Knowing Your Normal with Robin Cancer Trust

What’s your ‘normal’ period flow, and symptoms?

When it comes to periods, everyone is different with what they experience at each stage of their cycle. From bloating, pain, cravings, or even fatigue - to much milder symptoms.

You're probably pretty familiar with what you feel during your period, and know what to expect when your time of the month rolls around!

But what happens when we notice symptoms that don't fit into our 'normal'? It can feel concerning and even frightening.

This Gynaecological Cancer Month, we’re partnering up with The Robin Cancer Trust, to help you identify your normal, and when you might need to visit a GP.

The Robin Cancer Trust is here to support.

The Robin Cancer Trust, the UK's only ovarian, testicular and germ cell cancer charity, is on a mission to empower people to listen to their bodies, know their normal, and recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer earlier.

Staying informed about ovarian cancer symptoms and advocating for your own health could save your life. If you're concerned, keep a record of what symptoms you are experiencing and take this to your appointment, as this can help make a speedier diagnosis.

Early ovarian cancer symptoms are often characterised by ongoing mild to moderate discomfort rather than extreme sensations. They can also closely mimic some of the symptoms you may typically experience during your period. These 'milder' symptoms include:⁠

• Bloating⁠

• Frequent urination⁠

• Feeling full ⁠

• Irregular bleeding ⁠

• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen

You may be thinking, 'But I get these symptoms during my period!'

It's important to know that these symptoms can be completely normal and caused by many other factors; the key to determining whether they may indicate ovarian cancer lies in whether they are 'normal' for you.

Did you know ovarian cancer is 90% curable when detected early?

The Robin Cancer Trust works hard to help women recognise when these symptoms may indicate ovarian cancer. It's vital to visit your GP to get checked out if you're experiencing these symptoms and they are:

1. Persistent.

• The symptoms won't go away.

2. Frequent.

• The symptoms occur on most days.

3. New.

• The symptoms started in the last 12 months.

4. Unusual.

• The symptoms are not normal for you.

Remember, no one knows your body as well as you!

Listen to your body, it knows you best. If you notice bloating, frequent urination, pain in the lower abdomen, irregular bleeding, loss of appetite, and these symptoms are unusual, new, frequent, or persistent, visit your GP!