Your menstrual cycle is talking to you, and it says more than "bring me fries curved in ice cream, ASAP!" Here's what to look out for - and when to call your ob gyne:
Checklist That You Don't Want To Ignore
1. You're Experiencing Heavy Bleeding
Heavy bleeding can be a cause for alarm, says Rachel Carlton Abrams, M.D., a certified physician. "[It] can be a sign of fibroids, hormonal imbalance (typically high estrogen and not enough progesterone), stress (which reduces progesterone), [or] thyroid dysfunction. If you've always had heavy bleeding, it could be a sign of a clotting disorder inside."
2. You Have Super Painful Cramps
"Extremely painful cramps can be an indicator of endometriosis, that line up the uterus where cells travel through the fallopian tubes and out into the pelvis," says Dr. Abrams. "When the uterus lean-tos its lining, the out-of-place cells in pelvic cavity bleeding, causing pain." So how can you tell if it is normal? "Pain is very much particular; but, pain that is interfering with your ability to do your routine activities is never normal," explains Dr. Angela Jones, M.D., the ob gyne behind the Ask Dr. Angela podcast. If the pain doesn't ease up with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like aspirin and ibuprofen and heating pads, then talk to your doctor immediately, she says.
3. You Missed Your Period
Though it's enticing to celebrate a week off from cramps, your unpleasant underwear, and the irresistible desire to eat cake frosting, a missing period is a warning sign. "Lack of a period can happen because of stress, hormonal changes, it can be also menopause, low body fat, or, of course, commonly we know - pregnancy," says Dr. Abrams. "It can also happen with hyperthyroidism. And, hardly ever, it can be a sign of tumors in the ovaries, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus."
4. You've Always Had Long Rotations And Anomaly
"Menstrual flow that have always been a bit irregular with typically long cycles (sometimes with months in between) can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome," says Dr. Abrams. Other indications can include weight gain, fatigue, excessive hair growth on the face and body, thinning hair on the head, acne, headaches, sleep problems, pelvic pain, and mood swing, as per the PCOS Awareness Association. An endocrinologist can run blood examinations and an ob gyne can check for cysts with an ultrasound to help you figure out what's wrong.
5. You Have Ongoing Spotting
Irregular bleeding that looks like a few spots of reddish blood at unexpected times of the cycle can be normal, Dr. Ross says. "Some women can have spotting that lasts a couple of days then stops and restarts again throughout the middle of the month. Brown spotting can also happen mid-cycle or thru pregnancy." But if brown spotting continues for more than two to three months, contact your doctor to figure out the cause.
6. Your Menstrual Blood Is Light Pink Or Thinned Out
"Period blood that is too little, thinned out, [or] lighter in color can indicate your estrogen is too low to build the uterine lining appropriately," says Jardim. You might also experience uneven periods, vaginal dryness, low sex appetite, hair loss, or hair thinning with low estrogen.
7. Your Menstrual Blood Contains Lots Of Clumps
"The stuffing of your period usually include a mix of blood, vaginal fluid, and uterine lining cells," describes Jardim. Seeing a few small masses on your heavier days is normal, but if you're seeing them every day of your period or they're large - whatever the size of a quarter or bigger could show an issue, as per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
8. Your Period Has Lasted A Week More
"A menstrual cycle that last 7 days and more, would certainly raise my eyebrows," says Dr. Jones. "At that point, I would highly recommend an ultrasound, to look for an obvious basis. Some of the common causes of prolonged menstrual problem can be polyps or fibroids, both of which are characteristically benign."
Essential point? Your period may not bear a resemblance to a tampon commercial, but you shouldn't agonize too serious or painful symptoms month after month, either. If any of these red flags sound used to - or if to some degree, something else is going on that's got you worried - make an appointment with your doctor ASAP.
