Can irregular periods raise the risk of heart disease?

For most women, monthly periods come up like clockwork, and are usually taken as a good sign of well-being. However, having irregular periods is something that draws concern. From the risk of PCOS, stress and reproductive health, irregular periods can take a huge toll on vital body functioning. In fact, as per doctors, your periods can also have an impact on your heart health, and hence, should be checked out at once. But how concerned should you be? We explain

What makes irregular periods a big risk?

While missing out or having irregular monthly flow can happen due to quite a few many causes, PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the prime causes which lead to irregular menstruation.

Known to affect 1 in 8 women of reproductive ages, PCOS is starting to turn into an epidemic on its own, with more and more cases being reported in recent years. The condition, which is hugely caused by lifestyle problems, hormonal imbalances can lead to problematic effects on the overall health, including weight gain, hormonal disruption, disturbed period flow, reproductive issues and flag the risk of metabolic differences. However, what raises alarm bells is that despite being such a common disease, many women continue to be blatantly unaware, or misinformed about their symptoms, and have poor knowledge about what they are suffering from is PCOS. This, in turn, not only impacts their reproductive health gravely, but also leads to delayed diagnosis, poor overall health. In particular, ignoring the risk factors can mean bad news for the heart.

PCOS, irregular periods and heart health: What's the connection?

With PCOS, one of the primary features which is reported amongst most women is irregular periods. The troubled periods are caused by hormonal problems, which further offset metabolic differences, including insulin resistance. Having excess levels of male hormones in the body, along with insulin resistance (which is characteristic of diabetes) can raise cholesterol, lipid profiles as well. This, in turn, is how women with PCOS or undergoing period problems could put them at the risk of developing heart diseases, or having an elevated risk of cardiac ailments.

Studies have also found that women who do have PCOS have a whopping 28% higher risk of developing heart problems than women who normally menstruate and do not suffer from consequential irregularities. Plus, the overall risk of heart disease amongst women is also on the higher side than men, which again makes the situation worrisome and one which requires attention.

Now, one of the prime reasons as to why PCOS raises the risk of heart problems lies in the symptoms and side-effects it creates. Insulin resistance, for example, does not just lead to diabetes, but also raises other metabolic flags in the body. From a cardiovascular viewpoint, being insulin resistant, undergoing high loads of stress (another common factor with PCOS) raised lipid levels and other metabolic abnormalities doubles up the risk of heart problems. This is one of the reasons as to why doctors attest that early diagnosis, and management of PCOS is important.


Since women suffering from PCOS can also face weight problems, and find it struggles-ome to lose weight, they also put themselves at the risk of inflammation and higher BMI levels. Inflammation and obesity are precursors for vascular problems and again, a significant risk factor for heart disease. Sedentary lifestyle, poor to no level of physical activity can also make the risk graver. Thus, it's imperative to be aware, manage and treat PCOS from the initial stage.

How can you manage PCOS and lower your risk of heart problems?

With PCOS, while there's no available medical cure, the best way possible to effectively manage and curb one's PCOS symptoms lies in critical lifestyle modifications. Here are some of the ways how women with PCOS can reduce their risk, and lead a healthy life:

-Work towards weight reduction and maintaining good BMI levels suitable for your age and height.

-Follow a good diet, and minimize intake of added sugar and processed foods.

-Have an antioxidant, protein rich diet. Lessen your dependence on junk, preserved, packaged or other foods which may have chemical traces.

-Some women also benefit from going gluten-free or dairy-free

-Make sure you workout or engage in physical activity, 4-5 times a week. Moderate intensity exercises are best suited.

-Work to reduce your stress levels

-Try following yoga and meditation to seek therapeutic relief.

-Follow heart-healthy practices.

-Ensure you get undisturbed, regular sleep.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Serious Diseases You Shouldn't Ignore

While we have all heard of diseases like skin cancer, diabetes or eating disorders, few of us actually know the symptoms. But, knowing them can save your life, because the rule in medicine is usually - the sooner the treatment the much higher chances of successful treatment and even a cure. So the more knowledgeable and aware you are, the better your chances of getting off much lighter. Here are the health warning signs of 10 serious diseases you shouldn't ignore. 


1. Diabetes
This disease affects your blood glucose or blood sugar - in which they tend to be too high. Signs of diabetes include:
• Constant hunger
• Bruises and cuts that slowly heal
• Weight loss or gain, without reason
• Fatigue
• Intense thirst
• Numbness and pain in hands

2. Skin cancer

Cancer exists in many forms. In skin cancer, it is the abnormal growth of skin cells which most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. The most common symptoms are:
• Skin lesions that don’t heal
• Thick, red skin with silvery patches
• Jaundice
• Redness of the face and neck
• Changes in skin moles
• New moles                                       
3. Muscle or joint disease
Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica are three types of autoimmune disorders that affect the muscles, joints, and nerves. Symptoms of muscle disease include:
• Swelling, inflammation, stiffness, or redness in or around the joints
• Numbness or tingling
• Constant muscle pain
• Reduced range of movement of any joints

4. Lung disease

Any problem in the lungs that prevents them from working properly is considered to be a form of lung disease. Watch out for these signs: 
• Chronic chest pain (lasting for a month or longer)
• Coughing up blood
• Chronic cough (lasting for a month or longer)
• Wheezing
• Chronic mucus production (lasting for a month or longer)
• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
5. Breast disease
Breast changes such as lumps, bumps, and discharge are common. Some causes can be aging, hormones, and medicines. Nevertheless, it's always recommended you be aware of the symptoms of breast disease, which include: 
• Thickening in the underarm area
• Thickening near or in the breast
• Unusual breast tenderness or pain
• Nipple discharge
• Nipple or breast skin changes

6. Female reproductive health problems

Women experience specific sexual and reproductive health issues throughout their life. Common signs of female reproductive health problems include: 
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Painful menstrual bleeding
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Itchy genital area
• Frequent urination
7. Digestive and stomach diseases
Digestive diseases exist in many forms including polyps and cancer, infections, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, malabsorption, short bowel syndrome, and intestinal ischemia. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and hiatal hernia. Symptoms of stomach and digestive problems are:
• Changes in bowel habits
• Vomiting blood
• Rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Blood in the stool
• Black stools
• Inability to control your bowels
• Acid reflux
• Constipation

8. Bladder problems

The bladder is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. A number of conditions can affect your bladder. The signs of bladder disease can include:
• Wetting the bed at night
• Painful or frequent urination
• Excessive urination at night
• Loss of bladder control
• Blood in the urine
9. Eating disorders and weight problems
People who suffer from an eating disorder intentionally avoid eating and often starve themselves to achieve an excessive amount of weight loss. Common signs of eating disorders and weight problems include:
• Starvation
• Depression
• Distorted body image
• Excessive hunger
• Dehydration
• Compulsive exercise
• Fatigue
• Extreme thirst
• Vomiting
• Preoccupation with weight and food

10. Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Thrombosis can be accompanied by these symptoms:
• Leg or arm spasms
• Leg or arm pain
• Leg or arm is warm to the touch
• Swelling in the leg, and sometimes in the arm
• Bluish or reddish skin discoloration                         

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

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