What health problems can develop during periods? There are many, but the below mentioned health problems are severe. Menstruation is a normal occurrence in girls and women who are ovulating. Every month during their periods women face menstrual cramps, fatigue, body pain etc. However, for some, things get more complicated and lead to health problems.
5 Health Problems You Can Get During Menstruation
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Even though we belong to the 21st century and women are quite open about menstruation they usually bear it in silence. But if your body is trying to indicate something please listen to it and help it overcome the problem. Seeing a physician is significant in such situations.
What is Menstruation?
Menstruation is vaginal bleeding which takes place every month in women. Each month before ovulation a lining made of blood and tissue is formed in the uterus. The walls of the uterus become thicker than its usual size. This is because it prepares the uterus for pregnancy. When the egg is not fertilized by a sperm the uterus sheds the extra blood and tissue lining. The unfertilized egg, blood, and tissue together come out of the vagina which is referred to as periods or menstruation. It usually begins in women between the ages 11 and 14. Women will go through menstruation cycle until they reach menopause.
Health Problems During Periods
Here are some health problems which women can face when they get periods:
- Heavy Bleeding
Periods usually last between 3 and 8 days and the cycle for most are between 21 and 35 days. Some women may have periods for more days and bleed heavily but the others may have it for lesser days and bleed lightly. If someone has to change a sanitary napkin or tampon in an hour then the flow is heavy. Those who are in habit of using menstrual cups have heavy flow if they need to change it in less than 3 hours. The measurement of blood loss varies and is usually considered between 50 and 100 ml (it may vary according to different researches, this is just an average).
Heavy flow in period is not uncommon and it gradually gets lighter after a couple of days. Heavy periods don’t mean a woman is suffering from health issues. But if the flow remains the same for several days then a doctor should be seen. It may be an indication of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
- Irregular Periods
It is significant that a woman keeps a track of her period cycle. The days are counted from the first day of the period in a month to the first day of the period in the next month. The period cycle is usually between 21 and 35 days. You may not necessarily get it exactly; say after 28 days or 30 days every month. However, it should be roughly an average number of days – there should be a specific pattern. When you get your periods after unexpected days then it is a sign of a medical problem. For instance, you get your periods after every 28 days but suddenly in a month you get it after 40 days and the next month it goes up to 45 days then it is problem that should be discussed with your doctor. Such irregularities can lead to fertility issues. It may also be pointing to cervical cancer, thyroid disorder, PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or Endometriosis.
- Anemia
Weakness or feeling a bit tired during your periods are among the several symptoms women have when they are menstruating. Headaches and migraines also make women feel tired. It is the prostaglandin hormone which causes the headaches. The same hormone is responsible for the cramps too. Getting adequate rest is the best way to help your body come out of this situation. But if women feel completely drained out then it may be a different health problem. You may be anemic. The red blood cells of the body aren’t produced in proper numbers as it should be in someone who is anemic. Without enough red blood cells the body gets less oxygen and without proper oxygen, you feel tired and exhausted. You need to take proper medicines and a balanced diet prepared by a health practitioner to overcome your condition.
- Exceptionally Painful Cramps
Like we discussed above, cramps are caused by a hormone and are a part of the menstruation cycle. Normally hot showers, heat pads, certain exercises, laying down in certain positions and herbal teas help in relieving period cramps. They are painful but if the pain is unbearable then you should speak to your physician about it. You can take prescribed or over the counter drugs for relief. But if the drugs also don’t do much good to your condition then it may be a more serious problem that you have. Pain which holds you back from getting out of the bed or doing your daily chores around the house is not something you should keep to yourself. It may be signs of endometriosis. Sometimes the pain will usually begin a few days before the periods begin and continue even after the menstruation is over. Painful cramps may also be the cause of an ovarian cyst or PID. Tests will reveal the actual cause of your cramps.
- Skipping Periods
Skipping periods is also not a good sign and points to a more serious health issue. If it has happened once in a while then the cause may be stress probably because of work or other personal reasons. Missed periods are a sign of being pregnant but they are also indicators of other problems. If you are missing your periods consistently then you should see a doctor.
Travel, night study, night outs etc. can all disrupt sleep and all these causes affect the menstruation cycle. Insufficient sleep leads to stress and stress hormones barricade your hormones that supervise periods cycle in your body.
Say for instance women who are obese or underweight usually suffer from missed periods. Women who have suddenly gained too much weight may have gone through hormonal changes because of which they experience missed periods. These indicate thyroid problems or other hormonal issues. Once you begin taking the right medicines your period cycle will bounce back to normal.
Winding Up
Regular check-ups keep you informed about your body. Visit your physician regularly and update them about any changes you see in your menstruation cycle to get the appropriate treatment on time.
