She Strengthens

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle: Red Flags to Watch Out For

Your menstrual cycle is a unique and complex process that can be influenced by a variety of factors. While some variations in your period are normal, others can be indicative of underlying health issues. It’s essential to recognize the signs that may warrant a visit to your healthcare provider.

When Your Period Goes MIA

If your periods suddenly stop, it’s crucial to rule out pregnancy first. However, if you’ve taken a pregnancy test and it’s negative, there could be other reasons for the cessation of your menstrual cycle. These include:

• Chronic stress
• Significant changes in weight or physical activity
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Hormonal birth control
• Perimenopause

Heavy Bleeding: More Than Just a Nuisance

Excessive bleeding can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as:

• Cancer (although rare)
• Bleeding disorders like Von Willebrand disease
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Hormonal imbalances
• Pregnancy complications

Unusual Period Lengths

While periods typically last between 2 to 7 days, some women may experience shorter or longer cycles. If your period length deviates significantly from your norm, it could be due to:

• Menopause
• Hormonal birth control
• Underlying medical conditions

Cramping Your Style

Severe cramps can be a sign of:

• Dysmenorrhea
• IUDs
• Fibroids
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Spotting Between Periods

Light bleeding or spotting between periods can be caused by:

• Birth control changes
• Perimenopause
• Pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Cancer
• Uterine polyps or fibroids
• PCOS
• STIs
• Vaginal injuries

Breast Tenderness

Breast pain during your period is common, but if it persists outside of your cycle, it’s essential to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions, including cancer.

Tummy Troubles

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or both during your period can be normal, but if it’s severe or persistent, it may indicate:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Other underlying medical conditions

Clotting Concerns

While some clotting is normal during menstruation, excessive or frequent clotting can be a sign of:

• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Cancerous tumors
• Fibroids

Unusual Blood Texture or Color

Pink and watery menstrual blood may indicate low estrogen levels, which can be caused by:

• Perimenopause
• Hormonal birth control without estrogen
• Other underlying medical conditions

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms or changes in your menstrual cycle.