Women lead very fast and challenging lives that keep them occupied long enough for them to not notice subtle changes and problems in their bodies. Problems related to menstruation often develop either from the not-so-healthy lifestyle choices that women have to make or through genetic carriers. Skipping a cycle is one of the first signs that many women tend to ignore because it is not so dangerous, but prolonged signs or recurring issues could be pointing to a bigger red flag which you should not ignore.
Here are a few signs that you could look out for in your daily lives to help you identify menstruation-related problems that you should not ignore.
1. Before your menstrual cycle starts, your body undergoes several hormonal ups and downs that can trigger certain physical conditions like asthma, diabetes, depression, etc. These conditions can sometimes worsen during the span of the cycle. If you face a similar problem, reach out to your gynecologist for either remedies or medicines to help you feel better.
2. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is an exaggerated form of premenstrual syndrome. Extreme mood swings, a sudden change in appetite, anger issues, anxiety, and depression are all signs that you should check with your doctor to get techniques and, if needed, medication to help you cope with these problems. Usually, doctors prescribe anti-depressants but never take them without consultation.
3. Most women experience heavy flow on their first or second days, but sometimes the flow does not reduce even after the fifth or sixth day. The cycle also gets prolonged, leaving the body in discomfort. This often happens due to the presence of cysts in the uterus walls. The loss of so much blood from the body causes anemia, which requires immediate medical consultation.
4. Abnormal bleeding between two menstrual cycles can be caused by fibroids, cysts, pre-cancer cells, and so on. At times, it could also be due to the intake of birth control pills. Consult with your doctor if you happen to face a similar problem.
5. Sometimes, during your cycle, you may experience immense pain and cramps in your lower abdomen. This pain is often diagnosed to be due to endometriosis. Endometriosis is the growth of uterine cells from the outer walls of the uterus, causing a lot of pain while bleeding. This pain can be relieved using certain pills or by placing a hot water bag on the uterine region if the pain is a more tolerable one.
6. The menstrual cycle is absent during pregnancy, but if you are sure about not being pregnant, then skipped cycles can point towards issues as serious as thyroid, polycystic ovary, and/or premature menopause, or an issue as seemingly insignificant as leading an unhealthy life, or both. Skipped menstrual cycles should not be taken lightly at all and you should immediately visit your gynecologist in case you’re facing a similar problem. These skipped cycles could result in uncharacteristic cell growth, which may turn cancerous.
Other than these six glaring signs, there are a lot more subtle ways in which your body might be hinting at problems. Regular visits to the gynecologist should be on your schedules no matter how busy you are. Menstrual problems can be solved by leading healthier lives and taking regular medication. So, go ahead and start living healthy; be more aware of your body.
Happy periods!
