What the female cycle tells about health

You might think that the only thing your period is telling you is that you’re not pregnant or that you need to take ibuprofen because of the brutal cramps in the abdomen.

But menstrual cycle can actually tell you if you have other health problems.

According to new research from the American Heart Association, women whose first period appeared at age 10 or earlier, as well as those who got it after age 17 age, have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke and health complications related to high blood pressure.

Women who get their first period at age 13, however, have the lowest risk. Of course, this does not mean that the monthly cycle is to blame for these problems, or that you are doomed to experience them if you fall into the risk group.

It’s just a good reminder that your period can serve as an indicator of the processes going on in your body.

Menstrual cycle changes — frequency, duration, abundance — should be monitored, says Dr. Ob-Gyn Alyssa Dweck, study co-author. He names six possible health problems that we can learn from our monthly cycle.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome suffer from a hormonal imbalance. This leads to problems with their monthly cycle and their ability to conceive.

It can also lead to obesity, facial hair, ovarian cysts, problems conceiving, and other side effects. Fortunately, hormone control can help treat the syndrome.

Anemia

If you have super heavy menses, you may be anemic, Dweck says. Anemia is a condition of lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

When this happens, your body does not absorb enough oxygen, you become sluggish, you have unpleasant symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. Because this can cause iron deficiency, your doctor may recommend supplements.

Uterine Cancer

Some of the earliest signs of uterine cancer are irregular periods, bleeding after menopause and bleeding between periods, Dweck says.

Another symptom can be pain during sex. Of course, these could be signs of other, less serious conditions, but it’s worth seeing a doctor if you notice these symptoms.

Thyroid Diseases

Because menstruation is hormone-driven, and the thyroid plays an important role in hormone production and regulation, noticeable changes in the monthly cycle, especially in of the flow, may be an indicator of problems with the thyroid gland, says the doctor.

Thyroid tests can determine if this is the cause of your period problems.

Pituitary Tumor

If you have missed your period this month, it could be because of pregnancy. But if you notice changes in the nipples at the same time, it may be a benign or malignant tumor of the pituitary gland.

This type of tumor most often occurs in older people, but no one is immune, even young people.

Eating Disorders

When you don’t eat right, it can affect your monthly cycle. “The absence of menstruation, against the background of rapid or noticeable weight loss, combined with intense training, can lead doctors to think of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, says Duek. Such conditions affect the monthly loop.