Doctor reveals one ‘red flag’ period symptom you should never ignore

Despite many of us enduring periods for years and years now, it's clear they still absolutely floor us when they inevitably come around each month (or whatever your cycle looks like).

From the skin breakouts and bizarre food craving to the whiplash-inducing mood swings and the cramps - the symptoms are seemingly endless when it comes the ways our bodies tell us we're not pregnant.

Now, while a lot of the symptoms - as horrific as they are - are somewhat manageable with painkillers, hot water bottles and copious amounts of chocolate, a doctor has revealed that there is one particular 'red flag' period symptom you should never ignore.

Dr Stephanie Ooi, a former NHS GP who now works in a private London clinic, explains (via Surrey Live): "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."

We're all familiar with the trials and tribulations that come with our menstrual cycles (Boy_Anupong/Getty stock images)

Noting that feeling a little fatigue during your period is considered normal, the doc warns that fainting or feeling dizzy isn’t.

"If your period regularly leaves you lightheaded, it could be a sign of low blood pressure or hormonal shifts," Dr Ooi outlined, adding: "If you pass out during your period, it’s time to see a doctor.

"No one should be dealing with that every month."

Another cause for concern is if you find yourself vomiting or feeling too unwell to eat or go about your daily life - something which the expert says is a major 'red flag'.

Explaining that mild nausea accompanying your period pain can be expected, Dr Ooi continued: "Severe pain that makes you physically sick isn’t something you should just put up with, and a medical professional might have the solution for you.

"It could also indicate an underlying issue that needs to be diagnosed."

She also offered some advice to those who may be suspecting they have a 'heavier' flow.

Anyone who experiences severe vomiting or feeling too unwell to eat should contact their GP to discuss symptoms (Peter Dazeley / Getty Images)

"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," Dr Ooi shared.

If these blood clots are larger than a 10p coin, then 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," the expert assured.

Regardless, it's evident that experiencing heavier periods can make you more likely to suffer from fatigue because of the iron lost during menstruation.

Dr Ooi says: "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. There are solutions out there that can help and speaking to your doctor is the first step."

A number of various health issues can lead to 'bad periods', most notably characterised by heavy bleeding, severe cramps, or irregular cycles.

These conditions include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, and bleeding disorders such as Von Willebrand disease.