Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
Topics: Periods, Women's Health
Lauren Lees
A GP has shared the one period symptom that women shouldn’t 'put up with', which often means it’s time to seek professional support.
Periods aren’t enjoyable for anyone, but for some women, they can be excruciating and life-altering, and when this one symptom is present, it’s important to let your doctor know.
Don’t ignore it, and don’t suffer in silence!
Dr Stephanie Ooi, a former NHS GP who now works for a private clinic in London, has been working with Active Iron to encourage women to speak up about their periods.
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She said: “Many women believe that painful periods are something that they just have to get used to, but if any symptoms are having a big impact on your life then speak to your GP."
Dr Ooi has now warned that there is one symptom that isn’t and shouldn’t be a normal occurrence for you while on your period.
While feeling a bit tired during your time of the month is normal, fainting and dizziness shouldn’t be happening, and it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
She explained: “If your period regularly leaves you lightheaded, it could be a sign of low blood pressure or hormonal shifts.
"If you pass out during your period, it’s time to see a doctor. No one should be dealing with that every month."
The expert notes that, while uncomfortable, some other symptoms are not an immediate cause for concern, unless extreme.
This includes blood clots and heavy bleeding: “If you regularly soak through sanitary products or have to double up on protection, your menstrual flow might be heavier than what’s considered normal.
"Passing small blood clots during your period isn’t unusual, however, if they’re larger than a 10p coin this is also a sign of heavier periods. Your GP can carry out tests to determine the cause of your heavier bleeding and, if appropriate, offer advice on things that can help."
Dr Ooi noted that other unpleasant symptoms like tiredness are ‘common’ and also not an immediate cause for concern, unless extreme.
She said: "Experiencing heavier periods can make you more likely to suffer from fatigue because of the iron lost during menstruation. Heavier bleeding can cause fatigue, low iron and impact your ability to carry on with your daily activities.
"Blood loss depletes iron levels during a normal period, so if you have heavier menstrual bleeding, your iron levels could be considerably lower.”
Other common symptoms include breakouts, bloating and breast pain.
But if you have any concerns about your period, contact your GP or healthcare professional.