Often, menstruation is an awkward topic for many women. Some may feel their menstrual cycle is abnormal, while others may simply be embarrassed to talk about it especially when considering the social stigma that surrounds it.
In addition, menstruation is just extremely painful for females. Some healthy women choose natural remedies such as opting to take CBD to manage period pain.
But in order to get better acquainted with this difficult time of month, it’s important to know about abnormal menstrual symptoms to watch out for to make sure your menstrual cycle is healthy.
Is There Such Thing As Normal Period
Perhaps the best way to define a normal period is one that occurs regularly. Menstrual activity can vary significantly from one female to another, typically occurring every 21-35 days and lasting between four to seven days. Alterations in menstrual activity can result from hormonal changes brought on by birth control and other medications, stress, or aging.
The following eight symptoms, however, typically signify an underlying issue that requires treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms or notice an extreme change in your menstrual cycle, it’s important to consult your doctor.
Excessive Bleeding
Bleeding is a natural part of menstruation, and naturally impacts your clothing choices when it’s that time of the month. While many women report heavy flows at some point in their lives, soaking through a tampon in under two hours is too much and could signify an issue.
Similarly, bleeding should not continue for longer than seven days and can be particularly dangerous for women with anemia. Bleeding between periods can also be a sign of cervical or uterine cysts. Endometriosis, a condition in which uterine lining grows in other parts of the body, could be another cause.
2. Missed Periods
A missed period is a well-known sign of pregnancy, as menstruation may not begin again until a woman finishes breastfeeding. But it can also be the result of intense stress or physical activity, birth control usage, or even changes in diet.
Women entering menopause typically have infrequent periods before the menstrual cycle stops altogether. Women who miss more than three periods well before menopause, or who have not had a period by the age of 15, may have a condition called amenorrhea.
3. Abdominal Pain Or Intense Cramps
While cramps are a normal part of women’s menstrual cycle, abnormally severe cramps could be a cause for concern. Extreme dysmenorrhea, or pain during periods, could be caused by fibroids, endometriosis, or other conditions. For normal cramps, natural solutions ranging from CBD oil to diet modification can help lessen pain.
4. Breast Pain
Increased breast tenderness is commonplace during one’s period. It is caused by changes in hormone levels, but should only be a mild discomfort. If you experience intense breast pain, especially when you’re not on your period, then you should consult your doctor.
5. Intense Nausea, Diarrhea, and Vomiting
During one’s period, the uterus releases chemicals called prostaglandins, which can cause nausea, light diarrhea, or light-headedness. Intense nausea leading to vomiting should be reported to your doctor, especially if they’re not normal for your cycle. Vomiting or extreme diarrhea can also result in dehydration.
6. Abnormal Duration
As mentioned before, most women experience periods lasting between four and seven days. Some women, however, may have periods as short as two days. If short periods are the norm for you, or if you notice a change after starting hormonal birth control, this is usually not a cause for concern. Elongated periods, however, may signify an issue such as hormone imbalance or polyps, especially in combination with excessive blood flow.
7. Significant Changes In Mood
Many women experience emotional changes along with the physical changes that accompany the menstrual cycle. These shifts are natural aspects of hormonal changes within the body following ovulation, which can exacerbate existing mental health conditions. Changes in mood that are noticeably more severe or interfere with daily activities could be a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
8. Migraines
Headaches frequently accompany periods, and may worsen for those who typically suffer from migraines. Migraines are relatively common, with 40% of women reporting them regularly, and have a wide range or causes. While there is no cure for migraines, it’s important to report them to your health care provider, who can help you treat symptoms.
Conclusion
It’s important to keep an eye on your menstrual cycle to ensure that your body is healthy. Any abnormal symptoms, especially severe pain, could be a sign that something has gone wrong. Together with your doctor, you can keep track of what makes up a normal period for you and make that painful time of month just a bit easier.
