Periods or menstruation is a process where the uterus sheds its uterine lining made of mucus, blood, and other components. While most women and girls go through this, there are many misconceptions and myths about it. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about menstruation, which then discourages young girls from coming forth with their problems, and normalizing harmful period symptoms. Dr. Holly Miller, an OB-GYN, aims to correct the common misconception of what a "normal" period truly entails. In a recent video on Instagram, she detailed how far too many young women suffer in silence because doctors, media, or even peers have dismissed their painful and debilitating symptoms as "just cramps" or "just PMS." There are many myths about menstruation, UNICEF lists a few with include myths like ‘foods like curd, tamarind and pickles disturb the menstrual flow’. In reality, diet does not determine how your period flows.The problem of tackling these deep-seated cultural beliefs is made even harder because many girls have very little accurate information about puberty, periods, and reproductive health. Many of these symptoms can be so difficult to deal with, and early intervention goes a long way. However, how can one know what is normal and what isn’t? What ‘Normal’ Period Facts Are Actually Red Flags According to Dr. Miller, these three period experiences are often labeled as normal but are actually red flags that warrant a medical evaluation: Severe Cramps That Cause Absence from School or Work Dr. Miller emphasizes that cramps so severe that they necessitate canceling plans, missing school, or leaving work are not normal. If over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, are ineffective at managing the pain, it should not be dismissed as simply "bad luck." This level of pain is a significant warning sign for underlying conditions like Endometriosis or fibroids. Dr. Miller encourages patients not to minimize their pain and to clearly tell their doctor if the pain is rated a 9 or 10 on a pain scale, stressing that every patient deserves to be heard. Bleeding So Heavy It Soaks Through Protection Hourly Bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon in less than two hours for several consecutive hours, or passing blood clots the size of a golf ball, is considered excessive and is not normal. This is known as heavy menstrual bleeding, which can lead to serious health issues such as iron deficiency anemia, resulting in extreme fatigue and difficulty concentrating (brain fog). Dr. Miller states that this is a medical condition that requires evaluation to check for potential causes, including clotting disorders, fibroids, or hormonal imbalances. Debilitating Mood Swings and Extreme Fatigue Before a Period It's time to stop normalizing severe emotional symptoms and exhaustion as "just PMS." Dr. Miller explains that if anxiety, depression, or mood swings are so extreme in the one to two weeks before a period that they disrupt a person’s relationships or daily life, the individual may be experiencing PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). This is a severe, yet treatable, form of PMS. Dr. Miller advises that people experiencing these symptoms need professional help to manage the condition, not just a dismissive lecture to "calm down."
Email
Google
Facebook Email Google Facebook