Symptoms Women Shouldn’t Ignore

The Human body shows different symptoms throughout life, but there are several symptoms that women should not ignore. It is easy to recognize some of the symptoms as potentially serious health problems. Chest pain, high fever, and bleeding are all signs that indicate your health is at risk.

The body can also warn of problems in more subtle ways. Some women may not realize these symptoms or may find that they need medical attention. It is normal to have less physical strength, weaker immune system function, and sometimes headaches with age. Usually, the specific symptoms that women experience after 40 are not so worrying. In most cases, these symptoms are normal. But they may be related to a disease or a serious problem.

Swollen or discolored breast

Swelling of the breast can be normal. Many women ‘s breasts become swollen before menstruation or during pregnancy. The size and appearance of breasts vary from person to person. Some women naturally have lumps on their breasts. In some women, lumps form every month before menstruation. However, if a woman has a specific symptom that is not related to the normal position of her breasts, she may have a specific disease. Swelling or rapid discoloration may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.

Unexpected Irregular Vaginal Bleeding

Paying attention to abnormal vaginal bleeding is an important part of women’s health. This problem can be caused by a serious illness, such as cervical cancer or uterine cancer, especially if it is associated with pain during sex. If menstruation is abnormally severe or irregular, or there is spotting between periods, the cause of these symptoms should be investigated.

Postmenopausal women should report any spotting to their doctor. Even minor bleeding is abnormal during menopause. Polyps and atrophy or thickening of the endometrium are common causes of bleeding.

Abdominal bloating

Abdominal bloating is one of the most common symptoms of menstruation. Some food allergies can also cause bloating for a day or two. However, bloating that lasts more than a week can be an early sign of ovarian cancer. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• A frequent need to urinate
• A persistent lack of energy
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Feeling full quickly after eating
• Difficulty eating
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge in premenopausal women

Surprising or Sudden Weight Gain

It is normal for a person to lose weight if they change their diet or start exercising. Significant and unexplained weight changes can be a sign of a serious problem. One of the causes of unexplained weight loss can be cancer, while weight gain may be due to heart failure or thyroid problems. Weight gain associated with swelling in both legs and shortness of breath while lying down may be related to heart failure. Possible causes of unexplained weight loss include:

• Cancer
• HIV
• Celiac disease
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Thyroid disease

Bloody or black stools

The color of stool depends on your diet and medications. For example, iron supplements and diarrhea medications may make stools black or tarry. Black stools indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GI). Maroon-colored or bloody stool suggests bleeding lower in the GI.  Bleeding may be caused by:

• Hemorrhoids
• Ulcer
• Diverticulitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Cancer
• Other GI conditions

Unusual shortness of breath

If shortness of breath occurs after exercise and gradually worsens, it may be due to a heart condition such as aortic stenosis or coronary artery disease. Make sure to consult a doctor if this problem suddenly worsens.

Moles that bleed or change

Having a mole on its own is not a problem. But moles that bleed or change shape should be examined. The following symptoms may represent an abnormal or cancerous mole:

• Color variation
• Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
• Asymmetric appearance
• Irregular border
• Evolving size, color, and shape

These symptoms may be due to melanoma which is a dangerous type of skin cancer that, if not diagnosed early, can spread to other parts of the body. If there is a family history of skin cancer, other family members should carefully examine their moles. This can help identify potential problems.

Constant tiredness

Everyone is probably tired due to lack of sleep or something. There are many reasons for fatigue. A woman constantly feels tired; she should see a doctor. Persistent fatigue is likely a sign of a medical problem. Conditions that cause fatigue include:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Thyroid disease
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Liver failure
• Anemia
• Cancer
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Kidney failure

Persistent Leg Pain on One Side

Persistent swelling and pain in one leg may indicate a blood clot inside a vein known as “deep vein thrombosis.” The impact of risk factors that play a role in deep vein thrombosis development increases with age. They include smoking, surgery, estrogen or hormone therapy pills, prolonged immobility, pregnancy, and childbirth.

When a blood clot travels from one part of the body to the lungs, blocking a vital artery there, it causes a serious and dangerous problem called “pulmonary embolism.” About 70% of the blood clots heading to the lungs form in the legs. Pulmonary embolism causes shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, dizziness, excessive sweating, fever, and leg pain or swelling.

Chest or facial hair

Facial hair growth is not just a beauty concern. An increase in androgen levels usually causes hair growth on the chest or face, which is maybe one of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common hormonal disorder among women of childbearing age. Other symptoms associated with PCOS include:

• Adult acne
• Obesity
• Irregular periods
• High blood pressure

Sudden Vision Changes

With age, it is normal for vision to worsen or decrease gradually. Changes that affect only one eye and the sudden onset of diplopia or inability to see are important issues to consider. Sudden vision changes can be a sign of a stroke. These symptoms are especially troubling if accompanied by other warning signs of a stroke, such as numbness in one side of the body or difficulty speaking.

Occasionally, these symptoms are caused by a “transient ischemic attack” (TIA). A diagnosis of TIA can prevent more severe stroke in the future. A TIA causes temporary insufficient blood flow to the brain followed by symptoms similar to a stroke. The disease usually lasts only a few minutes and does not cause permanent damage.

Chronic stomach problems

Occasional stomach problems should not be a major cause for concern. But chronic stomach problems can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Symptoms of IBS include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and cramps

IBS is more common in women than men. Its symptoms can easily be confused with an upset stomach or a bad meal. If a woman experiences these symptoms regularly, she should see a doctor. IBS can be treated with changes in diet and lifestyle. Medication can also help reduce symptoms.

Chest Pain

Chest pain in older men is generally a sign of a heart attack, but it could be associated with breast cancer in women. However, the second group is more likely to develop heart disease. In some countries, heart disease is the number one killer of women. Heart disease casualties are higher than those of various types of cancer. These facts highlight the importance of caring for women’s cardiovascular conditions. If a woman feels pain in her chest while lifting objects, climbing stairs, or doing strenuous physical activities, especially if this pain goes away after resting, she should see a doctor.

The bottom line

Paying attention to women’s health helps maintain the health of half of the population and affects the health and well-being of other family members. Women are at high risk because of menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Moreover, some diseases are more common in women than men.

Your body talks to you via various signs and symptoms, so never ignore them! Contact your doctor to diagnose a health problem  before it becomes a more serious problem.

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