What your menstrual cycle is attempting to tell
you
Standard metrics used by doctors
to assess your health include your weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. When
you're attempting to figure out what's going on in your body, you should also
examine your period.
If you think about it, it makes
logic. Sudden variations in the amount of blood in your urine, the intensity of
your cramps, spotting between cycles, and other inexplicable changes are all
signs that something is wrong with your period. It could be a little problem,
but it could also be a warning sign of something more serious than you
shouldn't ignore.
We sought the help of Sherry A.
Ross, MD, ob-gyn, and author of She-Ology: The Definitive Guide to Women's
Intimate Health, to help us decipher what your monthly cycle is trying to tell
you. Dr. Ross identifies six changes to be aware of, as well as the disorders
that may be causing them.
If you notice large, jelly-like blood clots...
Although they're unsightly, blood
clots on your tampon or in the toilet are very typical during your period. They
appear when your flow is really strong, and the anticoagulants that normally
break down clots before they leave your body can't keep up with how quickly
your uterine lining is being lost.
"They're usually dark or
brilliant red in color, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes,"
Dr. Ross explains. "Raisin-sized clots are usually nothing to be concerned
about." Larger, thicker clots that are larger than a quarter in size, on
the other hand, maybe cause alarm. Large clots can be a sign of an illness
or possibly a miscarriage, and a hormone imbalance that leads to a very heavy
flow could be the cause.
Let your gyno know if you've had
huge clots for a few cycles in a row so she can take a deeper look at what's
going on.
If your period becomes extremely heavy or lasts an
indefinite amount of time
Some women have 3-day cycles,
while others have six- or seven-day periods. Menorrhagia, on the other hand, is
a medical term for a prolonged or heavy flow that lasts more than a week.
"An overactive or underactive thyroid, as well as polycystic ovarian
syndrome (PCOS)," Dr. Ross explains to Health. "Hormone-disrupting
medications, such as thyroid medications, steroids, and antipsychotics, are
frequently to blame."
Fibroids and polyps in the uterus
are two benign growths that might cause problems. Another factor to consider is
the individual's age.
Hormone changes can cause women in their late 30s and 40s to have shorter or longer periods as they enter perimenopause—the years leading up to menopause. Because extra pounds raise estrogen levels in the body, extreme weight gain can make your flow thicker.
"I recommend contacting your
health care practitioner if you discover your periods are occurring more
frequently, less than 21 days apart, or lasting more than seven days for more
than three months," adds Dr. Ross.
Spots period
Spots—or mild bleeding—at any time
during the month other than your period can be concerning. If it only happens
once in a while and is only a few drops of blood, it's usually nothing to worry
about and could simply be the consequence of fluctuating hormone levels.
However, if it's persistent—for
example, if you go through a pad or tampon every month—or if it happens month
after month, tell your ob-gyn. Hormonal birth control, fibroids, or an
infection could all be factors. On a more serious note, spotting could indicate
uterine or cervical cancer, so be tested as soon as possible to rule these out.
If you have watery or grey menstruation blood
"Blood tends to be bright red
at the start of your period, then brown or black when the bleeding stops,"
Dr. Ross explains. The effect of oxygen on blood is that the longer it takes
for blood to leave the body, the darker it becomes.
There are a few hue shifts worth
noticing. Blood that seems watery could be a mixture of vaginal discharge and
blood, which can happen during pregnancy. Dr. Ross explains that normal
spotting during pregnancy can appear like watery blood because the blood is
combined with the increased vaginal fluids that are common during pregnancy.
If one menstrual blood is watery
and/or grayish in color, it could indicate an illness, such as an STD,
especially if it smells terrible.
If your menstruation disappears
Although PCOS and thyroid
difficulties might make your period heavier and last longer, the hormonal
changes that accompany these two disorders may also cause your period to
vanish. Stress can also disrupt ovulation, causing you to miss a period or two.
If you lose weight, don't be
surprised if your period stops. According to Dr. Ross, "extreme weight
loss produces a decrease in body fat and estrogen production, resulting in
lighter or nonexistent periods." Hormone variations might cause inconsistent,
unexpected periods or a flow that goes missing for months if you're
breastfeeding or going through perimenopause.
If you notice a three-month gap in
your period—and you're sure you're not pregnant and it's not menopause—see your
doctor make sure there isn't another reason that time of the month has
turned into that time of the season.
If your cramps get unbearably bad
It's unjust, yet cramps are a
reality of life for over 80% of women. What is the reason for this? The uterus
is essentially one large muscle. Cramps occur as the uterus contracts to help
shed its lining during your period.
It's likely that cramps have
always been a problem for you (in which case, we apologize). However, if you
have severe lower back or pelvic pain during your period, it could be a sign of
something more serious, such as endometriosis, a disorder in which uterine
tissue migrates into the pelvic cavity and adheres to surrounding organs
including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even the rectum. "Women with
endometriosis have severe cramps," explains Dr. Ross.
If you're having severe period
cramps that keep you from doing your normal activities and don't improve after
using over-the-counter pain relievers—or if the discomfort occurs at other
times of the month as well—see your doctor. Although there is no definite test
for endometriosis, if your gynecologist suspects you have it, she can prescribe
birth control pills or other medications to help you feel better.
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