 There are times when not feeling good is clearly caused by something we ate, the weather, or too much physical activity. But what happens when symptoms are caused by more significant health problem? When should symptoms not be ignored because they herald major health issues. Here are ten symptoms women should never ignore and why they should not be ignored.
1. You Not Only Feel Fat, But You Are Actually Over Weight
Many women believe they are just too fat, but in fact they are often just a little over eight. While that may not look good, it usually is not a health problem. On the other hand, if you are actually overweight, and your waist circumference is over 35 inches, you could be at risk for a medical problem called, Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome is caused by a series of changes in your body, directly or indirectly related to being over weight. These changes can actually increase your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Also with a waist line over 35 inches, it is also likely that you have too much belly fat. This belly can press on your intestines, your bladder, your abdominal wall, and also upward putting pressure on your diaphragm, your heart and your lungs. This can especially be a problem when you bend at the waist making breathing more difficult and causing your heart to not work correctly. It can also lead to the release inflammatory chemicals which can irritate airways, making breathing difficult.
If you are over weight, stop just talking about it and actually do something about it. Reduce calories, chose food wiser and get on a regular exercise program. Workout 15 to 30 minutes a day, get your heart rate up so that you know you are getting a workout. Stop eating simple carbohydrates such as white bread, candy and cookies and change to whole-grain breads, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, more fish, and have less fat in your diet. When you get your waist below 35 inches, you will feel better.
For more information about Metabolic Syndrome, click here.
2. When Sex Hurts
Sex should not hurt. If it does then you may have a problem. In premenopausal women painful sex can me that you are not lubricating, or that you have a vaginal infection, or it could mean that you might have endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium, the tissue that lines your uterus, is growing outside of your uterus possibly on your ovaries, your tubes or on your pelvic wall. This misplaced tissue goes through the exact same changes as it does when it was in your uterus except it has no where to go so it creates injury and scaring to the tissues it has landed on. This can make sex painful and it can lead to infertility and possibly even tumors that could develop into certain types of ovarian cancer. This is something you should have checked out, right away.
If the pain occurs after the onset of menopause, there can be a whole set of other possible reasons including: atrophic vaginitis caused by your female hormone levels being too low. Unfortunately, it could also be an indication of a tumor malignant or benign somewhere in the pelvic area, the cervix, vagina or bladder. If bleeding is also associated with the pain, go see your doctor immediately. Also, ladies don’t forget to protect your health by seeing your gynecologist at least annually.
For more information about Hypothyroidism, click here.
3. Feeling Sluggish or Tired More Then You Should
If you are frequently tired and you have ruled out the usual suspects (fast food addiction, insomnia or a lapsed gym membership), low energy could signal an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control your metabolism, your heart rate and more. When thyroid hormone production is even slightly low some women can suffer a significant decline in mental function, even develop depression, poor circulation or hypertension. All of this can also increase your risk of heart disease.
If thyroid disorders run in your family, or if you have other signs of hypothyroidism such as a puffy face, weight gain or hoarseness, a blood test can determine if your thyroid’s problem is do to a low thyroid hormone production. Natural, thyroid hormones are available and can correct this problem very rapidly, so why live with it, when you don’t need it at all.
For more information about Hypothyroidism, click here.
4. Your Gums Bleed When You Brush Your Teeth
If your gums bleed, when you brush your teeth, you may have gingivitis, a gum disease caused by a bacterial infection affecting your gums. While the gum disease might be a problem on its own, it is also a portal for bacteria to enter into your bloodstream and inflame and even damage your heart or other organs.
See your dentist and get the problem treated right away, do not take chances. Your dentist will clean your teeth and if necessary treat infection with antibiotics. To keep your gums healthy, floss and brush at least twice a day and schedule a dental exam every six months.
For more information about Gingivitis and relation to Hormone Deficiency, click here.
5. Heartburn Anytime
If you have two or more episodes of heartburn a week, or daily heartburn, this could indicate gastroesopheagal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when the valve between your stomach and your esophagus (food pipe) and throat doesn’t keep stomach acids from splashing upward into your esophagus. When this happens, stomach acid can injure your esophagus and also your wind pipe (your trachea). This can, over an extended period of time, lead to scaring of your esophagus, and even eventually esophageal cancer, also constriction of your windpipe, asthma attacks or even pneumonia.
GERD can also occur from belly fat press on your stomach, forcing stomach acids upward. Losing weight cold help reduce this problem. Also avoid large or fatty meals, which worsen reflux, and record what foods you eat just prior to the onset of your symptoms, then make sure that you leave them off your grocery list in the future.
For more information about GERD, click here.
6. Migraines With An Aura
Some 30 of women who suffer from migraine headaches experience auras, that is visual disturbance (such as spots or flashing lights), occasional also motor weakness or tingling sensations. This is very important for experiencing auras when you have migraine headaches can double your risk of having an ischemic stroke. Synthetic estrogens, are found in virtually all birth control pills, and they can also increase your risk for stroke. To avoid migraines, figure out what triggers your migraines and then do your utmost best to avoid these triggers (food preservatives and stress are common triggers). Be sure that you tell your doctor about experiencing auras and ask your doctor if taking there is any way of helping you to stop your migraine as soon as the aura starts or at least at the onset of the headache.
For more information about Migraine Headaches, click here.
7. Frequent or Constant Back Ache Or Back Pain
Chronic back pain that lingers six months or more is linked with a loss of brain volume that’s equivalent to 10 to 20 years of normal aging. While we do not really know why this happens, chronic back pain should be aggressively treated and prevented if possible.
Strengthening your abdominal and pelvic muscles help support your back, so try core-strengthening pilates or yoga. Always maintain proper posture and keep your computer screen front and center and at eye level to prevent neck and spine strain.
For more information about Back Pain, click here.
8. When Your Asthma Flares Up About Once a Month
Asthma-related inflammation damages lung tissue and, if inadequately treated, can reduce lung capacity, which strains the heart. Women with asthma have a 22 percent greater risk for heart disease even if they only have occasional attacks with no symptoms between. Check with your doctor to create the right plan and program to protect you. Avoid cigarette smoke, perfume and other chemicals which can irritate your lungs, and see your doctor every 6 to 12 months to update your easy-breathing plan.
For more information about Asthma, click here.
9. Feeling Sleep-Deprived Every Day
Morning or daily fatigue can come from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which throat muscles temporarily relax and block airways while you sleep. When this happens it can cause adrenaline to spikes and affect your heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, OSA can also increase your risk for diabetes, heart attack, stroke and other health problems.
Losing weight can help relieve pressure on your breathing passages. Sleeping on your side can prevent your tongue from sliding back and blocking your airway. Avoid alcohol, which slows the brain’s response to paused breathing. If these do not entirely relieve the problem then see your doctor and get a sleep study to see if you need a prescription for a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, a mask that sends air into your nose or mouth to help you sleep better and reduce your risk of complication from OSA.
For more information on OSA, click here.
10. You Missed a Period and You’re Not Pregnant
While you might not care if your period does a disappearing act, it could mean that your estrogen levels are low, possibly due to a hormone disorder such as hypothyroidism or even premature menopause. Since estrogen helps to regulate new bone formation and maintain a healthy heart you will want to do something about this before it gets to be a problem. Even three months without a period could affect your fertility, increase your risk for osteoporosis, and increase your risk of heart disease.
If your period is absent for more than three months, see your ob/gyn about getting screened for hormone disorders. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help restore your estrogen levels and menstrual cycle.
For more information about Hypothyroidism, click here.
For more information about Menopause, click here.
For more information about Osteoporosis, click here.
For more information about Heart Disease, click here.
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