7 women’s health problems you should always talk to your doctor about

As women, we are often made to feel that any health problems we are experiencing are just a regular part of female life. Heavy, painful periods? Headaches? Bloating? Extreme tiredness? There is always someone who will tell you that these symptoms are just part and parcel of being a woman.

And some women do indeed have heavier periods than others, and some of us are more prone to bloating after meals. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore these symptoms. If you are experiencing more than one of them, it might be time to make an appointment with your GP. Here are some examples of symptoms that any doctor will want to look into more closely:

1. Chronic fatigue

We all wake up some days feeling more exhausted than we did when we went to sleep. But if this is happening to you every day and you are unable to shake it off, it could be a sign of something more serious, like:

• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Hypothyroidism

2. Unusual bleeding

We all know our own menstrual cycle, and we know when something isn’t normal. Your period can be affected by things like weight loss, stress and too much exercise (yes, really!), but if you are experiencing bleeding outside of your regular cycle or heavier periods than usual, it is worth contacting your doctor. Irregular bleeding can be a symptom of fibroids, polyps, anaemia, or, more seriously, uterine or cervical cancer.

3. Changes in your breasts

Hopefully, we are all aware of this, but it is so important to check your breasts regularly and go to the doctor as soon as you notice any irregularity. Although the most common sign that something is wrong is a lump, other things to watch for are:

• Rashes or red areas
• Inverted nipples
• Changes to the size or shape of your breasts
• Thickening or dimpling of the breast skin

4. Bloating

As indicated above, we all feel bloated after a meal occasionally, or just before our period, and some people are more prone to this than others. However, if you are experiencing prolonged bloating, it might be worth contacting your GP to rule out ovarian cancer. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Unusual bleeding
• Urgency to urinate
• Lower abdominal discomfort
• Weight loss
• Changes to bowel movements

5. Migraines

Migraines are more than just a headache – they often involve visual disturbance, nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light. Although many things can cause migraines – and, again, some people do get them habitually – if you are having regular migraines, it is a good idea to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious problems.

6. Pain during intercourse

Sex should not be painful! Sadly, for many women it is, and often they don’t seek help out of shame or embarrassment. If you are experiencing pain during intercourse, please book an appointment with your GP immediately, as it could be a symptom of something more serious, such as:

• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Infection
• Ovarian cysts

7. Changes to vaginal discharge

Discharge from the vagina is normal, and is vital to keep the vagina healthy and moist. If, however, you start to notice changes to the colour, texture or smell of your vaginal discharge, this could be a sign of infection and it’s essential to seek medical attention.

If you have concerns about any of the health problems mentioned above and would like to speak with one of our female GPs in confidence, please contact us to book a consultation or a Comprehensive Medical for a full health assessment.