7 Symptoms Of Dangerous Diseases Ignored By Many Women
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In today’s fast-paced world, health usually takes a back seat. We are so engrossed in our daily routine that most of the times, we shrug off minor pain or discomfort in our body, attributing them to overexertion. Also, if we notice closely, we are not as strong physically as the older generations.
While technology is making our life easier, we must understand that the quality of our life is going down. And the reasons are several – from air pollution to harmful chemicals used in vegetables and food products to the radiation that our gadgets emit – all of these contribute in some way or the other in deteriorating our health gradually. And before we know it, sometimes, it is too late.
But things need not be so grim. If detected early, with the advancement in the health sector, some of these grave diseases can be treated and gotten completely rid of. So, for early detection of diseases, here are some things you should notice about your body and not ignore.
1. Several Trips To The Loo
Urinating 5 – 6 times a day is normal. However, if you are running to the loo a little more than usual then it is time you consider a visit to your doctor (1). According to research, one out of four people with diabetes do not know they have it.
We generally associate this uneasiness with some problem with the urinary tract or our kidneys, which also needs to be treated immediately. However, there are other diseases also that might be the underlying cause for this symptom. Visits to the loo too many times, coupled with too much thirst and an increased appetite, may mean that you have some form of diabetes.
2. Rapid Weight Loss
Women are always happy to lose weight and look good in that lovely dress. While we should exercise and follow a good diet to maintain our body, at the same time, we should not ignore any sudden and rapid weight loss.
If you are following your regular diet and exercise regime, and have lost more than 10 kilos in a short span of time, you must see the doctor without delay.
Along with the possibility of diabetes or Crohn’s disease, sudden weight loss is one of the first signs of cancer (2), (3).
3. Hair Growth In Unusual Places
Too much hair in the body or in places where there should be no hair growth means that there is some hormonal imbalance in the body. While in some women a little more hair than usual is considered normal, you have to understand that if there is an abnormal hair growth, there might be more to it.
Experts say that a hormonal imbalance in the body may gradually lead to infertility or endometrial diseases. Risk of breast cancer is also another cause of concern in these cases.
4. Post-Menopausal Bleeding
If you experience what seems like menstruation, several months after you have reached menopause, this is not a good sign (4). Unless you have taken some hormonal therapy, it is advisable to visit your doctor at the earliest. There are several reasons as to why this happens, including cancer in the uterus, myelomas, and other pathological conditions.
5. Abnormal Changes In The Breast
Self-examination is the best way to find out if something is not right with our breasts. We should definitely not shy away from inspecting and palpating our breasts regularly (5). While pain in the breast just before periods can be considered normal, you should be extra observant about other changes in your breast. 5 minutes in front of the mirror is all you need to check if there are any changes in your breast, such as redness, wrinkles, lumps, etc. that can help you detect breast cancer at an early stage.
6. Unusual Excretions
For women, menstrual excretions along with a white discharge sometimes can be considered normal. However, if you notice that the color has turned green or you get some foul smell emanating along with the discharge, then do not ignore this. This is a sign of some kind of internal infection or inflammation.
7. Heavy Periods
Normally, periods last for 5 – 7 days and it varies from woman to woman. Some women experience a heavy flow preceded by cramps, and for some women, it’s like any other normal day. If in pain, we usually take a day off and sleep off the pain, then forget all about it until the next cycle. We mostly blame our lifestyle for any unusual or heavy flow and push it off our minds.
Women must, however, not take this lightly. The reasons for a heavy flow vary from innocuous reasons like climatic change or a heavy workout in the gym to very serious conditions like thyroid dysfunction, PCOD, and the likes (6). So, a visit to a gynecologist will only put our doubts to rest.
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