Fertility is something you will probably not pay attention to until you want to start a family. Most women tend to delay the decision these days because they keep career aspirations at the forefront. While there is nothing wrong with the mindset, you may need to take advantage of assisted reproductive therapies (ART) like IVF or donor egg cycles due to advanced maternal age or egg quality / quantity issues. At the same time, infertility issues may take you by surprise when you actively try to start a family. It is vital to track your reproductive health status, whether you plan to conceive sooner or later. The problem is that red flags show up, but women tend to overlook them. Here are the ones that require due attention.
Sudden, severe acne
The appearance of acne breakouts is seen as a skin problem, but there could be underlying problems related to fertility. You should be concerned if the breakouts happen beyond the teenage years. In adults, it often points to hormonal imbalance in the body. Further, it could be an early indication of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The hormonal condition can lead to conception problems if you fail to treat it on time.
Painful periods
While normal cramping isn’t a reason to worry, severe pain may have more dire implications. Consider it to be even worse if you experience nausea or vomiting. While painful periods alone do not indicate fertility issues, some more symptoms could suggest them. Signs like pain during intercourse and blood in the urine could point out endometriosis. This uterine condition contributes to a majority of female infertility cases.
Changes in the menstrual cycle
Another red flag that requires early attention is unexpected changes in your menstrual cycle. It could be a missed period, irregular cycles, or heavier than normal flow. Each condition may be a sign of infertility. Thankfully, there are effective alternative therapies to address the issue. You can Book an Appointment for Fertility Acupuncture to treat irregular cycles naturally. The therapy balances the hormones, and you will experience regularity sooner rather than later.
Significant hair growth or loss
PCOS results in the formation of small cysts outside the ovaries. Moreover, it leads to excess production of male hormones in the body. You may notice unusual hair growth on your face, arms, back, and chest. Alternatively, excessive hair loss or thinning should also ring warning bells as it indicates infertility-related conditions such as anemia and thyroid problems. In either case, you must see a specialist for a quick diagnosis.
Unexplained weight gain
No one wants to encounter sudden and unexplained weight gain, but the reasons to worry are beyond aesthetics. Consider whether you have changed your diet or activity patterns before the weight gain. If you don’t find a valid reason for putting on extra pounds, it is possibly PCOS. While the condition itself can lead to infertility, excess weight leads to difficulty conceiving.
If you see one or more of these red flags, it is time to see a doctor. The sooner you start the treatment, the better are the chances for regaining your fertility. Most times, you can address the problem with holistic therapies. Only serious conditions require a more aggressive approach.
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