Twelve signs of prolonged duration that require medical attention: Identifying them and determining when to consult a healthcare professional
For many women, menstruation is a regular and predictable part of life. However, certain symptoms can indicate underlying health issues that require medical attention. Here are some key symptoms to watch out for during your period.
1. **Severe Pelvic or Abdominal Pain**: Intense cramps that interfere with daily activities may indicate conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis and warrant medical evaluation.
2. **Heavy Menstrual Bleeding**: Needing to change tampons or pads every hour, bleeding for more than 7 days, or passing large clots could be a sign of hormonal imbalance or underlying issues such as PCOS.
3. **Irregular or Prolonged Cycles**: Cycles consistently longer than 35 days, very irregular, or anovulatory cycles (no egg release) can indicate PCOS or other hormonal problems.
4. **Unusual Spotting Between Periods**: Frequent, unpredictable spotting may reflect hormonal fluctuations or irregular uterine lining shedding.
5. **Severe Breast Pain or Tenderness**: While mild breast pain can be normal, severe breast pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
6. **Fluid Retention and Bloating**: Common but if bloating is severe or persistent, it could require assessment.
7. **Mood Swings and Emotional Changes**: Severe anxiety, sadness, or restlessness may need support or diagnosis if extreme.
8. **Nausea and Headaches**: Intense headaches or persistent nausea around periods can be problematic and require evaluation.
9. **Fatigue or Weakness**: Feeling very weak or dizzy during periods could be due to anemia from heavy bleeding and should prompt lab tests such as CBC and ferritin.
10. **Unexplained Acne or Hair Changes**: Acne along the jawline, excess body or facial hair, or hair thinning may indicate androgen excess often seen with PCOS.
11. **Weight Changes**: Sudden or unexplained weight gain or obesity linked to menstrual changes may indicate hormonal imbalance such as PCOS.
12. **Reduced Libido or Heightened Sense of Smell**: Drastic changes in sexual drive or sensory sensitivity can impact quality of life and may merit discussion with a healthcare provider.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a healthcare provider promptly if you experience any of the following during your period:
- Severe pain or period symptoms that stop you from functioning normally, such as being unable to work or attend school. - Heavy bleeding requiring changing sanitary products every hour or lasting more than 7 days. - Severe mood disturbances or emotional changes interfering with daily life. - Signs of anemia such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness during periods. - Irregular cycles with additional symptoms like acne, hair growth/thinning, or spotting between periods, possibly indicating PCOS or other hormonal issues. - Persistent or worsening breast pain. - Unusual symptoms such as prolonged nausea, headaches, or other systemic signs that persist or worsen over time.
Pink, watery menstrual blood or unusually thick blood should be evaluated by a doctor. Clotting is a regular feature of menstrual bleeding, but larger or more frequent clots could indicate underlying conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, or adenomyosis. Pregnant women who pass clots should see a doctor right away as it could indicate pregnancy loss or miscarriage.
Spotting, or vaginal bleeding between periods, could indicate various conditions such as benign uterine cysts, cervical cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, changes to hormone levels, endometriosis, or even in rare cases, uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer. If the duration of a period changes from month to month, or if the menstrual cycle becomes unusually long or short, this can signal an underlying health issue.
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, having a healthful diet, avoiding caffeine, salt, and sugar 2 weeks before a period, aiming for 8 hours of quality sleep each night, and not smoking can help prevent certain symptoms. Severe changes in mood could be a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Menorrhagia is heavy or long-lasting menstrual bleeding, characterized by symptoms such as periods lasting more than 7 days, bleeding through a pad or tampon within 2 hours, needing to change a pad or tampon during the night, and passing blood clots larger than a quarter or another large coin.
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for pain during periods, and extreme or unusual cramping could indicate an underlying condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids. Irregular periods can point to an underlying condition such as endometriosis, PCOS, premature ovarian failure, or thyroid problems. Some people may experience diarrhea around or during their periods due to the release of chemicals called prostaglandins from the uterus. Severe or unusual diarrhea during a period should be discussed with a doctor.
Mild breast tenderness can be expected during a period, but severe breast tenderness, breast tenderness at other times of the menstrual cycle, or breast tenderness accompanied by any other symptoms such as a lump in the breast or changes in the nipple or the skin of the breast should be evaluated by a doctor. Unusual menstrual blood consistency can indicate underlying conditions such as menorrhagia.
Home care strategies for easing mild period symptoms include a warm compress or heating pad, relaxing in a warm bath, yoga, over-the-counter pain relief medications, and tracking symptoms throughout the cycle.
- Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms: Although not directly related to menstruation, some women may experience exacerbations or worsening of multiple sclerosis symptoms during their period, such as fatigue, cognitive difficulty, or vision problems.
- High Blood Sugar: During menstruation, women with diabetes should be aware of increased blood sugar levels due to hormonal fluctuations, which may necessitate adjustments in insulin dosage or medication.
- Bipolar Disorder: Women with bipolar disorder might experience more frequent mood shifts or enhanced symptoms, such as more intense mania or depression, during their menstrual cycle that may necessitate medication adjustments or support.
- Psoriasis Flare-ups: Some women with psoriasis may experience flare-ups more frequently or severely during their menstrual cycle, which might necessitate adjustments in treatment or support.
- COPD Exacerbations: While not directly linked to menstruation, women with COPD may experience worsened lung function, coughing, or shortness of breath during a viral infection or exposure to irritants that coincides with their period and should inform their healthcare provider.
- Depression and Anxiety: Severe depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts should be immediately reported to a healthcare provider regardless of the time of month to address any potential related health concerns.
- Asthma Attacks: In some cases, an asthma attack during menstruation may occur due to hormonal fluctuations, increased airway inflammation, or exposure to triggers, and should prompt monitoring by a healthcare provider.
- Health and Wellness: Regular check-ups and preventive screenings are vital for maintaining overall health and wellness, as they help detect conditions such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other reproductive concerns in women, which may be addressed during routine visits.
- Women's Health Science: The interplay between a woman's hormones and various health conditions necessitates specialized medical knowledge, making it especially important to seek healthcare providers with an understanding of women's health science for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
