Common phrases such as “You’re being dramatic,” “It’s just a period,” and “Just tough it out” frequently serve to trivialize and dismiss the experience of painful menstrual cramps. This societal stigma often prevents women from voicing their concerns and may even hinder their own recognition of the severity of their symptoms.

As a community, we frequently avoid conversations surrounding menstrual health; however, it is crucial to recognize that menstruation can pose significant challenges for many individuals. While some may only experience mild discomfort, others endure severe and debilitating symptoms that can disrupt their daily lives. Furthermore, the menstrual cycle serves as an important indicator of overall health, where irregularities may sometimes be normal, yet certain changes warrant further investigation.

Indicators of menstrual health issues:

In a discussion with Dr. Yokesh Arul, MD in Medicine and Fitness for Optimal Health, he stated, “During menstruation, the body expels the endometrial lining of the uterus that was prepared for a potential pregnancy. Therefore, while periods are inherently uncomfortable, it is important to understand your limits and recognize when it is necessary to seek medical attention.”

Here are the signs to watch out for:

1. Dysmenorrhea or painful periods are primarily caused by hormones, most common in adolescents.
2. If it disrupts daily activities and you have to take heavy doses of painkillers for almost the total duration of your period, then you should be alarmed because it could be due a medical condition like endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS.
3. Persisting pain while urination and intercourse that makes your shift to high doses of painkillers is abnormal.
4. Heavy bleeding is faced by many women but having to change pads every 1-2 hours and passing clots larger than the size of a grape, should be considered abnormal.
5. Change in colour of menstrual blood other than shades of red or brown also indicates abnormality.
6. A normal menstrual cycle varies from 21-35 days. Anything more or less than this is termed an irregular cycle. Irregular cycles can be considered fine sometimes due to stress, rapid weight change or if you are in the beginning or end of your menstrual age but if you're missing your periods for more than 2-3 months without pregnancy, or having constantly irregular cycles of less than 21 or more than 35 days, it could possibly be PCOS.

Dr. Yokesh Arul emphasized the importance of addressing menstrual health issues, stating that neglecting symptoms may exacerbate conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or fibroids. He highlighted the necessity of fostering open discussions about menstrual health to empower individuals to prioritize their reproductive well-being and seek assistance when necessary. It is essential to remember that menstruation should not dictate one's life; rather, individuals should take charge of their health.

The painful truth about menstrual health

In a related discussion, Dr. Rohan Palshetkar, Head of Unit at Bloom IVF and Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at DY Patil School of Medicine, shared his insights on menstrual irregularities. He noted that missing a period or experiencing consistently irregular cycles with minimal bleeding may indicate hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, PCOS, or even tuberculosis. Conversely, he warned that heavy bleeding requiring frequent pad changes or periods lasting longer than seven days could signal the presence of fibroids, endometriosis, or other significant health issues.

He stated that experiencing pain during menstruation should not be regarded as normal, particularly if it impacts your quality of life. It is essential to consult your physician to exclude the possibility of fibroids, endometriosis, or any other underlying conditions. Occasional spotting between periods can be normal and may signify ovulation; however, if the spotting occurs frequently or is heavy, it warrants investigation, as it could indicate an infection, a polyp, or, in more severe cases, cancer.

It is his assertion that following the age of 40, menstrual cycles may become irregular, excessively heavy, or painful; however, such changes should not be regarded as normal. It is advisable to consult a gynaecologist for a thorough examination. Should you have any concerns, no matter how minor, it is prudent to seek the advice of your gynaecologist, as it is always beneficial to do so.

Read Also: Sugar vs. Alcohol: The Shocking Link to the Same Diseases

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!