7 s y mp t o ms w o me n s h oul d never ignore. Taken from: http://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health-pictures/9-symptoms-women-should-never-ignore.aspx?pos=1&xid=nl_EverydayHealthWomensHealth_20150203#10
As women, we tend to ignore aches and pains, discomfort, and fatigue. It’s crucial for all women to pay attention to their bodies so they can tune in to any potential problems. From headaches to sleepless nights, take note of these potentially serious women’s health symptoms.
1. Extreme Fatigue Even if you have an overwhelming number of responsibilities on your plate, exhaustion is one symptom women just shouldn’t ignore. Why? Extreme fatigue can signal an array of different issues, including depression, thyroid conditions, diabetes — even congestive heart failure or cancer. If you find that you’re exhausted and can’t get your energy back with rest, exercise, and a healthy diet, schedule an exam with your doctor.
2. Abdominal Pain A little tummy ache every now and then probably isn’t a big deal — but constant bloating and stomach discomfort could be. While abdominal pain could be just painful gas, it could also be a symptom of appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, or a problem with the gallbladder. If you find that you can’t get relief from abdominal pain (particularly if it seems to be persistent and located in one specific area in your stomach), call your doctor to discuss your symptoms. You may need an office visit or immediate medical attention to identify the problem.
3. Chest Pain Any time you feel pain or pressure in the chest, it’s nothing to take lightly. Although chest pain (which is called angina when it’s caused by heart disease) isn’t always a sign of a heart attack, it could be a warning that you have coronary heart disease. If you feel any sort of chest pain or pressure, seek emergency medical attention.
4. Heart Palpitations Does your heart flutter when you see your sweetheart? That’s one thing. But if your significant other is nowhere in sight, it could be a women’s health problem that needs to be addressed. Heart palpitations also may stem from caffeine overload, but insufficient oxygen in the blood, a disease of the valves in the heart, or hyperthyroidism could also be responsible. Set up an exam with your doctor to go over your symptoms and check up on the health of your heart.
5. Headaches While a stressful day at work or screaming kids are bound to cause the occasional headache, persistent headaches can be a sign of a women’s health problem. You are likely to have painful, hard-to-relieve headaches known as migraines — but on rare occasions, it’s also possible for headaches to be a symptom of a stroke, an infection in the brain, a tumor, or an aneurysm. If you can’t kick your headaches, talk to your doctor for peace of mind — and relief.
6. Shortness of Breath Can’t catch your breath? Shortness of breath is a common symptom in women having cardiac problems and can signal heart disease or even an impending heart attack. If you find that you’re short of breath (especially when combined with fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms), plan a check-up with your doctor. If you feel nauseated or have chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.
7. Sleep Struggles Most women have the occasional restless night, but if you’re going night after night without sleeping, there could be a health problem affecting your sleep. Many women experience trouble sleeping as they enter menopause. Sleep disturbances — especially difficulty breathing at night — may also be a symptom in women of a cardiac event (like a heart attack), a weakened heart muscle, or even asthma. Getting good sleep is crucial for women’s health, so talk to your doctor about what could be keeping you awake at night. You’ll rest more easily once you do.