Know About Period Problems

Ever since the beginning of time, women have had to learn to coexist with our monthly periods. Sometimes that coexistence isn’t always peaceful. But how do we know which aches and pains are normal and which ones are just for a visit to the doctor?   To truly answer what’s normal and what’s not, you have to be in tune with your body and know how it typically responds to the monthly hormonal changes.

Many women develop PMS, or premenstrual syndrome before their period. Because of the fluctuating hormone levels, it’s normal during this time to experience a gamut of strange body changes including tiredness, pimples, backaches, cramping, irritability, headaches, sore breasts, and bloating.

Even though these symptoms are generally associated with PMS, if they are not symptoms you typically experience and they suddenly appear or begin to cause you problems, it may be time to seek a medical opinion. Don’t be afraid to turn to your doctor for help.

Here are some examples of period problems that may signal it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor.

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Cramping

Many women complain of cramping, which is caused by the uterus contracting. While cramping is normal for many women, what is not normal are cramps have you doubled over in pain or that are so debilitating that they cause you to be unable to participate in your normal daily activities.

Heavy Bleeding

Again, this depends on the woman. Some women naturally have a heavy blood flow each month. However, if you suddenly see a drastic change in the volume of blood during your period it may signal a problem. If you find yourself filling up a pad an hour with heavy blood flow, you may have a condition called menorrhagia. Menorrhagia is usually marked by heavy periods that last a long time.

Irregular or no periods

Stress can always wreak havoc on our bodies and sometimes cause our period to get off schedule. However, if your periods have been like clockwork and you suddenly stop having them or begin having them sporadically, you may need to see your doctor. This could be an indication of a hormone imbalance problem or an indicator of improper eating habits.

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Strange discharge or smell

If your smell is suddenly altered beyond what is normal for this time of the month and has become a foul-smelling discharge, you may have the infection of some sort.

Unusually painful headaches

If a headache only appears around the time of your period and is blinding or again, is so painful that it disrupts your daily life, then its time to see a doctor. Hormonal imbalance may be the blame.

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Things you should avoid during Periods

Excessive Eating

This carving for food comes a month but the weight which you gain by the calories stay long. Drink a lot of water and eat healthy meals and getting enough rest and sleep are the ways to feel better during periods.

Exercising too hard 

During the period you have lost much blood and your blood iron level is low which may result in it making hard to exercise. Keep your self-hydrated and tone down your workout for a week before getting back to the old routine.

Wearing Napkins / Tampons for too long

Be sure you follow the instruction written on the napkin or tampon you use. wearing for longer may lead to bacterial infection.

Ignoring pain

Little cramps are common during periods but if you are experiencing much pain that you are not able to go to school or for work then you certainly need to visit a doctor.

Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking Cigarettes during periods result to have longer and heavier periods, as well as an increase in cramps lasting for two or more days.