Get to know Ovarian Cancer - Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Ovarian Cancer Awarenss Month typically falls in February and aims to educate and share stories about the illness.
It can be a little confronting talking about illness, nevertheless, it’s important to learn and recognise possible signs and symptoms outside of your normal menstrual cycle. If you have ongoing issues or concerns, it’s always recommended that you seek professional advice.
Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating
Your ovaries have two main jobs. The first is to produce and release eggs for fertilisation, and the second is to make the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Throughout the menstrual cycle the ovaries swell to mature the egg and prepare it for release. Ongoing discomfort in the abdominal region can be upsetting, not to mention disruptive. The thought of your belly being distended is enough to make you lose your appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss and/or constipation. It’s important to be kind to yourself and ensure you’re getting your nutrients with regular meals. Drink lots of water and try light exercise to help your body naturally deal with the distention.
Abdominal, pelvic, or back pain
Heightened pain sensitivity in the lower back can stem from the pelvic and abdominal region. Back pain is a common complaint most people experience in their lifetime. It can be caused by muscle strain, posture, stress, menstruation, or lifestyle. Resting and using heat packs can help ease pain, as well as pain management with pain relievers when you’re uncomfortable. It’s important to not ignore pain and know what is normal for you. To help yourself relax, try light stretches and meditation, or catch up with friends.
Feeling full after eating a small amount
Many menstruating people see changes to their appetite throughout the menstrual cycle. Try eating smaller meals more frequently to keep your blood sugar levels balanced and avoid hunger and nausea. If you do happen to feel nauseous, try sipping ginger drinks or suck on a ginger sweet. Salty and/or dry foods also have anti-nauseous properties. When you find yourself neglecting food try new ways of eating. Maybe eat less fibre to help you feel fuller, try adding more liquid foods to your diet. Munching on your favourite snacks can be a good way to increase your calories and get little endorphin hits.
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Throughout our lives our weight fluctuates and can be greatly affected by the menstrual cycle. Maybe we’re going through a fitness stage or gotten to an age where rest is more important. Generally, when you see a drastic change in weight that extends over a longer period of time, you may what to check in with your GP.
Indigestion or nausea
Changes in our appetite and unusual feelings in the abdominal region can be a sign of indigestion, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can be a bit of a grey area, but stress is a common culprit, especially when it comes to reactive and short-term IBS symptoms. Over-the-counter medications can help indigestion, nausea, or constipation. Probiotics and/or dietary modification may also provide improvement. Despite the discomfort in your belly, encourage yourself to eat the right foods and find joy in certain foods.
Changes in bowel habits
Managing bowel movements can be a little tricky at times, and for many it tends to vary throughout the menstrual cycle. A healthy movement is brown in colour, and smooth or cracked sausage shaped. The hue of your poo comes from pigments in the bile in your gut and is greatly affected by your diet. For instance, when you drink beetroot juice you may notice a red tinge to your stool. Being active every day and increasing your fibre intake can help regular bowel patterns.