50Plus : Health : 7 symptoms women shouldn't ignore

Minor issue or major problem? Women shouldn?t overlook these seven symptoms, say experts.

If you experienced excruciating pain, difficulty breathing or found a lump somewhere on your body, chances are you wouldn?t hesitate to get help. However, sometimes the warning signs of serious illness can be more subtle ? and sometimes they aren?t the same symptoms that men experience.

It can be hard to tell if symptoms are caused by something minor or something serious ? that?s why experts say women should have these symptoms checked out by their doctor.

Blood where (and when) there shouldn?t be blood

Like men, women shouldn?t ignore blood in the stool or urine, or blood that?s coughed up (sputum). However, women should also talk to their doctors about unusual vaginal bleeding, including symptoms like:

- Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods.

- Heavy bleeding.

- Bleeding and pain during intercourse.

- Bleeding or spotting after menopause.

Why the worry? Sometimes the cause can be serious ? like endometrial, cervical, uterine or ovarian cancer. However, experts say women shouldn?t assume the worst. Some women experience bleeding when they ovulate, and unusual bleeding can be a sign of perimenopause in women over age 40. Some conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperthyroidism or pelvic inflammatory disease can cause abnormal bleeding ?? as can fibroids, certain medications (like birth control) and stress.

In many cases, the cause is treatable, so it?s worth a conversation with a doctor.

Unexplained changes in bowel habits

Blood in the stool isn?t the only issue worth a discussion with your doctor. It can be embarrassing to talk about our bodily functions, but when something is ?off?, it?s important to learn why. Some symptoms worth mentioning include:

- Severe diarrhea lasting more than two days or mild diarrhea lasting a week.

- Constipation that lasts for more than two weeks.

- Unexplained urges to have a bowel movement.

- Bloody diarrhea.

- Black or tarry-colored stools

Sometimes these symptoms go hand in hand with nausea and pelvic pain. What would be the culprit? Digestive disorders could be to blame for pain and ?irregularity? ? like celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Food sensitivities and intolerances (like lactose intolerance) can cause upset, and so can a parasite or infection. With treatment, it?s possible to alleviate these symptoms.

Another symptom to be aware of: feeling full after eating very little. Sometimes this ?early satiety? can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome, but it could be a warning sign of ovarian or pancreatic cancer.

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