Clues Menstrual Cycles Tell You About Your Health

Your menstrual cycles leave indications that matter to your health and overall well-being. However, not all of us would be too observant while experiencing something so uncomfortable. Hence, we share some of these hints in this resource article.

Experts say that menstruation does more than remind you of important dates. It also gives you hints of what takes place in your body, particularly on matters involving hormonal balance and reproductive health.

For example, if you experience more painful menstrual cramps or any discomfort you did not experience in previous cycles, it may be telling you something that deserves medical attention. As such, tracking patterns on every menstrual cycle can be a life saver. Still, take not that not all irregularities in menstruation suggest anything dangerous. However, if something doesn't seem normal, it may be worth discussing with a doctor.

Cycle Length and Meaning

Menstrual cycles lasts 21 to 35 days. This is the typical duration of a period. There may be slight differences between last month's cycle to your current menstruation. However, drastic changes to your period could mean underlying concerns.

Short cycles, lasting fewer than 21 days could mean imbalances or ovulation issues. Meanwhile, those that take longer than 35 days could be a cause of thyroid conditions or PCOS.

Skipping periods altogether isn’t always a cause for alarm. Stress, weight changes, or intense exercise can delay ovulation. However, if cycles remain absent for months, it’s worth getting checked.

What Your Flow Says About Hormonal Health

Discussions about menstruation make women realize that cases may be different. Due to this, their cases may not be something they should panic about. Some of these distinctions include the amount and consistency of menstrual blood during their cycles. A very light period might suggest low estrogen hormones. Meanwhile, those who experience extremely heavy periods may have issues with blood clotting. It could also mean fibroids in your system, or conditions like endometriosis.

If all of a sudden that your period becomes much heavier or lasts longer than usual, you must inform the specialist in your next appointment. Some OB/GYN services can identify a normal variation from not. They can also recommend tests if they found something that needs to be looked into further.

Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Some menstrual period symptoms are common. Still, it doesn't mean that you can just ignore them Giving enough attention to your body and how it feels during your cycle, will help you understand more about a normal period versus something that you need to consult with an OB-Gyne.

• Severe cramping. Mild to moderate cramps are normal, but pain that interferes with daily life may be linked to endometriosis or adenomyosis.

• Unusual spotting. Light spotting before a period can be normal. But mid-cycle bleeding might suggest hormonal fluctuations or cervical issues.

• Extreme fatigue. Feeling tired before a period is expected, but exhaustion beyond that could be a sign of anemia or other deficiencies.

• Mood swings that feel unmanageable. Hormones naturally fluctuate, but extreme mood shifts might suggest premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

• Pelvic pain outside of your period. Discomfort that lingers through the month could be a sign of ovarian cysts or inflammation.