1. Acute Fatigue:
Acute fatigue can be a difficult symptom to diagnose, Kinzy says, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. It can indicate hypothyroidism, which can be treated with a hormone, or anemia, which is treatable with iron or vitamin B12 shots. More seriously, it can be a sign of depression, sleep apnea, heart disease or even lung cancer.
2. Rectal Bleeding:
Rectal bleeding can indeed indicate a hemorrhoid,but itcanalso bea sign of colon or rectal cancer, which is curable if caught early, she says. If you experience rectal bleeding, see a doctor rightaway.And even if it’sjust a hemorrhoid,itstillneedsto betreated.
3. Abdominal Bloating and Pain, Change in Bowel Habits:
Like rectal bleeding, abdominal bloating and pain or a change in bowel habits can indicate something serious like colon cancer. These symptoms also can signal ovarian cancer, inflammatory bowel syndrome or diverticulitis. Diverticulitis occurs when you have small pouches that bulge outward in your colon (diverticulosis)that getinfected. It can be treated with antibiotics, but sometimes requires surgery. If you experience abdominal bloating or a persistent change in bowel habits, such as constipation, make an appointment with your doctor.
4. Pain or Discomfort in Chest:
Heart disease may be the No.1 killer of American women. The signs of coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack, are typically much moresubtleinwomen than in men. If you’re having trouble exerting yourself, have some discomfort or pain in your chest, or you’re just not feeling normal, see a doctor immediately.
5. Heart Palpitations:
Heart palpitations are often related to stress. But if persistent, they can also be a sign of atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat. Without treatment for atrial fibrillation, you increase your risk of having a stroke, especially if you have these other heart disease risk factors: abdominal girth of more than 35 inches in women, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or being a smoker.
6. Shortness of Breath:
Shortness of breath is yet another symptom of heart disease. Butitcan also be a sign of other serious health problems, such as pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer or even a blood clot. If you’re having continual or increased problems breathing, make an appointment to be evaluated.
7. Pelvic Pain During Intercourse:
It’s not normal to have pelvic pain during sex, so pay attention if this symptom occurs. If pelvic pain happens during deep penetration, it could indicate pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, an ovarian cyst or cervicitis, an infectionof the cervix. Pelvic pain upon entry can mean a vaginal infectionora hormone deficiency. If sex is painful, don’t shrug it off – go to the doctor. An untreated infection can lead to infertility.
8. Change in the Appearance of a Mole:
Melanoma (skin cancer) is often linked to a change in moles, so check them, along with freckles, regularly for any difference in their appearance. Follow the ABCD method recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology to help detect possible problems: If the mole is A, asymmetrical; B, has uneven borders; C, has changed in color; or D, changed in diameter, see a dermatologist immediately. Any changes in your skin, such as a growth or a sore that won’t heal,are also potential indicators of melanoma. Learn more about the ABCDs of skin cancer.
9. Breast Lumps:
Know your breasts intimately. Examine them monthly to detect any new masses or lumps. Confused about last year's change in mammogram guidelines? Talk to your doctor to determine how often you should be getting mammograms. Also, check out Which Breast Test Is Best for You? Potentially cancerous lumps usually feel like small stones or rocks in your breast. Non-cancerous lumps are typically more tender and change with your menstrual cycle. But this is not always the case, so check with your doctor if a new lump appears.
10. Swelling in Legs or Persistent Pain in Joints:
If you notice swelling in one or both legs, particularly after you’ve been traveling in a car or airplane, see a doctor. Swelling in one leg can mean a blood clot. If it's in both legs, it could be a sign of kidney or liver disease. Chronic or constant pain in joints could mean something more serious than arthritis, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which may require steroid treatment.
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