However, many of them are kind of hard to figure out and can signal multiple problems. The frustration that comes with confusing these symptoms is so common that it's almost a rite of passage to look up your problem on WebMD and discover that what is probably a minor health issue could turn out to be cancer.
Despite this experience, it's still important to know what worst case scenarios could come from fairly subtle warning signs if only so you and your doctor can rule them out. With that in mind, here are 11 common bodily signals that deserve a second thought.
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1. Excessive thirst and frequent need to pee.
It's normal to urinate between four to seven times within 24 hours. If you often go more than that, it could be a sign of diabetes. When your blood sugar's too high, your body tries to get rid of the excess by speeding up the process.
2. Blurred vision.
If you experience a sudden blurring of vision, the cause could be anything from a migraine, a stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis to brain tumors. Take special care if it happens during pregnancy because it could be a life-threatening condition called preeclampsia.
3. Brittle nails and hair.
This can be a sign of an underactive thyroid, especially if it's happening alongside a sensitivity to cold, constipation, fatigue or joint and muscle pain.
4. Muscle cramps.
Usually, these are just caused by strain during exercise, uncomfortable positioning or spasms during the night, especially if they're in the legs. However, they can also come about if you're low on potassium or calcium, if you're dehydrated, or if you take certain medications like steroids, birth control pills or antipsychotics.
If none of these turn out to be the answer, they can also be the result of blood flow issues, kidney problems, thyroid disease or multiple sclerosis.
If none of these turn out to be the answer, they can also be the result of blood flow issues, kidney problems, thyroid disease or multiple sclerosis.
5. Dry, flaky skin.
Most of the time, this is brought on by winter weather, certain soaps, or loss of moisture after heavy rubbing or toweling off. It's also fairly common to get dry skin when you have a skin condition like dermatitis or psoriasis.
However, the problem can also be brought about by diabetes or an underactive thyroid, so be sure to bring it up if you're showing other signs.
However, the problem can also be brought about by diabetes or an underactive thyroid, so be sure to bring it up if you're showing other signs.
6. Cravings for sweets.
We tend to want sugary treats because eating them encourages our brain to release serotonin and boost our moods, but there could be other reasons why you would crave them so badly.
If your blood sugar is low or you're exhausted — especially from lack of sleep — your body is trying to compensate by suggesting something sweet.
If your blood sugar is low or you're exhausted — especially from lack of sleep — your body is trying to compensate by suggesting something sweet.
7. Bleeding gums.
The most obvious reason for bleeding gums is a lack of regular and thorough brushing and flossing. Yet, tobacco use, a lack of calcium and Vitamin C, and stress can also be possible factors.
8. Hard lumps under the skin.
These can sometimes resemble acne or mosquito bites, but their hard texture gives them away as rheumatoid nodules. These are a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
9. Hiccups lasting longer than 48 hours.
These are called persistent hiccups and ones that last more than a month are called intractable hiccups. They can occur if you just had invasive surgery, but they can also indicate nerve problems, kidney problems, mental health issues, stroke or cancer.
10. Cravings for ice.
This is associated with pica, a disorder in which compels you towards eating non-food items. Pica can be a sign of heavy stress or obsessive-compulsive disorder, but there's another factor that's more specific to ice.
Doctors aren't sure why, but people who suffer from iron deficiency anemia tend to crave ice.
Doctors aren't sure why, but people who suffer from iron deficiency anemia tend to crave ice.
11. Intense urges to steal.
Commonly known as kleptomania, this problem can arise when there's a major change in the brain. For instance, low serotonin levels can cause generally impulsive behavior which can take on this form. Also, if you're experiencing an opioid imbalance in your brain, it can be harder to resist urges.
However, sometimes the root cause is as direct as head trauma or a brain injury, so that's worth checking out if you're suddenly and inexplicably compelled to steal things.
However, sometimes the root cause is as direct as head trauma or a brain injury, so that's worth checking out if you're suddenly and inexplicably compelled to steal things.
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