Of course it’s hard to talk to your doctor “ you’re completely vulnerable, sitting there in her cold office with nothing but a thin sheet of paper between you, and you really don’t like broaching these topics with anyone, let alone someone you haven’t seen in a year. The bottom line: suck it up. For the sake of your good health, it’s important to speak to your doctor about anything that’s been nagging you. While it may be tempting to put it off and hope for the best, there are some cases where doing exactly that is not only irresponsible, but dangerous. Here are four things you should always share with your MD.
Family history
Because your family’s health history may be the secret to your own, be sure to mention your grandmother’s diabetes, and any other family medical facts that may seem irrelevant. While some diseases are a result of poor lifestyle choices (like smoking or heavy drinking), others are genetically inherited. In the case of certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or cholesterol (to name a few), it’s important to be aware of your pre-dispositions so that your doctor (and you) can act accordingly. While nothing’s a guarantee, it’s better to cover your bases and share all the information you can.
Changing spots
If you’ve recently noticed a change in a mole you’ve had for a long time “ that it has changed shape, colour or texture “ or if you notice an unusual growth on your skin, it’s imperative you have your doctor check it out. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer can start anywhere on your body, but it usually shows in areas of the skin that are exposed most often to the sun “ the head, face, neck, hands, arms and legs.
Irregular periods
If your period has always kept better time than you do and now it’s gone all wonky, it’s time to talk to your doctor about it. In fact, it’s important to talk to your doctor if there have been any changes at all in your cycle. The blips may be related to stress or your diet, or maybe your method of birth control isn’t working for you “ whatever it is, your doc can help you get to the bottom of it before it gets worse.
Stubborn symptoms
If it’s been months that you’ve been deadline with an incessant bunch of symptoms “ a cough, bodyaches or headaches, perhaps “ that seems out of the ordinary, book an appointment to discuss these issues immediately. Stress, fatigue and poor diet may contribute to a lowered immune system, but conditions like anaemia or viruses like mononucleosis can lead to more serious long-term health problems
