4 Reasons to Talk to Your Doctor about Your Period

Every women's monthly cycle is different, but there are some things that are normal for you that may actually be things to concerned about and that aren't normal for other women. There are some signs to take note of that you should bring up to your doctor, including the following four items.

  1. Heavy Flow: Although you may have a heavy flow that you are used to, you should definitely tell your doctor if your flow is much heavier than it usually is. This could be a potential sign of blood clotting or cancer. If you have a heavy flow regularly, it's important that your doctor knows so that your iron levels can be monitored closely. This is especially important if you suffer or have suffered from anemia.
  2. Spotting: If you are spotting at all in between periods, it could be a sign of a serious problem, such as a miscarriage, a thyroid problem, or cervical cancer. However, spotting is nothing to be too concerned about if you have recently started a new birth control method. In this case, spotting is normal, especially before your first period. If you are trying to conceive, spotting is also typical once implantation has occurred. However, you should still make your doctor aware of this.
  3. You Don't Have a Period: If you're too young for menopause to kick in, then not having a period is something you need to talk to your doctor about. If there is a chance you are pregnant, then taking a pregnancy test is the first step you should take in finding out why you're not having a period. If you are not pregnant, then you could be missing a period because of stress, poor nutrition, or a thyroid problem. It's important that no matter what the case, you speak to your doctor about this so you can be properly treated.
  4. Your Periods are Painful: Periods can be painful, especially if your body produces excess prostaglandin, which is a chemical in your body that tells it you need to have a period. An excess amount of this chemical in your body leads to more cramping. However, if your period has recently become unbearably painful, this could be because of a condition such as endometriosis. Other symptoms of endometriosis include infertility, pain during intercourse, and pelvic pain. You will need to talk to your doctor to discuss treatment and pain-relief options.

These are four symptoms that definitely shouldn't be ignored. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or get a primary care doctor by contacting a health care provider offering primary care services in your area, such as Rural Health Services Consortium Inc.


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