The Class We Missed

When something's off

The red flags that tell you something may not be quite right, and the most common conditions behind them.

About 23 min · 0 of 9 done

  1. 1The red flagsCommon isn't the same as normal. Bleeding between periods or after sex, periods longer than 7 days, cycles outside 21 to 35 days, very heavy bleeding and pain that stops daily life are all reasons to see a doctor.3 min
  2. 2Heavy periods and anemiaHeavy periods are common but not normal. They can drain the body's iron and cause anemia, and they can be the first sign of a bleeding disorder.3 min
  3. 3Endometriosis and adenomyosisIn endometriosis, tissue like the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. In adenomyosis, it grows into the uterine wall. Both can cause severe period pain and heavy bleeding, and both often take years to diagnose.4 min
  4. 4PMOS (PCOS)PMOS, the condition long called PCOS, is a common hormone condition, not a disease of cysts. It can bring irregular periods, acne and extra hair, and it affects metabolism and long-term health. Most people who have it don't know.3 min
  5. 5FibroidsFibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterine muscle. They're the most common growth in the pelvis. Many cause no symptoms; others cause heavy, painful periods and pressure.2 min
  6. 6PMDDPMDD is a severe form of PMS that affects about 1 in 20 people who menstruate. Mood symptoms like anger, depression and anxiety come in the week or two before a period and ease once it starts. It is treatable.2 min
  7. 7Thyroid problems and the cycleThe thyroid, a gland in the neck, affects energy, mood, weight and periods. An underactive thyroid can bring heavier periods; an overactive one can bring lighter or fewer periods. Both are more common in women, and a blood test checks for them.2 min
  8. 8When a period stopsPregnancy is the first thing to rule out. After that, stress, eating too little, training hard, hormone conditions and some birth control can all stop periods. Missing three in a row is a reason to see a doctor.3 min
  9. 9For loved onesConditions like endometriosis, PMOS and PMDD often take years to diagnose, partly because pain and symptoms get dismissed. Believe what she tells you, help her track, and back her up at appointments.2 min
  10. QuizA short quiz on this section. Try again for new questions.4 questions

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