Symptoms Women Shouldn't Ignore

Chest pain, high fever, and bleeding are easy-to-identify symptoms that let us know something’s wrong and it’s time to get to the hospital. But sometimes, our body tells us of impending trouble in subtle ways—a little pinch in the arm, an occasional headache. Here are 10 symptoms that demand your attention.

Swollen or Discolored Breast

It’s normal for breasts to swell (sometimes dramatically) before your period and when you’re pregnant. But unusual, rapid swelling or discoloration (purple or red spots) may actually be signs of inflammatory breast cancer, a rare type of advanced breast cancer that develops quickly. See your doctor to rule out a breast infection, which can have very similar symptoms.

Abdominal Bloating

Many women experience “the monthly bloat,” and some food sensitivities can even make you feel bloated for a day or two. However, abdominal bloating that lasts more than a week can be an early sign of ovarian cancer. Other symptoms include feeling full quickly after eating or difficulty eating, needing to urinate frequently, and having a persistent lack of energy. Because the symptoms of ovarian cancer are so vague and easy to overlook, many cases of ovarian cancer are not identified until later stages. It’s important to see your gynecologist if you have unusual or persistent bloating.

Bloody or Black Stools

Stool color can change from day to day based on the foods you’re eating and medicines you’re taking. (Iron supplements and diarrhea medicines such as Pepto-Bismol may turn your stool black or tarry, for example.) Anything in the brown or green spectrum is normal, but black stool or bloody stool is rarely okay. Black stool suggests you have a bleed in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Maroon-colored or bloody stool suggests a bleed lower in the GI tract. See your doctor to check for bleeding that may be from hemorrhoids, ulcers, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer, or other GI conditions.

Unusual Shortness of Breath

Walking up flights of stairs or a steep hill leaves many people winded. But being short of breath or having a hard time catching your breath after a short walk, such as to your car or to the mailbox, could be an early sign of coronary ischemia, a lack of blood flow in the heart muscle because of a partial or complete arterial blockage. A complete arterial blockage may cause a heart attack. Talk to your doctor about your difficulty breathing. If you begin to experience other symptoms—such as chest pain or discomfort, nausea, or lightheadedness—get to an emergency room as soon as you can.

Constant Tiredness

Modern life lends itself to reduced sleep and increased tiredness, but if you never seem to feel rested (even after a good night’s sleep), your low energy could be a sign of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). As thyroid function lags, you may begin to feel extra tired and sluggish. Other potential symptoms of a thyroid condition include depression, hypertension, and muscle weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor. A doctor will likely check your hormone levels and test for other conditions, such as sleep apnea.

Weight Loss

Unless you’re actively trying to slim down, weight loss on its own is concerning. One of the first signs of many problems, including cancer, is unexplained weight loss. It’s important to see your doctor if you experience this.

Chest or Facial Hair

Elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) can cause unwanted or excessive hair growth and may signal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. Other conditions associated with PCOS include adult acne, obesity, irregular periods, and high blood pressure.

Tummy Troubles

Recurring abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, and/or constipation could be signs of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that is more common in women than men. It is easy to ignore or dismiss the symptoms as an “upset stomach” or bad meal, but IBS is treatable with changes in diet, lifestyle, and stress management. Medication may help with symptoms.

Vaginal Bleeding after Menopause

This bleeding is never normal, and you should see your doctor as soon as possible. The bleeding may be harmless, but it could be a sign of a serious issue, including cancer.

Weakness | Headache | Dizziness | Loss of Vision or Speech

If one or more of these symptoms come on suddenly, severely, and out of nowhere, it is essential that you seek medical care. You may be experiencing a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA).TIAs are sometimes referred to as “ministrokes.” Unlike a stroke, a TIA will not cause injury to the brain; however, more than one-third of people who have had a TIA will have a stroke later in life.

Healthy Eating for Women

Even though a healthy diet is important for both genders, women have some specific needs when it comes to their health. There are certain foods that all women should eat more of, and some food types to limit or avoid all-together.

This May Help

Folate

All women of childbearing age (whether planning a pregnancy or not) should get at least 400 mcg or folate every day. The proper amount of folate can help prevent neural tube birth defects, which is essential at conception of a baby. Folate also helps lower risk of heart disease. Foods high in folate include:

• oranges
• asparagus
• beans
• fortified grains (breads, cereals)

Fiber

Fiber helps prevent constipation and other digestive disorders. It also helps regulate blood sugar and control weight. High fiber foods include:

• beans
• whole grains
• high fiber cereals
• fruits and vegetables

Iron

Iron helps prevent anemia during menstruating years. Get your iron from foods like:

• beef
• poultry
• pork
• fish
• beans
• leafy greens

Calcium

Calcium is key to maintaining strong bones and teeth. Calcium-rich foods include:

• milk
• yogurt
• cheese
• fortified foods

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps absorption of calcium. Deficiency in this vitamin has been linked to a variety of conditions and diseases. Vitamin D-rich foods include:

• fish
• milk
• fortified foods
• egg yolks

Since it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone, you may want to consider a supplement of 1000 IU per day. Get blood levels tested and consult with your doctor to determine the proper level.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and protect the brain and heart against disease. The best way to get omega-3’s is to eat lots of fatty fish like:

• salmon
• herring
• mackerel
• albacore tuna
• sardines

Consider a supplement of 1000 mg daily of EPA + DHA if you do not eat fish several times per week. If you’re a vegetarian who doesn’t eat fish, you can also find EPA/DHA fatty acids in algae supplements.

That May Hurt

Saturated Fat and Trans Fat

These two types of fat can increase inflammation and LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels in your body. To limit intake of saturated and trans fats, avoid foods like:

• high-fat meats
• butter
• high-fat cheese
• whole milk
• fried foods
• hydrogenated oils

Simple Sugar and Refined Grains

These two types of carbohydrates can cause spikes and drops in blood sugar leading to feelings of fatigue. They can also increase inflammation. Avoid foods with simple sugars and refined grains like:

• white varieties of flour
• foods with added sugars, including:
  • corn syrup
  • rice syrup
  • dextrose
  • maltose
  • sucrose
  • honey
  • molasses

Alcohol

Even a few drinks per week have been linked to increased risk of certain cancers (including breast cancer). Limit all alcohol to the most one drink per day. Alcohol includes beer, wine, and distilled spirits (hard liquor), and ‘one drink’ is considered to be:

• five ounce wine
• 12 ounce beer
• 1.5 ounce (shot) liquor

If you are already at high-risk for cancer, you should limit even further, or avoid alcohol completely.

Excess calories

If your daily caloric intake is too high based on caloric expenditure, you will gain weight. Carrying excess weight increases risk of numerous chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and arthritis. Limit large portions; instead of having big meals, eat light and eat often to spread calories out throughout the day.

Health Tips for Wome

Healthyhabits are the best way to avoid disease, prolong life, and live more happily. Take these simple steps toward a longer, healthier life.

Eat Natural Foods

Packaged and processed foods are often full of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and calories. Avoid the fake stuff, and opt for the good stuff:

• fresh fruits and vegetables
• whole grains
• fiber-rich foods (beans and leafy greens)
• fresh fish
• lean cuts of meat and poultry

Here’s a grocery-shopping tip: Shop the perimeter of the store. This is where you will find the fresh foods. Try to avoid the inside aisles, where most of the boxed and processed foods reside.

Eat Your Vitamins

You can get your vitamins with a daily multivitamin, but eating vitamin-rich foods serves up extra benefits—plenty of healthy fiber and minerals. So do both. Pack your meals with vitamin-rich foods, but keep taking the multivitamin.

Get Moving

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women. Exercise is the best way to prevent heart disease and keep your ticker strong. Aim for 30 minutes of movement, at least four days a week. Aerobic exercise—including walking, jogging, dancing, and swimming—is best.

Avoid Health Sins

Don't smoke. And steer clear of those who do. Second-hand smoke is almost as dangerous as smoking. Nearly 3,000 nonsmoking Americans die every year from lung cancer. Other health sins involve drugs and alcohol. Don’t use recreational drugs, and consume alcohol—including wine—only in moderation. For women, that means 12 ounces of beer, four ounces of wine, or one ounce of spirits each day. (One four-ounce glass of wine a day cuts heart disease risk, but more than that increases your risk of cancer and other problems.) Also, some women should not drink at all, including those who are pregnant or those who are on a prescription medication that interacts with alcohol.

Know Your Breasts

Conflicting advice on breast cancer screenings may be confusing, but many doctors and experts still recommend self-exams on a monthly basis starting at age 20 and yearly mammograms starting at age 40 (earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer).

Baby Your Skin

The skin sins of your 20s (tanning beds and long days at the pool) will rear their ugly heads in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. To protect against wrinkles, age spots, and even cancer, slather on sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Better yet, wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and make sure to avoid the sun entirely in the middle of the day. If you spot any changes in freckles or new or unusual spots, see your dermatologist. The American Academy of Dermatology has a great recommendation: “Check your birthday suit on your birthday!”

Put on Your Best Smile

Good dental and oral health goes beyond a blindingly white set of chompers. Daily brushing and flossing keep away cavities, gum disease, and even the doctor, as having healthy teeth and gums can actually reduce your risk of heart disease.

Deal with Stress

Career. Kids. Family. Friends. Volunteer work. Many women are swimming in stress and responsibilities, which can manifest more than just gray hairs. Excessive stress can translate to high blood pressure, upset stomach, back pain, relationship conflicts, and eating disorders, to name a few. Manage stress with therapy, relaxation techniques, prayer, meditation, exercise, or a combination of these.

Visit the Doctor

Other than breast exams and gynecological visits, you should make sure to visit your family doctor or internist regularly for checkups and screening exams. For example, the American Heart Association recommends having your blood pressure checked every one to two years. Tests like these can nip potential issues in the bud.