The menstrual cycle has long been considered a biological mirror of a woman’s overall health. In addition to being related to fertility, even small changes in the cycle can be a sign of hormonal imbalance, stress, or underlying medical conditions.
Many women are still hesitant to talk about menstruation, or only care when there are obvious symptoms such as delayed menstruation, menorrhagia, severe pain... However, according to medical specialists, observing, understanding and monitoring the monthly cycle will help women detect health problems early in the most effective and easiest way.
Here are the signs of your menstrual cycle that you need to pay attention to and what to do when your body speaks.
Regular or irregular menstrual cycle reflects endocrine system and reproductive health
A normal menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days, with slight variations from month to month. If your cycle is consistently around the same time (for example, 28–30 days each month), it is a sign that your endocrine system is working well, your ovaries are ovulating regularly, and your body is capable of normal fertility.
On the contrary, if the cycle is too short (less than 21 days), too long (more than 35 days), or changes erratically from month to month, you should be alert. This could be an early sign of: Hormonal disorders (imbalance of estrogen and progesterone hormones); Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); Impact of stress, sudden weight changes; Side effects of birth control pills or thyroid disorders.
Keep track of your menstrual cycle using an app or health notebook. When you see your gynecologist, this information will be invaluable in assessing your hormonal health.
Is the amount of menstrual blood normal? This is a sign of the uterus and endometrium.
A normal period lasts 3–7 days, with a total blood flow of about 30–80ml. If you have to change your pad every 1–2 hours because of heavy bleeding, or your period lasts longer than a week, you may be experiencing:
Uterine fibroids
Endometrial polyps
Mild blood clotting disorder
Side effects of hormonal drugs or IUDs
On the contrary, if the menstrual blood is too little or only "spots" in one day, the cause may be due to:
Poor endocrine, no ovulation
Thin endometrium
Premature ovarian failure
Stress, restrictive diet
It is important to keep track of the amount and nature of your menstrual flow. If the amount of blood changes significantly compared to previous months or lasts unusually long, do not ignore it.
Color and smell of blood indicate gynecological diseases
Bright red menstrual blood: Normal.
Dark brown, clotted blood: Could be old blood retained in the uterus. If accompanied by abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge… think of endometriosis or gynecological infection.
Strong, unpleasant fishy smell: Warning of vaginitis, cervicitis, fungal infection or trichomonas.
If you notice an unusual smell or large clots in your menstrual blood, you should see a doctor to rule out infection or structural abnormalities of the uterus.
Is menstrual cramps normal or abnormal?
Mild abdominal pain in the first few hours of your period is considered normal due to uterine contractions. However, if:
Pain lasts for several days, spreading to the hip or thigh area
Have to take painkillers every month
Pain so severe that normal activities are impossible
Then you are most likely suffering from:
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
Uterine adhesions after surgery
Don't take menstrual cramps for granted. See your doctor if the pain becomes unusual or affects your quality of life.
What to do when your period disappears?
Secondary amenorrhea (absence of menstruation for 3 months or more in a person who has had periods) is a sign you should not ignore. Common causes:
Prolonged stress, physical weakness
Hypopituitarism, thyroid
Polycystic ovary or premature ovarian failure
Over-dieting, over-exercising
If you have not had a period for 2 months or more and are not pregnant, see your doctor. Prolonged amenorrhea can affect fertility and bone health due to hormonal deficiencies.
Menstrual cycles and mental health
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect mood, causing:
Difficulty sleeping, anxiety, mild depression before menstruation
Irritability, lack of concentration
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Record your emotions and behaviors in cycles to identify related psychological disorders early. In case of severe impact on life, see an endocrinologist or psychologist.
How Lifestyle Affects the Menstrual Cycle
A healthy lifestyle has a positive impact on the menstrual cycle:
Adequate nutrition, no excessive abstinence
Get enough sleep, avoid staying up late for long periods of time
Exercise regularly, do not lose weight quickly
Avoid prolonged stress, have the ability to control emotions
Your menstrual cycle is very sensitive to changes in your body. If you are on an extreme diet, doing intense exercise or working under stress, adjust your schedule to avoid hormonal imbalances and long-term effects on your reproductive health.
The menstrual cycle is a very important red light signal, not only reflecting reproductive health but also closely related to nutrition, spirit and overall endocrine activity. Monitoring, taking notes and listening to your body during each cycle will help you proactively take care of your health, promptly identify abnormalities and maintain the best quality of life.
If you have prolonged abnormal signs such as delayed menstruation, excessive menstruation or amenorrhea, do not wait but go to the doctor for early consultation and treatment. Women's health begins with understanding and loving your own body.
Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/chu-ky-kinh-nguyet-phan-anh-gi-ve-suc-khoe-phu-nu-post1555820.html
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