
Patient Reviews
Painful periods or dysmenorrhea
If you’ve ever sat on the sofa with a hot water bottle clutched to your abdomen, you’ll know that period pain is a common problem. About 80% of women and girls experience period pain at some stage in their reproductive lives, and in 5% to 10% of women, the pain is bad enough to disrupt their lives. Period pain is widespread during the teenage years and can also become an issue during perimenopause.
Irregular periods
Not everyone's periods arrive every 28 days like clockwork. Irregular periods are incredibly common. The normal cycle varies between women- what's erratic for one person may be entirely normal for you. Stress, life events, excessive exercise and weight changes can all alter your period pattern – but if your periods have changed, they last more than seven days, your periods last longer than seven days, there's at least a 20-day difference between your longest and shortest cycle, or you're struggling to get pregnant it may be time to get specialist support.
Treatment for period problems
The treatment you receive for your period problems depends on your underlying condition and personal preferences. The specialists at The Amara Clinic may recommend:
- Hormonal treatments: These include the Mirena coil, HRT, the combined pill or GnRH agonists, which block oestrogen production and can reduce symptoms of endometriosis.
- Endometrial ablation: A thin layer of the endometrium (tissue lining the womb) is broken down and destroyed.
- Laparoscopic excision: Techniques including high energy laser, heat and ultrasound can be used to excise or destroy endometriosis.
- Polypectomy: Polyps are removed during hysteroscopy; a fine tube is inserted through your vagina and cervix to visualise the uterus and a special tool called a morcellator (Myosure device) is used to cut away the polyps without the need for heat.
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus is generally a last resort and is only considered if other treatments fail. Previously, one in five women had a hysterectomy before they reached menopause. Today, the procedure is relatively uncommon and performed via keyhole or laparoscopic surgery to avoid a lengthy recovery.
Fibroid removal
- Laparoscopic myomectomy: A small incision is made near the belly button, and a tiny tube fitted with a camera is passed through. Surgery is carried out via other small incisions in the abdominal wall.
- Open myomectomy: Surgery to remove fibroids is carried out through a larger incision along the lower abdomen (known as a bikini cut).
- Uterine artery embolisation: Fibroids are zapped with a pellet which blocks the attached blood vessels, so they die naturally, avoiding major surgery.