Ovarian cancer is serious, but if you know what to look for, you can catch it early and get the help you need. Ovarian cancer is typically diagnosed after a woman has already had symptoms for some time. This means that if left undetected and untreated, ovarian cancer can grow and spread beyond the ovaries to other organs such as the bladder or intestines before it’s detected by a doctor.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Weight loss can be a sign of ovarian cancer, but it’s not always an indication that you have this disease. If you’ve been losing weight and don’t know why, see your doctor, says Dr. Rachel Oliver.
If your doctor finds something unusual during the exam or test results come back abnormal, they might recommend more tests to diagnose any underlying health problems that may be contributing to your weight loss.
Irregular Menstruation
Irregular menstrual periods are common in women. Dr. Rachel Oliver In fact, about one-third of women have irregular periods at some point during their lives. Irrigation can be caused by a number of things: stress, weight gain or loss, hormonal imbalances and more. If you experience any changes in your monthly cycle like skipping periods for several months in a row or bleeding more than normal then see your doctor immediately as this could be an indication of ovarian cancer.
If you’re over 40 years old and have been experiencing irregular menstrual cycles then it’s time to get checked out by your doctor as well!
Chronic Pain In Your Abdomen Or Pelvis
Chronic pain in your abdomen or pelvis is a hallmark symptom of ovarian cancer. The pain can be constant or intermittent, and it may be felt in the lower abdomen, upper abdomen, and/or pelvis.
Pain that’s new or gets worse over time should be evaluated by a doctor; this is especially true if you have other signs of early ovarian cancer (such as bloating).