Whether that is going through puberty, experiencing pregnancy, or even menopause, there are a lot of changes that naturally occur. Listening to your body has always been an important part of life; we are the ones that know our bodies the best, therefore we are responsible when it comes to identifying any sudden changes.
It should be said, however, that not every change will be bad. As mentioned above, puberty or menopause are completely normal things to occur, so you shouldn’t be too worried about those things. Unusual or odd changes can sometimes be a symptom of something more serious, so it’s important that you know the difference and know when to see a doctor. This article will serve as a basic guide that should help you identify 6 signs that you should visit your doctor.
Rapid Changes In Weight
Rapid changes in weight can go either way; suddenly losing a lot of weight or suddenly gaining weight is not a normal occurrence, and it should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, weight and body image carry a lot of importance in society, so sometimes it can be difficult to be taken seriously, especially when losing weight. If you have unexpectantly and unintentionally lost a lot of weight over a short period of time, then you should book an appointment with your GP.
Oftentimes, losing weight quickly can be a result of stress, but it’s still a good idea to get yourself checked out. On the opposite side, suddenly putting on weight can be a cause of concern as it could mean that something in your body is not working the way it should. While it may sound serious, one of the signs of kidney failure is rapid weight gain, so we would always recommend being seen by a doctor as soon as you can.
Feeling Tired All The Time
Do you have a super demanding job? Have you got a young family to take care of? And do you constantly find yourself looking forward to bedtime? This feeling can easily be contributed to your lifestyle, so you shouldn’t worry too much if you find yourself sleepy after a long day. What you do need to be aware of though is feeling tired when you haven’t done anything.
If you have slept well, but you still feel exhausted to the point where you can’t complete daily tasks, then there may be an underlying issue. Looking online will tell you that low iron is quite a common diagnosis for people who feel tired constantly, but it is not the only diagnosis out there. Another diagnosis is an underactive thyroid, which, as the name suggests, is when your thyroid is not performing the way it should.
The symptoms of an underactive thyroid often include feeling tired and achy, so you may want to make an appointment with your doctor. If your doctor does suspect this is the case, they will quickly send you for a thyroid test. These tests will be able to accurately confirm whether or not you have thyroid issues and you can then receive a course of treatment.
If you attend a private clinic like Bioma, they may also run a testosterone test, as this will give doctors the chance to identify if low testosterone is playing a role in your feelings of fatigue.
Persistent Cough
A cough you just can’t stop isn’t just annoying; it can also be a sign of a serious medical issue. If it’s been going on for more than 8 weeks, then you should definitely speak to your doctor, as that’s not normal.  The cough doesn’t need to be chesty either; you can still have a persistent cough even if it is just dry and irritating.
Having a cough without any obvious cold symptoms; runny nose, fever, sore throat- could be a sign that something is wrong in your lungs, so you should consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
Often, one of the most common causes of a persistent cough is asthma, which if this is the case, then you will be prescribed an inhaler which should help you out whenever you experience a coughing episode.
Joint and Muscle Pain
It is completely normal to feel a little achy after a hard day’s work, but if you start to get severe joint and muscle pain seemingly out of nowhere, then you should call your doctor and make an appointment. One of the leading causes of joint and muscle pain is arthritis.
Many people associate this condition as one that only affects older people, but the reality is, anyone can be diagnosed with it at any age. If you do happen to receive this diagnosis, it can be a little scary, particularly as there is no cure. However, you will likely be offered some different treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medication, massage therapy, acupuncture and some anti-rheumatic drugs.
If you often have to deal with joint and muscle pain, it is important that you make a record of when this pain occurs. Your doctor will be able to read through your notes and make some suggestions on potential lifestyle changes. Eating a balanced diet and ensuring your body is fuelled with the right nutrients can go a long way in preventing pain in your joints and muscles.
A New Or Growing Mole
The UK is not known for its sunshine, so whenever we are blessed with a sunny day, chances are you will get outside, ready to soak up the sun. Skin cancer is unfortunately quite common and one of the leading causes of skin cancer is overexposure to UV rays. An early sign of skin cancer is a new, or growing mole.
Perhaps you have noticed a mole changing shape or colour, or maybe the mole appears more raised than usual. Noticing these changes is crucial, as an early diagnosis will mean faster treatment. Be sure to regularly apply sun cream whenever you spend time in the sun and always perform routine checks on your body to ensure there are no new moles.
Low Moods Or Mental Exhaustion
Feeling low or mentally exhausted often occurs when you are going through stressful points in your life. Perhaps you have experienced a sudden loss in the family or maybe your job is too demanding. Whatever the cause may be, seeking help when these feelings arise will help you work through the issue.
Talking to your doctor can be a good option as they can provide unbiased and professional advice that could help you in the long run. On the other hand, if you are constantly experiencing mental exhaustion but there are no obvious external reasons as to why, then there could be something physically wrong. Again, speaking this through with your doctor is always the best course of action, as they will be able to run tests and scans to determine if there is a physical cause behind it.
Final Thoughts
Being aware of your body and the way it can change is crucial for a happy and healthy life. If you are aware of your ‘normal’ then you will be able to easily identify when something is wrong. Hopefully this article has given you some helpful advice that you can use in the future, should you experience any obvious changes.
