A period is the time of the menstrual cycle when the uterine lining sheds in the form of blood. A typical cycle lasts anywhere between 24 and 38 days. Some of the most common symptoms a woman feels during her period include cramps, mood changes, trouble sleeping, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, and acne. Certain mistakes can add to the discomfort one feels during their period, and therefore, must be avoided. Using scented toilet paper, tampons, or pads Scented sanitary products may sound appealing but it can be quite irritating and may even cause burn-like symptoms. Ideally, one should stick to using fragrance-free hygiene products that are free of additives like aloe to maintain the pH levels around the vulva. Those with extremely sensitive skin may also benefit from using organic sanitary products that are free of chemicals such as pesticides. Douching the vagina and vulva The word “douche” is the French translation for “wash” or “soak.” Many women use this method to wash out the vagina during or after their period as they think it helps them feel cleaner. However, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ and douching can throw off the pH balance of one’s nether regions, making them more susceptible to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Every so often, there are questions that even the most outspoken of us may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to ask the gynecologist. If you have questions about your health, it is best to speak up and be frank with your healthcare provider. As trained professionals, they are used to answering all kinds of queries to improve your understanding of your body. Here are some of the most commonly asked “embarrassing” questions at the gynecologist’s office: Does my vulva look normal? It’s pretty normal to wonder if your vulva looks “normal” compared to other women. Just like people, vulvas come in various shapes, sizes, and characteristics and are all considered “normal.” However, if you have noticed abnormal changes in your vulva, it may be worth conversing with your gynecologist. Why am I not interested in having sex anymore? Several different factors could result in low libido in women. It can result from stress, birth control or other medical treatments, or menopause.  In fact, low libido is one of the common side effects of using birth control. While this is considered normal, it is advised to keep one’s gynecologist updated if one faces such issues.  Talking about it with your doctor can help you find a simple solution.

Early diagnosis and active planning is the only way to manage long-term outlook regarding cancer. So, it is necessary to have a conversation with the doctor and specialist to try and understand the next best course of action. It is during this discussion that one must not hesitate to have an open dialogue about cancer, regardless of probable embarrassment, as the key to proper treatment may just be the answer to one of these questions. 4 questions to ask the oncologist without embarrassment Asking if the cancer is rare or common There are many types of cancer and dozens of risk factors and underlying causes that impact its progression. So, it is necessary to ask the doctor if the cancer is rare or commonly diagnosed. Rare cancers have little to no treatment options since most studies and clinical trials are not concluded for them. There is no definitive guarantee for commonly diagnosed cancers either, but with early and prompt diagnosis, it is possible to treat it and improve quality of life successfully. So, it is imperative to determine the type, its progression, and its stage to help plan a treatment regime. Asking about the best course of action Different types of cancers, based on severity and progression, can be managed to a significant extent with a proper course of prescriptions, nutrition advice, and daily lifestyle changes.

A regular or moderately pain-free menstrual cycle indicates that one’s hormone levels and the optimal functioning of the reproductive system are in balance. However, many women experience an irregular menstrual cycle now and then throughout their reproductive period. When left unnoticed for a long time, it can manifest a wide array of potential health ailments, from infertility to cardiovascular diseases. Scroll down to discover how each element of one’s lifestyle can disrupt their menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycle and lifestyle – An overview The menstrual cycle usually lasts four to seven days and happens once every 28 days. If the cycle occurs in less than 21 days or more than 35 days, it signifies an irregular period. Moreover, missing three or more cycles in a row or heavy menstrual flow than usual are also signs of abnormal menstruation. Paying attention to lifestyle habits that can affect hormone levels and menstruation is extremely important. Lifestyle factors that disrupt the menstrual cycle An abnormal or irregular menstrual cycle is a complicated issue to fix since the related hormones are affected by various factors. Here, we have compiled some significant lifestyle factors that impact the menstrual cycle. Stress Stress is the most common lifestyle factor that causes an irregular menstrual cycle.

Water is an important element that keeps the human body functioning at its best. Doctors suggest drinking at least eight glasses of water per day, although this can change based on your gender, age, body weight, and amount of activity. A well-hydrated body can help one thrive throughout the day. However, there are several frequent mistakes people make when drinking water that can harm their overall health. Let’s look at them. Drinking excessive water quickly When drinking water, it’s crucial to pace yourself, particularly when thirsty. Your body might be unable to process all the water you consume at once. This can result in water intoxication, a highly serious condition. When the body’s electrolyte balance is upset, it results in water intoxication, causing headaches, vomiting, nausea, attacks, and even death. It’s best to drink water proportionately and pay attention to your body’s thirst cues to prevent adverse effects. Drinking water when thirsty Although thirst indicates that you need to hydrate yourself, it isn’t always the best indicator. When you begin to feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated. Fatigue, dizziness, migraines, and other symptoms of dehydration are possible outcomes. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, you should continue to drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

Most people have monotonous schedules, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy eating habits and frequently experience stress or prolonged fatigue. Combined with heredity and accompanying health conditions, these elements cause impaired blood circulation. Frequent cold hands and feet with tingling sensations could be a sign of poor blood circulation. One could experience further health issues if the blood flow in the body is compromised for some reason. Read this article to understand the warning signs of poor blood circulation. 5 warning signs indicating poor blood circulation Even while the symptoms of poor blood circulation may not be immediately apparent, they might have significant consequences. Discussed below are 5 signs indicating poor blood circulation. One may have one or more of these symptoms depending on how severely one’s circulatory system has been compromised. Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet Poor oxygenation of the local nerves goes hand in hand with impaired  blood circulation  in the upper and lower extremities. Tissue hypoxia is the medical term for this condition, which frequently causes uncomfortable localized tingling or numbness. Slow healing process If one’s blood flow is compromised, one must be aware that this could considerably slow down one’s body’s natural healing processes. It’s impossible to heal any form of physical damage without providing enough nutrients to the location of the injury.

When it comes to lung health, many people can mistakenly think that their symptoms indicate aging or that they are simply unfit physically. It is important to pay attention to even the smallest symptoms because, on a given day, an annoying cough or light wheezing may go unnoticed. Since such signs could be the initial indicators of poor lung health, they should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Keeping track of these warning signs and symptoms is also important, as it can prevent lung issues. What is the best strategy for overcoming these concerns? Learn more about the illness and the symptoms that accompany it first. Look out for these warning signs of poor lung health. Breathing problems One of the common signs of lung issues is trouble breathing or feeling shortness of breath. However, other chronic health issues, like heart disease, might also cause this symptom. Therefore, one must get themselves examined as soon as they notice this symptom. Wheezing Recurrent episodes of wheezing can be caused by asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It usually indicates that one’s airways are being affected or air flow is being restricted through them. One may experience wheezing, but it can be temporary and can be gone within a few days or weeks.

Eczema is a skin disorder that causes inflamed and itchy skin. The kind of rash you get and where it appears on your body can vary depending on your eczema. Generally, eczema symptoms don’t always persist. For example, your skin may be perfectly okay before suddenly becoming extremely itchy and inflamed. Read on to identify the warning signs of eczema and what to do if they stay for long, causing trouble in day-to-day activities. What are the symptoms and warning signs of eczema? Eczema is a skin disorder that causes dry, itchy, rough skin. Each type of eczema has its unique set of signs and causes, and here are a few common signs of eczema to look out for: Dry skin When you have eczema, your skin may feel tight and dry even before it itches or becomes red. However, the dryness shows that your skin barrier isn’t functioning correctly. Red or brown patches You can tell if you have eczema by looking at the color of your rash. Eczema is possibly to fault if the skin is cracked and red or brown. Worsening of rashes Another eczema warning sign is if you experience a flare-up followed by prolonged periods of remission.

Tinnitus  is a health condition where a person hears a sound no one else can hear. The sound is commonly described as buzzing, hissing, or ringing, but it can also be whistling, humming, or pulsing. Treatments like sound therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy help manage the symptoms so they do not disrupt a person’s routine. Here, we briefly discuss the common causes of tinnitus, from hearing loss to aging and infections. Loud noises Exposure to loud noises for an extended period may damage the hair cells in the inner ear, causing hearing loss and tinnitus. The loud noise could emanate from various sources, such as a construction site nearby or fireworks. Sometimes, recreational activities like attending concerts or listening to music at high volumes can also cause the problem. Aging While people of all ages can get affected, this condition is more common among older adults. It could result from various cardiovascular and metabolic conditions arising from old age. Ear infections Ear infections like otitis media can lead to tinnitus. Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that leads to inflammation and fluid accumulation behind the ear drum. It is a common occurrence in kids between six months and two years.

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack its healthy cells mistakenly. It mainly triggers inflammation that affects vital organs and functions and increases the risk of several health complications that develop. The condition has no cure, but it is possible to manage it with healthy lifestyle changes, nutrition, and treatment. Knowing these early signs and symptoms is the key to early diagnosis and treatment. Unexplained fatigue Feeling extremely tired despite getting good rest can be an early sign of developing lupus. Some people sleep in the afternoon to try and counter daytime fatigue but only develop insomnia at night. Fatigue, if left unchecked, interrupts daily routine and becomes difficult to overcome after a point. Developing a new rash A butterfly rash developing across both cheeks starting right from the center of the face symmetrically is another early warning sign of lupus. Some people develop a severe rash that is bright red. It looks prominent and has scaly patches. Increased skin sensitivity People who develop lupus will also struggle with increased skin sensitivity, especially when exposed outdoors to the sun. In addition, UVA and UVB radiation triggers severe sunburn and causes skin symptoms to flare up with minor exposure.