Ten Symptoms Women Cannot Afford to Neglect

In today's rat race, with juggling a career, being a mom and being that stable rock for your husband, it hardly comes as a surprise that most women seldom pay attention to their own needs, especially when it comes to pesky symptoms that just don't go away. While a little heartburn here and a little headache there are hardly causes for alarm, there are certain symptoms that I learned never to ignore as a medical transcriptionist from one of the best accredited online universities.

1. Feeling perpetually tired: if you find yourself tired even on days that didn't require a tremendous amount of energy, a quick check of your thyroid may be needed. This is especially true if your low energy persists even when you are on an exercise regimen.

2. Bleeding gums: An occasional bleeding gum is par for the course with most modern ultrasonic toothbrushes, but if you find your sink red after every gargle, then you have a visit to the dentist coming up sooner rather than later to check for gingivitis.

3. Migraines with a visual component: This is called an aura migraine as it is accompanied by flashing lights or spots. An occasional tingling sensation with this headache can be a harbinger of an ischemic stroke. Determining what triggers your migraine is key, and avoiding them can greatly improve quality of life.

4. Heartburn: While an occasional heartburn after tacos with a generous helping of salsa verde is nothing to lose sleep over, persistent heartburn can be an indication of gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD.

5. Constant back pain: Backaches that tend to linger over months should not be overlooked, as it can be an indication of abnormal aging. While the mechanism of this is poorly understood, the symptom is a serious one and demands immediate attention.

6. Missing a period when not pregnant: While most women consider this a blessing (I know I do), this may be due to a hormonal imbalance, perhaps as a result of premature menopause or poor thyroid activity. There is a marked increase in the risk of heart disease among such women.

7. Unusual sleepiness: Being exhausted every now and then is one thing, but if you find yourself nodding off standing in the checkout line at Kroger's more often than you'd like to admit, then sleep apnea, a common occurrence in overweight women should be considered.

8. Unexplained weight loss: While most women wouldn't complain if the scales show a pound or two lost every day, if you know that you have done nothing to earn it or should I say lose it, give it serious attention! Diabetes, depression, cancer and an overactive thyroid are just a handful of the common unusual weight-loss symptoms.

9. High fevers: While a high fever is nothing to be perturbed about, fevers that last more than a few days must be addressed by your doctor. Urinary tract infections, which are common in women that are sexually active can linger leading to endometriosis that can markedly decrease fertility.

10. Shortness of breath: If an occasional run up the stairs, when your four-year-old neighbor has hit every floor button of the elevator panel, leaves you out of breath, it is no reason to call the EMTs. But on the other hand if you are short of breath even when you are lying down, consult your doctor.

If you are experiencing any or a combination of these symptoms, make your next mouse click about scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician or gynecologist