Learn to recognize the symptoms
Most women understand that diet and exercise, along with regular pap smears, mammograms, and check-ups, are vital in maintaining good health. But what about recognizing symptoms that are clear indicators of the need to seek medical attention? Knowing what these are, and talking with your doctor about them as soon as possible, can help you stay on top of your health and promote longevity. So, what medical symptoms should women never ignore?
Click through and be aware of what you need to look out for.
For example, certain cancers, liver failure, depression, thyroid disease, heart disease, and anemia can cause chronic fatigue.
We all feel bloated after eating or drinking too much. Women may also experience the sensation around the time of their period.
However, if you're feeling bloated often, or can't eat as much as you used to without feeling full, talk to a medical professional.
Irregular vaginal bleeding can have a number of causes, such as changes in birth control, cervical or vaginal infections, intercourse, STDs, or perimenopause.
In addition, irregular vaginal bleeding can also be the first sign of cervical or uterine cancer. So make sure to stay up-to-date with your pap smear and reach out to your gynecologist if this bleeding occurs.
Normal breast tissue has a bumpy texture throughout. But any lumps that feel harder or different need to be examined by a doctor.
Both breasts should feel almost identical. But again if you feel any unusual or rapid swelling, or notice discoloration like red or purple spots on your breast, these could be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.
Without changing your diet or activity levels, sudden weight gain could be a warning sign of heart failure or the onset of a thyroid issue.
One of the most common causes of sudden weight gain is hypothyroidism, which is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones.
Unexplained weight loss can also signal a health issue. If you're losing weight but haven't changed your diet or activity levels, seek medical advice.
In addition, unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of depression or a gastrointestinal problem. It's also indicative of diabetes and celiac disease.
Chest pain can be a symptom of several disorders, anything from heart burn and muscle ache to discomfort brought on by anxiety. Whatever the reason, it shouldn't be ignored.
Whether you experience chest pain at rest or during activity, let your healthcare provider know about it. It's the most common symptom of heart attack in both men and women.
Moles can be troublemakers for the skin, and people often fail to catch problems early. When checking a mole always note its size and look for any asymmetric appearance, irregular borders, or color variations.
If you have a mole that changes or bleeds you'll definitely need to see a dermatologist you check if you require a biopsy. If there's a history of skin cancer in your family, be extra careful with moles.
Blood in the urine can be one of the first signs of bladder cancer. But it can also be caused by an infection or a kidney stone.
Sometimes blood in the urine is enough in volume to change its color to orange, pink, or a darker red. It may also be present one day and absent the next.
Random leg pains can flare up from time to time, but if the pain hangs around you may want to get it checked out.
Simple muscle aches and pains can be treated at home with rest, use of an ice pack, or by elevating your leg. If the pain persists, talk to your doctor and find out if more intervention or treatment is required.
While it's normal for eyesight to change as you age, never ignore visual changes that affect only one eye, the sudden onset of double vision, sudden pain, or the inability to see the center of what you're looking at.
Vision changes can result from something as simple as eyestrain, for example peering at your computer for too long. But it can also point to macular degeneration, glaucoma, or more serious issues like concussion or stroke.
Symptoms like blood in the stool, constipation or diarrhea can signal a health problem.
Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer can be the reason behind a change in bowel habits.
Whether from stress or exercise, it's not uncommon to occasionally experience heart flutter or a pounding in your chest.
But if these symptoms last longer than 15 minutes they could indicate a more serious problem, like heart arrhythmia or heart disease.
This could be a sign of a transient ischemic attack (TIA). These are like "mini-strokes" which along with the symptoms already described can also cause muscle slackness on one side, vision problems, and trouble speaking.
TIAs don't cause permanent brain injury, but approximately 30% of people who experience them will later suffer a stroke.
Don't ignore shortness of breath. While the cause may be from a lack of exercise or recent weight gain, not being able to get enough air could also be a sign of a heart disease.
Another common cause of shortness of breath is congestive heart failure (CHF). If symptoms persist it's vital to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Sources: (Everyday Health) (Health Digest)
Important health symptoms women should be aware of
They may seem harmless, but some can indicate a serious health condition
HEALTH Women's health
Most women understand that diet and exercise, along with regular pap smears, mammograms, and check-ups, are vital in maintaining good health. But what about recognizing symptoms that are clear indicators of the need to seek medical attention? Knowing what these are, and talking with your doctor about them as soon as possible, can help you stay on top of your health and promote longevity. So, what medical symptoms should women never ignore?
Click through and be aware of what you need to look out for.