It is recommended that if you notice you are experiencing any of these symptoms more than 12 times a month to consult your gynecologist right away. Some of these symptoms may be mild at first, which is why they’re easy to miss. It is also important to know that these signs and symptoms are very similar to the onset of a premenstrual cycle or perimenopause, so if you are experiencing anything different than you have before, that’s when you should talk to a doctor.

It is very important to get screened for ovarian cancer, especially if you are considered high risk due to family history of the disease. Some other factors that increase your risk of developing the disease are; being over the age of 63, being a carrier of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations, and the use of or exposure to tobacco products. To decrease your risk of possibly developing this disease, maintain a healthy lifestyle including a regular exercise regime, a healthy diet, and by avoiding tobacco products and limiting alcohol consumption. You know your body best, so if you’re experiencing changes you are unfamiliar with, consult your physician right away.