Tips For Knowing Your Normal | Gynaecological Cancer Awareness
When it comes to periods, everyone’s ‘normal’ looks different.
You might be pretty familiar with what you feel during your period, and know what to expect when your time of the month rolls around. Or, your period symptoms might still totally catch you off guard every time!
From bloating, pain, cravings, or even fatigue - to much milder symptoms. Your flow, cycle length and symptoms are unique to you, and what feels normal for you may be completely different from someone else.
So then how do I know what ‘my normal’ actually looks like?
Tracking your cycle is a good way understand your mood, flow, and everything in between at each stage of your cycle. It means so much more than just keeping note of when your period starts and ends. Tracking is a simple, gentle way to tune into your body and notice the patterns and changes that happen throughout your cycle.
There’s a couple of really easy ways you can do this:
1.Digital Tracking
If you have a smart phone accessible to you, you can use an app to track your cycle - quickly and conviniently.
(Top tip: Always check in on data collection policies for your app of choice, and make sure you’re comfortable with the permissions requested before signing up.)
2.Analogue Tracking
Back to pen & paper! This is a good way to physically stay in tune with cycle. You can find a free physical tracker for printing in our Time Of The Month education booklet here.
(Psst: Our range of reusable period products come complete with a free analogue tracker too!)
Over time, these small observations can help you build a clearer picture of your cycle and feel more comfortable and confident with what your normal looks like.
What happens if I notice a symptom that doesn't fit into my 'normal'?
It can feel concerning, and sometimes overwhelming if you notice a change to your period, or symptoms outside of what you’re expecting.
So this Gynaecological Cancer Month, we’ve partnered up with The Robin Cancer Trust to raise awareness of the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer, and how knowing them could save your life.
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.
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.
The Robin Cancer Trust works 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.
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.
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 - it’s time to visit your GP.
For guidance on visiting your GP, you can visit The Robin Cancer Trust’s Guide To Visiting Your Doctor here.
Remember, you’re never ovaryacting!
