Know when to act on symptoms that may be a message from your body.

You know your body better than anyone else. Listen to it. Pay attention to feelings of unease and discomfort, and notice when your body changes. Don’t ignore these signs that something may be going on, especially when the symptoms are persistent.

Unexpected weight change
If you gain or lose a noticeable amount of weight unexpectedly, it could be a sign of a health problem. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about your weight gain or weight loss. Your doctor may advise you to have lab work done in addition to working with you on a full health checkup to investigate the cause of the weight change.

Bloating
While many women experience bloating in relation to diet or hormonal changes, it’s not a symptom to ignore. It could be a sign of ovarian cancer or other pelvic concerns. Treat constipation if you believe that is the problem, but Medline Plus advises that fiber supplements such as psyllium can make your symptoms worse.

Shortness of breath
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of women. Many women experience the symptoms of heart attack as shortness of breath combined with other general symptoms of discomfort and malaise. If you feel unwell, talk to your doctor instead of chalking it up to aging or cold and flu.

Breast changes
Know your breasts well. Don’t assume that changes are related to aging, breastfeeding or your hormones. Early signs of breast cancer can include changes to the shape, size and consistency of your breasts. If you experience these symptoms, discover a lump or have breast pain, talk to your doctor.

At St. Lucie Medical Center, we want to help you protect your health. If you have basic medical questions, just call our Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-800-449-8345. Our staff can also provide physician referrals and schedule appointments for you.

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