You might think that all your period tells you is whether you’re pregnant or whether you need to take ibuprofen because your period pains are so bad. However, your menstrual cycle can actually be a clue to other health issues.
Women who begin their periods before age 10 or older than 17 are at higher risk of developing health complications related to heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, according to a new study from the American Heart Association. However, women who experience their first menstrual cycle at age 13 have the lowest risk of experiencing these symptoms. Granted, that doesn’t mean periods cause these problems. And whether you’re an early bloomer or a late bloomer, you’re not necessarily destined to experience those problems either. But it’s still a good reminder that internal flow can serve as an indicator of other things happening in the body.
“Menstrual habits may change somewhat over the decades, but it’s important to consider changes in menstruation, including changes in frequency, length, and quantity. [of flow]” says obstetrician-gynecologist Alyssa Dweck, M.D., co-author of the book. V is vagina. Here, Dweck shares his six symptoms that can give you clues about your menstrual cycle. If you think you have a problem, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Women with PCOS suffer from hormonal imbalances that cause problems with periods and fertility (which can also lead to excessive facial hair, obesity, ovarian cysts, infertility, and other side effects). Fortunately, hormonal birth control can help treat this syndrome.
anemia
Dweck says if your blood flow is very high, you may have anemia. Anemia is a condition in which there is a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin (the main component of red blood cells) in the blood. When this happens, your body can’t absorb enough oxygen, causing you to feel sluggish and experience unpleasant symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. This can also cause iron deficiency, so your doctor may recommend supplements.
Related: Do you have heavy periods?you need to read this
Uterine cancer
Some of the earliest noticeable signs of uterine cancer include “irregular bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, and bleeding between periods,” Dweck says. Experiencing pain during sex can also be a sign of snitching. Of course, these can also be signs of other, less serious illnesses, but it’s worth seeing your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
thyroid disease
Menstruation is largely determined by hormones, and the thyroid plays a major role in producing and regulating hormones, so noticeable changes in your period, such as lighter or heavier menstrual flow, may indicate a thyroid problem. Dweck says there is. A thyroid test can tell if it is the cause of irregular blood flow.
pituitary tumor
If you don’t get your period, there’s a clear chance that you’re pregnant. However, if you also notice a milky breast discharge, it may mean that you have a pituitary tumor, a benign or cancerous mass in the pituitary gland. Headaches can also be a symptom, Dweck says. These are most common in older people (so don’t panic and self-diagnose right away), but they can occur at any age.
eating disorder
Not eating properly can affect your blood flow. “Absence of menstruation accompanied by rapid or significant weight loss, low BMI, and/or excessive exercise” points doctors to an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, Dweck says. If this is behind your period changes, you probably already suspect that you are suffering from an eating disorder. But if you haven’t come to terms with it yet, I hope this inspires you to seek help.
See more women’s health:
8 major period issues solved
10 ways to relieve PMS symptoms and period-related pain
4 reasons why menstruation negatively affects your skin
Jillian Kramer is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, Martha Stewart Living, SELF, and more.
