“It’s just a little discomfort, it will pass…“. Persistent fatigue, bloating, irregular periods… These signs seem trivial in women and many attribute them to stress or the rhythm of daily life. However, they can sometimes reveal serious pathologies such as cancer, a hormonal disorder or a metabolic disease. Recognizing them early can allow rapid treatment and avoid sometimes serious complications.
Painful periods or heavy bleeding
Increasingly painful periods or abnormally heavy bleeding are never trivial. They may report uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Dr. Anagani recalls: “If endometriosis is not treated from the beginning, it can develop into a severe form, impacting fertility and quality of life.“.
The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more effective the treatment.
Breast pain, lumps or unusual discharge
A monthly breast self-exam can detect a lump or abnormality. Breast cancer also affects young women, hence the importance of being attentive to the slightest change.
Dr Manju Khemani, senior director of the gynecology department at Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, says: “From the age of 40, an annual mammogram is essential as soon as a lump appears“.
Abnormal discharge or persistent pain should also lead to consultation.
Bleeding after menopause
After menopause, any bleeding should be considered a warning sign. It can reveal endometrial cancer or uterine fibroids. A quick medical consultation can help determine the cause.
Persistent chronic fatigue
Feeling exhausted all the time, for no apparent reason, can hide anemia, especially if you have heavy periods. Hypothyroidism, diabetes or a heart problem can also be involved.
When fatigue sets in for a long time, a medical check-up is necessary.
Sudden and unexplained weight gain
Rapid weight gain, without a change in diet or physical activity, may be linked to a hormonal imbalance, notably polycystic ovary syndrome or hypothyroidism. A medical opinion makes it possible to identify the origin of the disorder.
Bloating and persistent digestive problems
Chronic bloating, abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits, especially after age 50, may be associated with ovarian cancer.
Dr Khemani recommends:If these symptoms persist, an abdominal ultrasound is strongly recommended.“.
Do not wait when faced with unusual digestive symptoms to avoid a serious risk.
Bleeding between periods or persistent pelvic pain
Cervical cancer can cause bleeding between periods, after intercourse, unusual vaginal discharge, or persistent pelvic pain.
It can be prevented through regular screening and vaccination against HPV. In France, the Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, responsible for 90% of cervical cancers, 80% of anal cancers and 90% of anogenital warts. The bivalent Cervarix vaccine is only used in girls when the vaccination schedule has been initiated with this vaccine.