Periods are a part of the monthly menstrual cycle for people with a uterus. It is the shedding of the uterine lining in the form of blood and other fluids and tissue that may last for 3-7 days. Approximately 5 days to 2 weeks before its arrival, 90% of people who menstruate may feel certain symptoms. This is collectively known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some of the most common side effects or symptoms of periods include: Abdominal cramps Menstrual cramps, also known as primary dysmenorrhea, cause an achy or cramping feeling in the lower abdomen, lower back, and upper thighs. Their severity may range from dull or mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with one’s daily activities. People with conditions like endometriosis, cervical stenosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and fibroids may experience worse cramps during their menstrual cycle. Gas and bloating Some people also experience a sensation of heaviness in the stomach or may struggle to zip up their pants. This is also known as bloating and is caused due to changing hormone levels which lead to higher retention of water in the body. For most people, the worst bloating occurs on the day their period begins. The body’s hormonal changes also impact bowel functioning and can lead to gas, diarrhea, constipation, or nausea.

Poor blood circulation usually occurs when something interferes with the circulatory system, causing specific body parts to be deprived of blood, nutrients, and oxygen. Some problems that can lead to poor circulation include blockages in the blood vessels and a leaky heart valve that causes the blood to flow backward. In most cases, poor circulation affects people with diabetes, those aged 40 and above, and individuals with minimal physical activity. Warning signs of poor blood circulation If circulation problems are left untreated, it can lead to complications like nerve damage, strokes, heart attacks, and peripheral artery disease. Hence, individuals should identify issues in time and use the right treatment as recommended by a healthcare professional. Here are some warning signs of poor blood circulation to look out for: Cracked or dry skin Those experiencing problems with blood flow may develop cracked or dry skin. In most cases, the skin in the legs and feet is affected, as the lower body suffers the most from circulation issues and receives less blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Furthermore, when there is a lack of proper blood supply in the body, the skin cannot easily create new cells. This may lead to not only dry skin but also slower healing of wounds.

Bathing or showering is crucial for maintaining good health and hygiene, and the act is almost done on autopilot as adults. But, have you ever taken time out to wonder if you were doing it correctly? There are ways of making our showering routine more efficient, so we can save time, energy, and water. Here are some common mistakes people make when bathing and showering and how to avoid them. Bathing multiple times a day Washing your body too often removes healthy oils and bacteria from the skin, making it dry, itchy, or cracked. If you work out multiple times a day or spend long hours outside doing physical work, it may be necessary to shower twice daily to keep your body clean. If not, showering twice a day could waste time and precious resources such as water. Using the wrong soap Using antibacterial soaps can strip your skin of good and bad bacteria and make it more susceptible to infections. Using harsh soaps can also dry out your skin. Stick to mild soaps or gentle cleansers with added oils or moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin feeling soft and supple. If you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, it may be advisable to use a fragrance-free soap.

Hearing loss is a common problem that is caused by aging, prolonged exposure to loud noises, certain diseases, and genetic variations. More than half the people in the country over the age of 75 live with age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis. Depending on the part of the ear it affects, presbycusis may be of three types – conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. Here are some of the most common warning signs of hearing loss. Difficulty in hearing consonant sounds Those living with presbycusis may lose their ability to hear high-frequency sounds. These normally include consonant sounds like S, F, Th, Sh, K, V, and P. This means one may easily confuse terms like “show” and “throw” or “peep” and “keep”, which can lead to misunderstandings or miscommunication. One may also think that others are mumbling or talking in muffled tones. Straining to listen Hearing is a brain activity and those who suffer from hearing loss need to strain to listen to what others are saying, which takes a lot of effort for the brain to process the sounds and make sense of them. This can cause listening fatigue. Doctors or audiologists may prescribe professional hearing aids to reduce the strain on one’s ears.

Menopause, a natural process, signals the end of a woman’s childbearing years. Significant hormonal changes are underway, which can result in various physical and psychological symptoms. Although controlling these symptoms might be difficult, there are many techniques that women might use to lessen their discomfort. We will offer suggestions and guidance on how to manage menopause symptoms and enhance the general quality of life throughout this transitional period in this article. Menopause symptoms Changes in hormone levels, specifically a decrease in the ovarian synthesis of estrogen and progesterone, lead to menopause symptoms. Menopause symptoms can range in severity and duration and might include: Periods becoming irregular As menopause approaches, periods may vary, get lighter or heavier, or stop entirely. Hot flashes Hot flashes or short bouts of warmth extend to the face and upper body, followed by flushing, perspiration, and chills. Night sweats Night sweats can produce excessive perspiration while you sleep, disrupting your sleep cycle. Vaginal dryness and discomfort Dryness, itching, burning, and pain in the vaginal area during sexual activity are all signs of low estrogen levels. Mood swings Changes in mood, such as impatience, anxiety, depression, and difficulties concentrating, are common throughout menopause. Symptoms of menopause and tips for managing it Insomnia During menopause, many women have trouble falling or staying asleep.

Anemia is a health condition where the body lacks healthy red blood cells (RBC) to carry sufficient oxygen to all its parts. When an individual has anemia, they might experience weakness. This condition has many different types, each with its own causes. Fortunately, various treatment options exist to manage the warning signs and symptoms, including lifestyle changes and healthy nutritional habits. Keep reading to learn more about anemia and its warning signs that necessitate treatment. Top 6 warning signs of anemia Fatigue One of the most common and noticeable warning signs of anemia is fatigue. Here, one might experience a sudden lack of energy due to insufficient iron intake, which is needed to produce hemoglobin. When someone has anemia, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin and distribute oxygen and other nutrients to different parts. In most cases, fatigue can also set in when vital organs and muscles receive insufficient oxygen. Brittle nails and changes in skin color Another noticeable sign of anemia is pale skin. It can result from a lack of hemoglobin or red blood cells (RBCs). So, when the body notices low levels of RBC, it automatically diverts blood to all its vital organs. It leads to pale skin or a pale complexion.

The bones serve several functions, including permitting locomotion and motor capability and protecting vital organs. However, many factors could lead to the weakening of bones (osteoporosis), such as age and family history. The phenomenon could result in complications affecting an individual’s ability to carry out daily tasks. The best way to improve weaker bones is by identifying these early warning signs and subsequently working on ways to manage the condition. Weaker grip strength Some individuals might experience a sudden low grip strength. And this is a potential indicator of low bone mineral density. The lack of grip would indicate that the individual’s muscle strength has reduced. The development could result in the inability to open tin cans or push heavy doors. It may also prevent one from holding onto a grab rail on a staircase effectively, which could increase the risk of falls and fracturing bones. Grip strength is easily measurable in a doctor’s office or at home with a hand dynamometer tool. Receding gums If someone notices receding gums – usually during a visit to a dentist – it should be considered an indicator of osteoporosis. The teeth and jaw bones are joined. So if the jaw starts to lose bone mineral density, it will result in receding gums.

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting most adults in the country. There are over 100 different subtypes of arthritis that exhibit a myriad of symptoms as the condition progresses. However, there are a few key early signs and symptoms that indicate developing arthritis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help improve quality of life in the long run. Here are the signs and symptoms to identify. Pain and tenderness Pain that develops with muscle tenderness between the connecting joints is an early arthritis sign. Experiencing stiffness in the joints with the new pain is also a worrying sign that should not be ignored. Often this pain goes away with physical activity. However, prolonged periods of inactivity further worsen the stiffness associated with the condition. Further, inflammation of the joints will also cause a warm sensation to develop under the skin with visible swelling and redness. These inflammatory responses mainly affect the membranes that hold joints together and worsen as arthritis progresses. Lumps under the skin For specific types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, a person may develop nodules or lumps under the skin. The size varies depending on the severity of the condition, but these nodules can be as small as a lentil or grow more significant than a walnut.