Know your body: Seven menstrual symptoms that are not normal

The following symptoms will make it easier for you to break it down and help you understand what's normal and what isn't.

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New Delhi: Menstruation is a natural body function that women all over the world face on a monthly basis after they hit puberty.

While many women experience painless periods with light bleeding, there are those who suffer from extremely painful cramps followed by a heavy flow.

Hormonal changes are common during this time and menstrual symptoms can differ from woman to woman.

However, many women don't know how to distinguish between a normal period symptom and a symptom that is abnormal or even a sign of a serious medical issue.

Most women also hesitate to discuss something that is not normal with their doctors out of embarrassment.

The following symptoms, however, will make it easier for you to break it down and help you understand what's normal and what isn't.

These period side-effects should be brought up with your OBGYN or general physician as soon as possible.

Extremely heavy bleeding:

A lot of women have heavy bleeding and a heavy flow during menstruation which is usually passed off as 'normal', because 'every woman goes through it'.

But, the fact is that the blood you discharge while on your period is about the equivalent of a tablespoon or two. Even if it covers your pad or tampon, it is not a lot of blood, so there is no cause for alarm.

Those with a heavy flow, however, better watch out. If you use more than five pads or tampons a day and they are thick with blood, it is important to talk to your OBGYN about potential hormonal imbalances and health concerns.

Intense cramping:

Women all over the world don't dread their period as much much as they dread the horrible cramps that accompany them.

Every girl and woman has different types of cramps, ranging from bearable to extremely painful – while some have it mild, others have the kinds where it literally renders them incapable of walking.

This is where it becomes problematic.

If you are experiencing extremely painful, shooting sensations in your pelvic area while on your period, they shouldn't be ignored. This kind of pain should be addressed as soon as possible so that more severe causes can be ruled out.

Spotting:

A good menstruation cycle occurs between 28 and 32 days. Anything less or more than that, calls for a hormone check.

Spotting when not on your scheduled period can be nothing, but it can also be a serious sign that something is not right. So do get this checked out.

Large blood clots:

Blood flow during menstruation should be smooth and easy. Yet, many women are under the impression that the appearance of large clots during periods is 'normal'.

Reality check! It isn't. While some clotting may occur, especially overnight during a cycle, large clots are not a part of the average period.

These clots can also get stuck inside the uterine opening, causing clogs and other serious illnesses. You may have fibroids if clots larger than a quarter persist, therefore, it's better to get yourself checked.

Severe lower back pain:

If you have cramps, chances are you'll suffer a mild back pain. However, if your back ache is severe, it should be on your list of concerns.

This sort of pain, accompanied with pain in other regions of the pelvis, can signal a variety of health problems, like endometriosis, cysts, or fibroids.

Painful bowel movements:

While there can be many reasons for painful bowel movements, a lot of them can be unrelated to your menstrual cycle.

However, if the pain occurs frequently or only during your period, it could be a signal for endometriosis and should be checked out.

It is not unusual to have some pain during bowel movements while on your period, but severe pain could be your uterine lining growing onto your appendix or bowels.

Major changes in symptoms:

There are two thumb-rules you need to keep in mind -

• Know the difference between average and severe symptoms.
• Even the slightest change is a change that should be reported. When your period symptoms make a sudden drastic change, consult your doctor about the new or worsened symptoms.