Periods vary from person to person, but any menstrual symptom that disrupts your daily life or deviates significantly from your norm may be trying to tell you something important. Here are five period red flags that warrant attention.
1. Heavy or very prolonged bleeding
Consistently soaking through pads or tampons in under two hours, bleeding for more than seven days, or passing large clots can indicate conditions like fibroids, hormonal imbalances, or—less commonly—blood disorders.
2. Pain that stops you in your tracks
Mild cramps are common, but if your period pain is severe enough to interfere with everyday activities—work, school, rest—that’s a sign to seek help. This could point to endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
3. Irregular or missing cycles
A normal cycle typically ranges between 21 and 35 days. Frequent deviations—either much shorter, longer, or completely missed cycles (especially three months or more without an obvious cause like pregnancy)—should not be dismissed.
4. Severe symptoms beyond cramping
If you experience dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, fever, painful urination, or other alarming symptoms during your period, never ignore them—these could signal underlying health issues or infections.
5. Persistent or worsening symptoms over time
Even recurring “just bad periods” are worth taking seriously if they intensify or start to affect your quality of life. These might hint at hormonal imbalances, reproductive conditions, or other systemic issues.
Why it matters
Ignoring these symptoms can delay diagnosis and treatment of conditions that are best addressed early—like endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, or thyroid disorders. These issues can affect fertility, cause anaemia, and lead to prolonged discomfort or complications.
A quick reference table
| Symptom | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| Heavy bleeding | Soaking quickly, clots, bleeding over 7 days |
| Debilitating pain | Far beyond typical cramps |
| Skipped or irregular cycles | Significant deviations from your normal pattern |
| Systemic symptoms | Dizziness, fever, nausea, UTIs, or fainting |
| Worsening trend | Increasing severity affecting daily life |
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you experience any concerning menstrual symptoms, please seek evaluation from a qualified medical provider as soon as possible.
First published by Woman & Home
Compiled by Jade McGee
Also see: Heavy periods – the hidden health crisis affecting millions of SA women
