This is a collaborative post.
Many women can be so busy working and caring for their loved ones that they put themselves last. This can sometimes mean that possible health problems aren’t given the attention they deserve, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes. Women should never ignore any health concern they have, but it’s particularly important for them to seek medical advice for the following potential issues:
1. Groin Pain
Any groin pain women experience shouldn’t be ignored. While commonly resulting from overuse or straining, there can be many serious causes of female groin pain that require professional intervention.
Conditions, illnesses, and injuries like osteoarthritis, sports hernias, hip fractures, and UTIs can cause groin pain or pressure. Kidney stones, ovarian cysts, appendicitis, and endometriosis are possible problems.
Some women have even found that their groin pain results from pregnancy or pelvic venous insufficiency, a vascular condition affecting the veins in the pelvic region. If you’re experiencing any groin pain or pressure, seek medical advice without delay.
2. Abdominal Bloating
It’s common to experience abdominal bloating during menstruation or after a large meal. However, abdominal bloating can be a cause for concern if it occurs frequently and you can’t eat as much as you used to without feeling full. This might be a sign of ovarian cancer.
3. Breast Changes
Breast changes, such as lumps, thickening or swelling, skin discolouration, or pain or discomfort, should be assessed by a medical professional. These are some of the most common symptoms of breast cancer.
While many of these symptoms can also be associated with non-cancer conditions, a medical professional must provide an accurate diagnosis.
4. Fatigue
Temporary fatigue is normal after a hectic schedule. However, continual fatigue might indicate a health issue. Chronic fatigue can be a symptom of several conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid disease, depression, and anaemia.
5. Uncharacteristic Vaginal Bleeding
If you’re bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after intercourse, seek medical advice immediately. Health issues like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and cancer can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding.
6. Unexplained Weight Loss
If you haven’t changed your diet or activity levels and are experiencing weight loss, don’t delay seeking medical advice. Unexplained weight loss can sometimes be a symptom of health issues like diabetes, thyroid disease, and cancer.
7. Heavy or Painful Periods
Heavy or painful periods that are out of the ordinary for you should be taken seriously. Sometimes, they can be a sign of gynaecological problems like uterine fibroids.
8. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can be a cause for concern. Sometimes, it can be a symptom of cardiovascular disease or even lung disease.
9. Intimate Pain
Some discomfort in intimate areas is not always abnormal, but extreme pain can be. Pain during intercourse can be associated with a number of possible conditions, such as endometriosis, infection, and hormonal imbalances.
10. Bloody Urine
See medical advice if you’ve noticed an abnormal urine colour, such as orange, pink, or dark red. Blood in the urine can be a sign of a bladder infection, but it can also be one of the first signs of bladder cancer.
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to ignore possible health problems. However, if you notice these symptoms or any others that concern you, seek advice from a medical professional.
