Some symptoms are easy to identify as symptoms of a potentially dangerous disease. Chest pain, high fever and bleeding are symptoms that will worry anyone. However, there are some more subtle symptoms that may indicate that something is not working well in a woman's body. Find out what they are in the following text.
Breast swelling or discoloration
Breast swelling may be normal. Many women's breasts swell before menstruation or during pregnancy. However, if you notice unusual swelling, talk to your doctor. Rapidly developing swelling or discoloration (purple or red spots) can be signs of inflammatory breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare type of advanced breast cancer that develops quickly. Breast infections can also have very similar symptoms.
Abdominal bloating
Abdominal bloating is a common menstrual symptom. However, abdominal bloating that lasts for more than a week can be an early sign of ovarian cancer.
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- feeling full quickly after eating
- nutritional problems
- frequent need to urinate
- persistent lack of energy
- postmenopausal bleeding
- abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge in premenopausal women
Bloody or black stools
The color of the chair may vary. It depends on the food you eat and the medicines you take. For example, iron supplements and antidiarrheal medications can cause black or tarry stools. Black stool suggests that you have upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Brown or bloody stools suggest bleeding lower in the GI tract. These are signs that you should see your doctor.
Bleeding can be caused by:
- hemorrhoids
- ulcer
- diverticulitis
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- malignant disease
Unusual shortness of breath
It's normal to feel tired after climbing stairs or running. But shortness of breath after light physical activity can be an early sign of a serious lung or heart problem. One potential cause of shortness of breath is coronary ischemia. Coronary ischemia is a lack of blood flow in the heart muscle caused by partial or complete blockage of an artery. Both partial and complete blockage of arteries can also cause a heart attack.
Go to the emergency room as soon as possible if you have shortness of breath and any of these symptoms:
- chest pain or discomfort
- nausea
- dizziness
- Constant fatigue
You probably experience bouts of fatigue from time to time due to lack of sleep or something else. But if you're constantly feeling exhausted, it might be time to see a doctor. Constant fatigue can be a sign of a health problem. Conditions that can lead to persistent fatigue are:
- depression
- liver failure
- anemia
- malignant diseases
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- kidney failure
- cardiovascular disease
- thyroid disease
- sleep apnea
- diabetes
Unexplained weight loss
It's normal to lose weight if you've changed your diet or started exercising. However, losing body mass without this can be a concern. Talk to your doctor if you lose weight for no apparent reason.
Possible causes of unexplained weight loss are:
malignant diseases
- HIV
- celiac disease
- diabetes
- heart disease
- thyroid disease
Chest or facial hair
Facial hair growth is not just a cosmetic problem. Chest or facial hair growth is usually caused by elevated levels of androgens (male hormones). This may be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age.
Other symptoms associated with PCOS include:
- adult acne
- obesity
- irregular periods
- High blood pressure.
Chronic stomach problems
Occasional stomach problems should not be a cause for concern. However, chronic stomach problems can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Symptoms of IBS include the following:
- abdominal pain and cramps
- diarrhea
- prison
IBS is more common in women than men. IBS can be treated with diet and lifestyle changes. Medicines can also help with symptoms.
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
Menopause occurs in middle age when ovulation stops. This causes you to stop having monthly menstrual cycles. After menopause, some women continue to experience symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. But, if you have vaginal bleeding after menopause, see your gynecologist as soon as possible. Vaginal bleeding after menopause is never normal. This could be a sign of a serious health problem, including any of the following:
- uterine fibroids
- endometritis
- malignant diseases
Stroke and transient ischemic attack
All adults should know the symptoms of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Unlike a stroke, a TIA does not cause permanent brain damage. However, about one-third of people who have had a TIA will later experience a stroke. Symptoms of a TIA or stroke include the sudden onset of any of the following symptoms:
- weakness, usually only on one side of the body
- a headache
- dizziness
- loss of vision, in one or both eyes
- speech problem
If you have any of these symptoms, get help right away. Quick help can reduce the risk of developing long-term side effects.
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