Menstruation in itself is a topic that tends to intimidate women due to the excessive stigmatisation around it. Lack of proper information about it is something that is being dealt with on a societal level, and this change is heartily welcomed with open arms. However, one topic that still does have the tendency to get swept under the rug is that of female reproductive diseases.
Reproductive diseases are hard to diagnose and even harder to treat. This whole situation is worsened when women themselves are not aware of the diseases they can be at risk of and the various symptoms that they need to look out for. Looking for abnormalities in your menstrual cycles and analysing them can help you realise that everything may not be in order and take some action. Some of the major ailments that tend to go unnoticed are anaemia, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a disease that has slowly but surely been gaining traction due to the spreading of knowledge and awareness about it. Affecting around 10% of Indian women, according to a study conducted by the PCOS Society of India, it is essentially a hormonal disorder that causes enlargement of the ovaries, along with the formation of cysts. The study, done by AIIMS, claims that around 20-25% of Indian women of childbearing age suffer from PCOS.
Hormonal imbalance may cause an irregular menstrual cycle, with light or missed periods — you may end up having only eight cycles in a year. But it can also mean heavier blood flow, as there is more endometrial line to release. These can act as crucial symptoms, along with the growth of excessive body hair (due to the presence of male hormones such as androgen) and obesity.
It is important to note here that there may be multiple reasons for missing a period or having an abnormal cycle. Having PCOS or any other condition may be one reason, but there are many other factors that you need to consider. Do not self diagnose and always take professional medical advice.
Endometriosis
In a normal menstrual cycle, a tissue called the endometrium is grown inside the uterus every month in expectation of pregnancy, which is shed as blood during the period. When the endometrium starts growing outside the uterus instead of inside it, that is endometriosis. This is a highly painful disease, which made its way to the public consciousness after the case of Marilyn Monroe. The Endometriosis Society of India estimates that 25 million Indian women suffer from this disease.
Endometriosis can lead to pelvic pain, pain during intercourse and is also associated with intense cramps during periods. An abnormally heavy flow and a cycle shorter than the usual 28 days right from menarche can act as symptoms for this disease as there are more tissues to shed.
Anaemia
Anaemia arises from a situation wherein a person’s blood does not carry enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to various parts of the body. Menstruation, due to its substantial blood loss, can sometimes play a part in causing this issue. Heavy flow and shedding of blood during periods can make you lose iron, which in turn can cause iron-deficiency anaemia.
Anaemia can often go unnoticed as its symptoms are not very specific: it can lead to excessive lethargy and a pale physical appearance. It can be easier to notice through your period, and how much blood you are losing. Excessive bleeding can be determined by how frequently you’re having to change your pad/tampon and unusually large blood clots. They can be symptoms of anaemia. Anaemia in itself can act as a symptom of larger underlying issues like endometriosis, PCOS and uterine fibroids.
If you look up any of these diseases, you will find that none of them are very well understood by scientists. Most of the diseases that afflict only women are not very well comprehended. This lack of study on them stems from a patriarchal setup that does not bother thinking about women’s bodies and health issues apart from what they want from it and how it affects them.
If women do not fully understand how their menstrual cycle is supposed to work, it becomes harder to recognise anomalies that can help detect severe issues such as cancers or sexually transmitted diseases and treat them early. It is imperative that these issues are brought up and discussed when healthy menstruation management practices are taught in seminars and classes.
These symptoms may also arise after hitting menopause. If you seem to have irregular periods and flow even after reaching menopause, it is best to get it checked out at the earliest by the gynaecologist. It may end up being nothing, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
In order to increase studies about women’s biological and health issues, such as the effects of various drugs on their bodies, it is essential that women start studying and make their mark in these fields.