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Period Symptoms: When to See a Doctor

 

Understanding your own menstrual health is crucial for everyone. The menstrual cycle, often regarded as the sixth vital sign of your health, can indicate a variety of underlying health issues. Knowing what symptoms are normal and when to seek medical advice is essential for maintaining overall health. Here we shed light on the symptoms that warrant a visit to the doctor and those that are within the normal range and manageable at home.

Severe and Debilitating Pain

Experiencing cramps during menstruation is common, but there is a clear distinction between normal cramps and severe, debilitating pain.

Normal cramps are usually mild to moderate and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. They typically occur at the beginning of the menstrual period and subside after a day or two. Severe pain that leaves you doubled over or disrupts your daily life is not normal and needs medical attention. This type of pain can occur throughout the menstrual period and might not respond to standard pain relief methods.

Potential Underlying Conditions

  • Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it, causing severe pain. This condition can lead to chronic pain and infertility if not treated.

Read our blog post here to find out more about Endometriosis

  • Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding and pain. They can vary in size and number, sometimes leading to significant discomfort and complications.

When to Seek Medical Help

  • If pain is not relieved by standard painkillers, such as ibuprofen, it's essential to seek medical advice.
  • If pain significantly impacts your daily life, preventing you from performing routine activities, consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend further tests, such as ultrasounds or a laparoscopy, to diagnose the underlying issue.

Heavy or Prolonged Bleeding

Everyone's menstrual flow is different, but certain changes in bleeding patterns can indicate underlying health issues. Needing to change sanitary products every hour can be a sign of menorrhagia, which is abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding. Bleeding that lasts more than seven days, also known as prolonged menstrual bleeding, requires medical evaluation.

Importance of Consulting a Doctor

  • Persistent heavy bleeding can lead to anaemia, a condition characterised by a lack of healthy red blood cells, leading to fatigue and weakness.
  • A healthcare provider can evaluate and manage underlying issues effectively, potentially prescribing hormonal treatments or recommending surgical interventions if necessary.

Using Period Pants for Heavy Bleeding

  • Period pants can provide additional protection for those experiencing heavy bleeding, reducing the risk of leaks and providing comfort throughout the day.
  • Ugly pants are designed with multiple layers to absorb menstrual blood, offering an eco-friendly and convenient alternative to traditional sanitary products.
  • Period pants can be particularly useful during heavy flow days, at night, or when you need extra security.

Unusual or Foul Odours

A mild, slightly metallic smell during menstruation is normal, but certain odours can be a sign of infection. 

A mild, metallic smell is normal due to the presence of iron in the blood. A strong, foul, or fishy smell can indicate an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Types of Infections

  • Bacterial Vaginosis: An overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, causing a fishy odour. This condition can result from a disruption in the natural vaginal flora and may require antibiotic treatment.
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections can cause unusual odours and other symptoms such as itching and discharge.

Medical Treatments and Advice

  • Consult a doctor if you notice unusual or foul odours. They can perform tests to diagnose the infection and prescribe appropriate treatments.
  • Prompt treatment can prevent complications and improve menstrual health, ensuring the reproductive system remains healthy.

Missing Periods Without Explanation

A regular menstrual cycle is a sign of good health, but sudden changes can indicate underlying issues.

Stress can disrupt the hormonal balance, leading to missed periods. Chronic stress affects the hypothalamus, which regulates the menstrual cycle. Conditions like thyroid disorders can affect the menstrual cycle. Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can both lead to irregular periods. A common condition that causes irregular periods is PCOS, which is characterised by multiple small cysts on the ovaries and can lead to other symptoms such as acne, weight gain, and hirsutism.

Importance of Regular Cycles

  • Regular cycles are a sign of hormonal balance and reproductive health. They indicate that the body is functioning correctly and that the reproductive organs are healthy.
  • Irregular cycles can lead to other health issues if left unaddressed, including fertility problems and an increased risk of certain cancers.

When to See a Doctor

  • If your period goes missing for several cycles without explanation, it's crucial to seek medical advice. Your doctor can perform tests to determine the cause of the irregularity.
  • A healthcare provider can identify and treat the root cause, providing guidance on how to restore regular cycles and maintain overall health.

Understanding Period Clotting

Passing occasional small blood clots during menstruation is normal, but larger or frequent clots can be concerning.

Small clots, usually no larger than a 10p coin, are normal. These occur when menstrual blood pools and thickens before being expelled from the body. Consistently passing large clots or an increase in clot size needs medical evaluation, as it can indicate underlying issues such as fibroids or hormonal imbalances.

Potential Underlying Issues

  • Hormonal Imbalances: Can lead to larger clots. Oestrogen and progesterone imbalances can affect the thickness of the uterine lining.
  • Fibroids: Can cause heavy bleeding and large clots. These benign tumours can vary in size and number, sometimes requiring surgical removal.

When to Seek Medical Attention

  • Large Clots: If you pass clots larger than a 10p coin, it's essential to consult a doctor. Large clots can indicate a heavier-than-normal menstrual flow or other underlying issues.
  • Excessive Clotting with Severe Pain: This could indicate complications like an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, which require immediate medical attention.
  • Persistent Changes in Clotting Patterns: Consult a doctor if changes persist for several cycles, as this can indicate a need for further evaluation and treatment.

Common Menstrual Symptoms: What’s Normal?

Understanding normal menstrual symptoms helps in distinguishing them from those that require medical attention.

Mild to Moderate Cramps

  • Normal to experience a dull ache or mild to moderate cramping in the lower abdomen or back. These cramps are caused by the uterus contracting to shed its lining.
  • Severe pain that affects your ability to function should be evaluated by a doctor, as it may indicate conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.

Breast Tenderness

  • Hormonal fluctuations can cause breast tenderness or swelling before or during periods. This is due to changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels.
  • Manage with lifestyle adjustments like wearing a supportive bra, avoiding caffeine and salt, and using over-the-counter pain relief if necessary.

Mood Swings and Irritability

  • Hormonal changes can impact emotions, leading to mood swings, irritability, or even tearfulness. These symptoms are often associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
  • Severe mood swings affecting daily life should be discussed with a healthcare provider. They may recommend lifestyle changes, counselling, or medication to manage severe PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Understanding when to seek medical advice regarding menstrual symptoms is crucial for overall health. Symptoms like severe pain, heavy or prolonged bleeding, unusual odours, missing periods, and abnormal clotting patterns should prompt a visit to the doctor. Always trust your instincts and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your menstrual health. They can provide guidance, evaluate your symptoms, and determine if further investigations or treatments are necessary.

We are not licensed medical professionals, and the information provided here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.