Your period comes and comes every month, but periods are considered one of the most taboo topics to tackle. Well, it’s time to talk openly. Also read about Health Issues That Your Period Indicates
Most often, women think that their period indicates that they are pregnant or not. Cramping, bloating, heavy discharge and back pain are often seen as part of the cycle that must simply be endured.
But in reality, your menstrual cycle can reveal a plethora of information about your health.
From regularity to flow and frequency to duration, attention to your period can save you from major health problems.
Table of Contents
1. Excessive or prolonged bleeding may indicate fibroids
A fibroid is a benign, non-cancerous growth that occurs in or around the uterus, which can affect your menstrual cycle and cause excessive or prolonged bleeding.
2. Irregular periods may indicate SOP
Although you are happy to have irregular periods, this is definitely not a good sign for your body.
An irregular menstrual cycle as well as other symptoms, such as obesity, excessive body and body hair, hair loss and acne, is a strong indication that you are suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
In the SOP, cysts form in the ovaries due to the activity of excess testosterone in the body. These cysts affect the entire menstrual process, resulting in missed periods.
3. Lighter flow may indicate an excess of stress
Clearer blood circulation is common in women who enter perimenopause or menopause, or women who use hormonal stress control methods.
However, if you suddenly experience a lighter flow compared to previous periods, this could be due to hormonal changes in the body or to excessive stress.
You have a mild period if you bleed for less than two days. Your bleeding is considered very light, such as spotting, if you miss one or more periods of regular flow or if you experience periods of light more frequent than the typical cycle of 21 to 35 days.
Once your stress level is under control, your periods should return to normal.
If you feel stressed, ask for help. Try to exercise most days, practice meditation and seek a conversation treatment to reduce your stress level.
4. Irregular menstrual cycles may indicate diabetes
Exceptionally long, extremely irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles may be related to insulin resistance and the risk of type 2 diabetes.
In fact, overweight women with irregular menstrual cycles probably suffer from type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance also affects the ovaries, which affects the menstrual cycle.
5. Unsustainable bladder cramps may indicate endometriosis
Unbearable and extremely painful cramps during menstruation may indicate that you are suffering from endometriosis.
Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue, which passes through the interior of the uterus, develops outside the uterus. The tissue is then “trapped” in the pelvic area and lower abdomen, resulting in swelling and extreme pain.
6. Early or late puberty may indicate a thyroid problem
Since your menstrual cycle is influenced by hormones and your thyroid plays an important role in the production and regulation of hormones, early or late puberty may be an indication of thyroid problems.
In fact, remarkable changes to your period, such as a lighter or heavier flow, suddenly, may indicate thyroid problems.
Higher, more frequent, prolonged and more painful periods are often related to hypothyroidism, while shorter, lighter and uncommon or absent periods are related to hyperthyroidism.
If you see a small change in your periods, you should consult your doctor and check your thyroid levels. Thyroid tests can tell you if this can be related to your irregular flow.
7. Abnormal vaginal bleeding may indicate cervical cancer
Irregular vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of cervical cancer, which was the leading cause of cancer death in American women. However, now it is considered the most easily preventable female cancer.
Irregular vaginal bleeding can occur between menstrual periods or after sex. Sometimes this turns out to be a vaginal discharge radiated with blood, called spotting.
Women of all ages are at risk of developing this cancer after they start having sex, and vaginal bleeding can also occur in postmenopausal women who no longer have menstrual periods.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding between menstrual cycles or after intercourse.
8. The abrupt absence of your period may indicate a low BMI
When your body mass index (BMI) falls below 18 or 19, you can begin to experience periods missed due to too little body fat.
Body fat is important to create estrogen, which regulates your menstrual cycle. The lower body fat places the body in an emergency mode, where its main purpose is to perform only the most important and lasting functions. Maintaining a regular cycle does not fall into the crucial category.
To have regular periods and be able to conceive, you must have a BMI of at least 22.
If you have irregular periods, check your BMI. Aim to maintain your BMI in the normal range to promote regular and healthy menstrual cycles.