Some body changes and warning signs reflect certain health conditions, so it is important to pay attention to them. Most of the time these signs have a harmless cause, but when they last or keep coming back, they are worth mentioning to a doctor, because they can occasionally point to a serious illness. Some of them include:
20 Signs Women Should Not Ignore
1. Back Pain and Lower Back Pain: Back pain is very common and usually comes from muscles or joints. However, some patients with serious liver conditions report back pain, and it is sometimes reported with serious breast conditions because of pressure on the ribs and chest.
2. Nail Changes: Subtle variations in the nail color can be important. Very pale or white nails may be linked to liver problems, while a new dark spot or streak under a nail may be a sign of a serious skin condition. Changes in nail shape or texture may also be related to the lungs.
3. Swollen Face: A swollen or red face may be connected with serious lung conditions, because a growth in the chest can press on blood vessels and restrict the flow of blood from the face.
4. Sore or Skin Lump: A sore that does not go away, a new lump, or a mole that changes may be a sign of a serious skin condition such as melanoma, so it is necessary to do regular skin checks.
5. Red, Swollen or Sore Breasts: These changes can have several causes, including infection, and should always be examined by a doctor.
6. Nipple Changes: If there are visible changes in the nipple, for example if it becomes flat or inverted, this also deserves a prompt breast examination.
7. Painful Periods and Bleeding Between Periods: This may point to a problem with the uterus, so it is essential to have regular gynecological checkups.
8. Shortness of Breath or Wheezing: This may be a sign of a lung problem.
9. Chronic Cough or Chest Pain: A cough that lasts for weeks can accompany various serious illnesses, including blood disorders. Lung problems can also cause chest pain that spreads to the shoulder and arm. Sudden or severe chest pain needs emergency medical help.
10. Fever and Infections: Frequent fevers and infections can be symptoms of a blood disorder, because the body does not have enough healthy white blood cells.
11. Swelling in the Lymph Nodes of the Neck, Groin and Armpits: Swollen lymph nodes usually come from an infection, but if the swelling lasts more than a few weeks, see a doctor.
12. Difficulty Swallowing: Problems that prevent the throat from working properly may be a result of a serious throat or lung condition.
13. Bleeding That Does Not Stop and Bruises: Easy bruising and bleeding can be a sign of a blood disorder in which abnormal cells crowd out the healthy blood cells and platelets.
14. Fatigue: Mostly it is not a cause for concern, but if it happens regularly and rest does not help, it may be a sign of an illness.
15. Abdominal Fat and Bloating: Persistent bloating may reveal problems with the ovaries or the bowel. See this overview of bowel symptoms.
16. Low Appetite: Serious conditions of the ovaries are often accompanied by reduced appetite or feeling full quickly.
17. Pelvic Pain: Pain in the region of a woman’s internal reproductive organs can stem from a problem with the ovaries and should be checked.
18. Abdominal Pain: Serious bowel conditions can provoke pains that spread in the abdominal region.
19. Rectal Bleeding: It is often caused by hemorrhoids, but it is always an important reason for a checkup.
20. Unexplained Weight Loss: Serious conditions of the digestive system may cause weight loss without any change in diet or activity.
Having one or more of these signs does not mean that you are seriously ill. Only a doctor can find the cause, and regular screenings and checkups are the best way to catch problems early.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.