Period pain: it’s a shared experience, but for many women, it’s far from normal. Imagine missing or trying to get through crucial meetings, deadlines, and even entire workdays due to debilitating pain and uncomfortable symptoms caused by something you can’t control.
While cramping, lower back pain and bloating are common menstrual symptoms, when they become severe enough to disrupt daily activities or require constant over-the-counter pain medication, it may indicate an underlying health issue.
Understanding your menstrual cycle and recognizing when symptoms become severe can help you manage your health and avoid daily disruptions to your life.
Understanding the Difference Between Normal and Fibroid-Affected Periods
First, let’s set a baseline for what is considered a “normal” period and what symptoms and routines might indicate an underlying condition, like uterine fibroids.
A Normal Period
- Periods that last three-seven days, gradually tapering off
- Moderate bleeding (changing pads or tampons every four to six hours)
- Occurs regularly every 21-35 days
- Mild to moderate cramping, requiring occasional pain medication
Fibroid-Affected Period
- Periods that last longer than a week
- Heavy bleeding (soaks through pads or tampons in two hours or less)
- Irregular cycles where the number of days between periods significantly varies from month to month
- Severe cramps requiring continuous pain medication throughout the day
- Fatigue caused by heavy menstrual bleeding and severe pain
- Frequent urination
- Constipation and bloating
- Cramps in the back and legs
It’s best to track your period and symptoms to determine if something is off or abnormal. Knowing your cycle can also help when seeking medical advice about symptoms or issues you may find concerning.
The Impact on Your Career
Periods can significantly impact work absenteeism and reduced productivity due to physical toll symptoms take on individuals. Symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, mood swings, and pain can make it difficult to focus, concentrate, and perform work tasks effectively. Despite these challenges, many women may hesitate to prioritize their health, often pushing through pain and discomfort to meet work obligations.
This behavior is encapsulated by the term “presenteeism,” coined in the 1980s by psychologist Cary Cooper, a leading researcher in the field of workplace health and well-being. Presenteeism describes the practice of employees coming to work even when they are unwell, which can result in diminished productivity and exacerbate health issues.
According to a study by the National Institute of Health, 80% of women reported experiencing presenteeism during their periods, resulting in a productivity loss equivalent to five days annually. In contrast, menstrual-related absenteeism accounted for an average of only 1.3 days annually.
This discrepancy emphasizes the stigma surrounding work absences due to menstrual symptoms. Many women feel compelled to underreport their absences or push through their discomfort, which can obscure the true impact of menstrual cycles on productivity and well-being.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Your Periods
While periods can naturally bring discomfort, certain symptoms may signal a more serious issue requiring medical attention. Recognizing when menstrual symptoms significantly impact your daily life, work, or overall well-being is the first step to finding long-lasting relief.
Severe menstrual symptoms could indicate underlying conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Seeking medical advice can help you understand the root cause and explore treatment options that may alleviate your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and restore your productivity.
Checklist for Visiting a Doctor About Your Symptoms
Tracking your menstrual cycle is a valuable tool for understanding your body and can help you identify potential issues early on. By keeping a record of your cycle length, flow, pain levels, and other symptoms, you can provide your doctor with valuable information to help diagnose your condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and alleviate menstrual discomfort.
Fibroid Fighters Quick Checklist for Uterine Fibroid Diagnosis:
- Menstrual Cycle: Length, flow, duration, pain, spotting, and recent changes.
- Symptoms: Pelvic pain, backache, fatigue, frequent urination, constipation, or difficulty conceiving.
- Medical History: Previous diagnoses, family history, medications, surgeries.
- Lifestyle Factors: Diet, stress levels, and exercise habits.
By gathering this information, you can provide your doctor with a comprehensive understanding of your health concerns. To help recognize potential symptoms, consider using our fibroid symptom checker.
Treatment for Fibroids
There are several effective treatments available for uterine fibroids, ranging from medication to minimally invasive procedures to surgery. The best treatment options will depend on your individual circumstance, such as the size, location, and number of fibroids, as well as your symptoms.
Fibroids and periods do not have to disrupt daily life and impact your work and career. There are treatment options to alleviate symptoms so you can get back to work effectively.
For more information about fibroids, symptoms and treatment options, contact us at 855-455-5262 or [email protected].
