Unbearable cramps? Part and parcel of periods, bro! Severe acne? This too shall pass. A flood of blood? Must be the stress. Pre-period depression? Just another mood swing driven by hormones.
Period side-effects are so common that we tend to deem anything and everything that our monthly curse throws our way as “normal”. According to a report by the U.S. Department Of Health & Human Services, almost 90% of women suffer from at least one PMS symptom. This rampancy is probably what makes us think, “it happens to everyone”.
However, a recent WHO report is a real eye-opener for all of us. It states that one in ten women suffer from serious chronic diseases like endometriosis without even being aware of it. This prevents them from seeking timely treatment and as a result, their condition may take a dangerous turn. Folks, this is a lesson for all of us to never, ever take our health lightly. So, here are seven period signs you absolutely shouldn’t ignore or accept as “normal”:
Heavy Bleeding
According to a study published in the journal BMC Women’s Health, you have a heavy period if you lose over 80mL of blood per cycle. Now, it’s not possible to quantify catamenia. But a sickly heavy pad every two hours and constant leakages are the most obvious indicators of an unusually heavy flow. If this is your constant period status, you must see your doc. It can be caused due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS, a hormonal problem that causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts) or a bleeding disorder. Conditions like endometriosis (a disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside it) or cancer can also be the root cause of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Pro tip: if your doc certifies your heavy period as normal, then you can count on Sirona’s Menstrual Cup for an 8-hour leak proof protection. You won’t have to change your pads or tampons every few hours and you’ll be comfier too, we promise.
Irregular Periods
The average menstrual cycle is about 28 days long. But not getting a period for more than 40 days can be a cause of concern. If it’s not due to pregnancy, then factors like stress, excessive exercise, and birth control pills can be blamed for it. But when the causes are temporary, your period returns as usual the following month. In fact, you can pop one Sirona PMS Gummy every day to regularise your cycle and alleviate your PMS symptoms. Rich in vitamin B6 and chasteberry, these chewable gummies help restore hormonal balance and can improve your overall period experience.
However, according to the Office on Women’s Health (OWH), absence of periods for more than 90 days is considered as amenorrhea. It is abnormal unless you’re breastfeeding or nearing menopause and you must get yourself checked.
Extreme Mood Swings
The hormonal changes during and before periods can make you feel low and cause mood swings. But if these changes culminate into depression and anxiety or interfere with your relationships and work, it could be a sign of Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). People with this condition probably experience mood shifts all month long. However, it becomes more intense during their periods and they definitely need medical attention.
Intense Cramps
“Normal” period cramps are caused by uterine contractions that push out your uterine lining. They typically start a day or two before your period and can last for two to four days. You can count on Sirona’s Feminine Pain Relief patches to combat them. Infused with menthol and eucalyptus oil, these discrete patches offer instant pain relief–minus any side effects.
But guidelines by Cleveland Clinic suggest that if period pain lasts longer, it could be due to an infection in your reproductive organs. Additionally, severe cramps that make it impossible for you to get out of bed can be indicative of endometriosis, PCOS, or uterine fibroids.
Prolonged Breast Pain
The estrogen levels usually peak in the middle of your cycle while progesterone rises during the pre-period week. The former can cause the breast ducts to enlarge and the latter can swell up the milk glands. This is why you normally experience breast soreness before or during your periods. However, prolonged breast pain can be a sign of fibroids or breast cancer and you must consult a doc asap if you experience it.
Out-Of-Control Acne
We all experience a zit here and there before or during our periods. However, intense acne accompanied by heavy facial hair can be caused due to excess androgens (male sex hormone). This hormone can also lead to hair thinning and bald patches and you must see a doc to control it.
Spotting
If you notice blood spots between your period, you must not take it lightly. Regular spotting can be caused by a host of serious conditions like ovarian cancer, loss of pregnancy, PCOS, endometriosis, and STDs like chlamydia. If it’s not a regular occuring, then factors like stress and intense physical activity can be blamed for it. In this case, Sirona’s Dry Comfort Panty Liners can save the day for you. These breathable, wafer-thin pads can prevent spot stains and keep you super comfy.
Period miseries are common. But if they’re so intense that they meddle with your daily life, you’ve got to see a doc. For more info on period management, spare two minutes to take this survey. Cheers to a happy, healthy period!
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