When a woman misses her period the only thing she is concerned with is that she may be pregnant.
Once she takes the test and sees that this is not the case, she is calm again. She doesn’t give it a second thought. Besides, she feels that missing a period or two is no big deal. At least she gets a break from it.
However, this may not be a good thing; it might be a sign that there is a problem. Ignoring these problems will have consequences later on and could ruin your chances to conceive later on.
Women are pretty good about seeing a doctor if they don’t feel good. However, when it comes to the gynecologist they hate it and avoid it as much as possible. The only reasons they visit their gynecologist is to get their annual pap smear test and get refills for their birth control pills. The idea of going there more than necessary is horrifying to them. But that way of thinking will have to be set aside, when there is a problem it just can’t be ignore.
Some women spot between periods and assume that this is a sign that they are ovulating or their period is about to begin. In some cases it’s true but when it happens to often, there may be another reason for this. Spotting between periods can be due to fibroids, uterine cysts or polyps, infections or a precancerous growth. Considering that at least 30 women a day are diagnosed with cervical cancer, this should not be ignored.
Two or more missed periods can a sign that she has a hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems or stress. When she misses her periods, the lining of the uterus can build up which lead to growth of abnormal cells that can be potentially cancerous. Going to the doctor will help diagnose the problem and she will be able to get proper treatment. They will request blood work to check both hormone levels and thyroid problems. Getting medical attention for this will prevent or reduce the risk of cancer and can help diagnose if there is a possibility of premature menopause.
Cramps are a sign that she is about to get her period and they can be mild to severe. There are times they are so bad that a woman can’t even get out of bed. When this occurs, it may mean that it is caused by endometriosis or a mass in the pelvis. If diagnosed with endometriosis, there are many treatments available. The gynecologist may suggest contraceptive and the most popular one is the IUD. If the woman is still able to bear children but has made a decision she will have no more children, then they can do a procedure called endometrial ablation.
Let’s not forget PMS. The symptoms are crying, mood swings, cravings, binge eating, depression, anger, anxiety, etc. Women usually feel this the week before her period and it can be severe. Many don’t believe that this can be so bad but it is. There are some cases that the woman is prescribed medication such as anti-depressants to help them out. Once she begins to take this medication, within two weeks to a month, she will begin to feel the difference.
One other problem is bleeding heavily and for more than 10 days. This will lead to anemia and other problems. Some women have had to have blood transfusions because they have lost so much blood. There have been cases that women have to rush to the hospital because they begin to hemorrhage. Usually when this problem occurs it’s due to fibroids.
None of these symptoms should be ignored or taken lightly. No matter how uncomfortable an appointment with the gynecologist can be at first, it will be well worth it in the end. When a health problem is diagnosed early, they can be remedied with medication. Waiting long periods of will have severe consequences and the medical treatments may require surgery. Pay attention to your body it could be trying to tell you that something is wrong. Don’t wait; you’ll thank yourself later on.