No matter when your monthly menstrual cycle starts, curbing pesky period symptoms is far from a walk in the park. Whether it’s a hard week at work or in the middle of a vacation at the beach, it’s easy to resent your menstrual cycle. However, your period is more than just an uncomfortable monthly visitor. Your cycle can indicate potential health problems and offer clues about what’s happening inside your body. While every woman’s period is different, by keeping track of what’s normal for your body during a period, you can identify health issues before becoming more serious.
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What it means if you Experience Severe Period Pain
Experiencing pain and cramping before you begin your period or in the first few days of bleeding is entirely normal among women. Some women are luckier and feel nothing other than a dull ache, while others describe the pain as something akin to a knife twisting in the lower abdomen. If you’ve searched “how to get rid of cramps” on the internet, you’ll know over-the-counter painkillers, contraceptive medications, or heat packs and hot water bottles can help you manage period cramps. However, if your pain doesn’t lessen with any of these methods or if you’re experiencing an unusual level of pain, it may be time to visit a doctor. Severe pain could be caused by other health issues like endometriosis or fibroids in the uterus.
Different Blood Colors
An easy way to identify possible health issues is simply by observing the color of your period blood. If your blood looks more pink than usual, that could be an indication of anything from low estrogen or poor nutrition to perimenopause or polycystic ovary syndrome. If your blood is mixed with gray, you may have an infection or an STD. Every woman’s baseline blood color is different, so don’t be quick to self-diagnose. Simply note what color your blood usually looks like, and if you notice anything abnormal, speak to your doctor.
Abnormal Bleeding
For most women, a period lasts three to eight days in a 28-day cycle. These time parameters can vary from woman to woman, so don’t be alarmed if your cycle is 25 days or 30 days. However, you should see a doctor if you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding. If you find yourself bleeding after sex, are bleeding or spotting between periods, or have a heavier flow that lasts longer than usual, you should seek medical care. Abnormal bleeding can be a side effect of some medications, but it can also be an indication of more severe health complications, such as fibroids or an infection.
Feeling Weak and Fatigued
Throughout your period, you’ll lose about five to 12 teaspoons of blood. Though that may not be a lot, people with heavier periods may be at risk of iron deficiency anemia. Feeling tired while on your period is normal, but if you experience symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or you’re looking pale, call a doctor. Luckily, a simple blood test can reveal whether you need treatment. Should your primary care physician diagnose you with anemia, supplements and other medications can help you manage your symptoms.
Missed Periods
The most commonly known explanation for a missed period is pregnancy. However, chronic stress, being underweight, scar tissue, and taking select medications can also be the culprit for a missing monthly flow. A single missed period isn’t a cause for alarm if school or work has been particularly overwhelming and stressful recently. However, if you’ve missed three or more periods or your missed period is paired with extra hair growth and weight fluctuations, it’s time to call in medical professionals.
The Bottom Line
Though your monthly visit from Aunt Flo may not always be a welcome one, your period is a vital sign of your physical health. Keeping track of your periods with an app or logging them in a private notebook is a great way to ensure you’re taking good care of your body.
