Period symptoms you should never ignore

A doctor has shared period symptoms that should never be ignored.

Dr. Raj Arora, a UK GP, warns these symptoms may indicate serious conditions. These include endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or even cancer.

In a recent TikTok video, she urged women to consult their doctors. Heavy periods and spotting are two key symptoms to watch for.

Dr. Arora emphasized the importance of recognizing heavy periods. She explained how to identify them:

- Soaking through pads or tampons in two hours.
- Bleeding heavily for more than seven days.
- Needing to change pads or tampons overnight.
- Passing clots larger than a coin and feeling uncomfortable.

Heavy periods can lead to serious side effects. Dr. Arora noted dizziness or fainting should not be ignored.

These symptoms could result from fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, or PCOS. She advised seeking help from your GP if you experience these issues.

The second symptom Dr. Arora highlighted is spotting between periods. She stressed the need to find out why this happens.

Spotting may indicate cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It could also relate to endometriosis or PCOS.

If PID is present, it can affect fertility if untreated. Dr. Arora warned that bleeding between periods might signal cancer too.

She encouraged viewers not to panic but to see their doctor if needed. Many women appreciated her advice but expressed frustration with their GPs.

Some reported being dismissed when discussing their symptoms. One viewer said her GP ignored her concerns about heavy bleeding.

Another shared that her GP attributed her lack of periods to weight issues. Others echoed similar experiences of being brushed off by doctors.

Endometriosis affects about 11 percent of American women—around 6.5 million people according to the US Office on Women’s Health (OASH).

This condition occurs when tissue normally inside the uterus grows outside it—on ovaries and fallopian tubes, for example.

During menstruation, this misplaced tissue cannot shed properly, causing discomfort and pain. Symptoms may include painful sex, bloating, nausea, fatigue, depression, and infertility.

Between 30 and 50 percent of those diagnosed with endometriosis may face infertility issues according to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Experts are unsure what causes endometriosis; it likely involves genes, hormones, and the immune system. Trauma from surgery may also play a role according to OASH.

Due to its complexity, diagnosing endometriosis often takes an average of eight years after symptoms appear.