You already feel the first cramps coming up, and you prefer to jump straight into bed with a hot water bottle: for many people, having your period is no fun. But what if your cramps are suddenly a lot more intense than you are used to? Or if you also experience pain outside your period? Then there may be other, underlying problems.
1. Irregular or extreme bleeding
On average, we bleed for about three to seven days during our period. Some variation is normal, but if you notice that your bleeding lasts a lot longer, it could be a sign that something else is going on. Extremely heavy bleeding (more than 80 milliliters during the entire period) can also indicate an underlying problem. This means that you need more than two tampons or sanitary towels per hour.
According to Dr. Elizabeth Kinsey Abnormal or very heavy bleeding can be a sign of several conditions. For example, there may be fibroids (benign tumors in or on the uterus), adenomyosis (uterine lining tissue that grows in the muscle of the uterus), or uterine polyps (polyps that grow on the uterine lining). In extremely exceptional cases it can even be a symptom of uterine cancer.
2. Obstacles in everyday things
Many people have days during their period when they prefer to curl up on the couch under a blanket. But if you notice that you can’t function for days every month because of the pain, there is probably more to it. Especially when painkillers seem to have no effect, it is wise to visit the doctor.
3. Pain outside your period
Do you also suffer from severe abdominal pain outside your menstrual period? This may indicate an underlying problem such as endometriosis, a condition in which the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis causes extreme period cramps, which can cause the pelvic and abdominal wall muscles to become hyperactive and to contract even outside menstruation. As a result, you also experience cramps at other times.
4. Pain during sex or urination
At Dr. Gabrielle Whitmore, assistant professor specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, alarm bells immediately go off when someone experiences pain during sex or on the toilet. According to her, this could also indicate endometriosis. Individually, these symptoms are more likely to be linked to problems such as constipation, a urinary tract infection or hypersensitive nerves. “But,” Whitmore warns, “in some rare and extreme cases, endometriosis can also grow on the bladder or even the intestines.”
When in doubt…
Are you unsure whether your menstrual complaints are ‘normal’? It is always important to listen to your body and get advice from a doctor or specialist. By taking timely action you can ensure that any underlying problems are discovered and treated.
Source: Huffpost | Image: Adobe Stock
