10 Health Symptoms Women Shouldn’t Ignore

Reading Time: 9 minutes

10 Health Symptoms Women Shouldn’t Ignore

Minor symptom? Or major issue? These are questions we’ve all had when we wake up feeling a little bit off. But we ignore them thinking that it’s probably something minor. Most of the time it is no big deal. And since it is much easier to avoid going to the doctor, we push it to the back of our minds. But there are some health symptoms that women shouldn’t ignore.  

Because sometimes, the warning signs of a major problem or illness are more subtle. And those ‘minor’ symptoms are simply your body’s way of warning you about something more serious. We just need to pay close attention and try to decode our body’s messages

Here are 10 health symptoms women shouldn’t ignore.

1. Irregular or Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Of course, as women, it is not uncommon to see blood on a monthly basis. However, blood anywhere outside of our menstrual periods should slightly raise the alarm. Particularly if you’re seeing vaginal bleeding or even spotting in between your periods or after sex. Because it may be a sign of uterine (or endometrial) polyps, which is an overgrowth of tissue in the endometrium. Uterine polyps are usually small, bulb-shaped masses of endometrial tissue attached to the uterus.

Irregular bleeding may also be a symptom of uterine fibroid tumours (a.k.a. leiomyomas). These are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years (15 to 49 years.  Like uterine polyps, they are also quite common, affecting about 60 to 80 percent of women. In some instances, a uterine fibroid is asymptomatic. However, they can cause symptoms ranging from pelvic discomfort to irregular bleeding to pregnancy issues.

Lastly and more serious, irregular vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of cervical cancer. The problem is, at this point, the cervical cancer may not be in its early stages anymore. Which is why it is so important to get a regular Pap test to ensure early detection of precancerous cells.

But if you’ve missed a couple of Pap tests and notice irregular bleeding in between your periods, don’t shrug it off. Don’t panic, but don’t wait either. Call your doctor immediately to rule out any serious health concerns. It is better to be overly cautious.

2. Blood in Urine

With that said, however, certain medications (e.g. laxatives), certain foods (e.g. beets, rhubarb), and even strenuous exercise can cause your urine to turn a slight bit red. But changes in urine colour caused by these things usually goes away within a day or so.

When blood in urine is caused by other reasons, the colour change is more persistent.

And the colour of your urine can change from yellow to orange, pink, red, or even cola-coloured. It may be present one day and not the next. And even more difficult to discern is that blood in urine often occurs without any other signs or symptoms.

So, if you notice that the colour of your urine is not light to bright yellow, do not ignore it. Go see your doctor.

3. Unexplained Changes in Pooping Habits

In my previous post all about poop, I described in great detail normal pooping habits. Needless to say, I am an advocate for knowing how you poop. Because it will make it easier to spot when something is off. And even more importantly, to learn why it is off.

As I mentioned in my poop post, pooping habits vary from person to person. Even from day to day, the frequency, consistency, and appearance of your bowel movements can be quite different. While most changes may be the cause of something minor, such as a temporary infection. However, sometimes it may indicate something more serious.  

For example, if you notice black, tarry-coloured stool, it may suggest you have bleeding in your upper gut. Clay-coloured, deep red, or bloody stool suggests bleeding in your lower gut. Both upper and lower gut bleeding can be serious. Therefore, these are signs to see your doctor to determine what is causing your stool to change colour.

4. Chest or Facial Hair Growth

Facial and chest hair growth aren’t just an aesthetic nuisance. Hair growth in these places is unusual and may be sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder that usually affects women of childbearing age (15 to 44 years old). It is essentially a condition where a woman’s body produces higher-than-normal amounts of androgens (male hormones). As a result, causes a hormone imbalance in the body leading to irregular and even missed menstrual periods.

PCOS can also make it harder for a woman to get pregnant. The increase levels of male hormones affect the functioning of your ovaries. Thus, your ovaries have a hard time producing hormones and making eggs normally.

The issue with PCOS is that the exact cause is still somewhat of a mystery. However, genetics and chronic inflammation have been linked to excess androgen production. And data have also shown that insulin resistance may lead to higher levels of androgens.

Now, PCOS is quite common in women in this age group. The problem is that many women who suffer from PCOS don’t even know they have it. One study reported that about 70 percent of women with PCOS hadn’t even been diagnosed. Therefore, if you notice any abnormal hair growth in unusual places, or any of the above mentioned symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor.

5. Frequent or More Severe Headaches

Everyone has had a headache at least once. And some women even have one that comes with her monthly menstrual periods. They are usually minor. And can be relieved by having that cup of coffee, eating something, taking a short nap, or even an over-the-counter pain reliever.

However, if you are experiencing that “worst headache of your life” feeling, especially if you don’t usually suffer from headaches, you should go see your doctor immediately. Because headaches that are sudden and incredibly severe, known as primary headaches, or unusually frequent, might be signs of a stroke, a tumour, aneurysm, head injury, or a blood clot.

Although scientists don’t fully understand what causes most headaches, they do know there are many types of headaches, about 300 types. Most of which you can pinpoint the cause, manage and treat by yourself. However, there are some types that require more investigating by your doctor. Because those types of headaches may be a sign of an underlying illness or health condition.

Therefore, the types of headache pain you should pay attention to are:

• Sudden and very intense (called thunderclap headache)
• Causes nosebleeds, fever, nausea, or vomiting
• Pain that wakes you up from sleep
• Double or blurred vision or auras (seeing light around objects)
• Confusion or difficulty walking, speaking, or understanding speech
• Swelling on face or head
• Constant pain in the same area of your head
• Seizures

Headaches are not uncommon. But when it occurs suddenly or persists longer than a day, go see your doctor to determine the cause of the pain.

6. Unexplained Weight Loss

If you’re on a health journey and you’ve made dietary and lifestyles changes to do so, losing weight is completely normal. And good on you! Even if you’re not trying to lose weight, it can still happen after a life-changing or stressful event. However, if you are losing weight without even trying or with no discernible reason, it may be cause for concern. Because it may be an indication of an underlying health condition.

Here are a few common health conditions that may be causing your unexplained weight loss:

• Hyperthyroidism (occurs when the thyroid gland produces more hormones that the body needs)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; refers to gut conditions with immune system dysfunction)
• Cancer (weight loss is especially common in lung cancer and cancers that affect the digestive tract)
• Depression

How much unexplained weight loss is concerning? A good rule of thumb is 5 percent or more of your total body weight within a 6 to 12 month period. Also, because the underlying cause of your unexplained weight loss may be difficult to pinpoint, it is a good idea to pay close attention to any additional symptoms that you may be experiencing.

7. Unexplained Hair Loss

It is not uncommon to lose about 100 strands of hair throughout every day. Even more if you have long hair. And there are a number of reasons for hair loss. From genetics, hormonal changes, stress, hair care practices, to autoimmune disorders, and even certain medications. Although it may be upsetting for some, most times there is no need for concern. However, if you notice a pattern of hair loss, known as alopecia, it may be worth looking into.

For example, if you notice overall thinning of your hair, patchiness or bald spots, or losing handfuls of hair it may be the result of various health conditions. Thus, hair that changes fullness or consistency may be a sign of illness. Illnesses such as thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, or even key vitamin and mineral deficiencies. (I previously discussed the importance of certain key vitamins and minerals that women need to take daily to avoid becoming deficient. Read it here)

Whatever the reason for your hair loss, first, don’t stress. Because that can lead to even more fallout. Second, see your doctor to get to the bottom of what’s going on. And lastly, treat any underlying health conditions that may potentially lead to you losing your beautiful mane.

8. Chronic Cough

Sometimes, after a bout of the seasonal cold or flu, your cough can linger around for a couple weeks. And yes, it is uncomfortable and even annoying, but the cough actually serves a purpose. When you cough, you are bringing up mucus and foreign materials from your airways that can irritate your lungs. Thus, coughing can be a protective.

Most coughs are short-lived. Less often, however, a cough lingers for several weeks, months, or even years. If you notice you keep coughing without any obvious cause, you may have something more serious.  

The most common causes of a chronic cough are:

• Postnasal drip
• Acid reflux or GERD
• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Infections, such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis
• Smoking
• Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, which are used to treat high blood pressure

Less common causes for a chronic cough may be more concerning. Those causes include, pertussis (a bacterial respiratory tract infection), heart failure, and lung cancer.

In most instances, a cough is not serious or concerning. However, if you have a persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks, don’t ignore it. It can be a sign of a serious underlying health condition. Go see your doctor for a diagnosis to be on the safe side.

9. Chronic Fatigue

Sleep deprived mamas know this feeling all too well. Although it is not ideal to be constantly tired while caring for a newborn, it is definitely not abnormal to be constantly fatigued. However, if you don’t have a newborn and you are finding that suddenly you can’t maintain your normal pace of life, it might be your body sending you a message.

Ongoing fatigue and extreme lethargy that lasts more than 6 months is termed chronic fatigue.

It can be symptoms of anemia, Lyme’s Disease, or even a malignancy. You might have a hormone imbalance or a minor infection. Or simply a vitamin or mineral deficiency that can be reversed by ensuring you’re getting enough of key nutrients. But it can also be a sign of a heart attack.

In any case, it is wise not to ignore this symptom. See your doctor to rule out any serious health conditions.

10. Shortness of Breath

It is normal to feel winded after running to catch a bus or climbing up a few flight of stairs. But being out of breath after light activity can be an early sign of a serious lung or heart problem.

One common potential cause of unexplained shortness of breath, known medically as dyspnea, is coronary ischemia. It is a condition where there is a lack of blood flow to the heart because of a partial or complete block in the artery. It is more common in men than in women. However, that gender gap tends to close as women get older. Also, if you’re a woman over the age of 35 who takes oral contraceptives and smokes, you’re also at higher risk.

Whatever the case may be, if you’re not exercising or chasing a child, shortness of breath is not normal. Don’t ignore the symptom and seek medical attention immediately.

The Bottom Line

A woman’s body is quite simply amazing (read about how amazing it is here). It is very intuitive. So, when something is off, it is your body’s way of sending you a message. Don’t ignore the signs and symptoms.

Because addressing a health issue preventatively or when it is just starting is often far less invasive than treating it once it has escalated.

Be mindful of the health symptoms you should never ignore. Be proactive. And consult your doctor. Because prevention and early diagnosis are key.