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    1. Home
    2. Health and wellbeing
    3. Illnesses and conditions
    4. A to Z

    Period problems

    If problems with your periods are affecting your life, there's help and support available. Before you see your GP, it can be useful to keep a diary of your symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle. This can give your doctor an idea of what happens and when, during your cycle.       

    Painful periods

    Pain during periods is common. It's usually caused by the womb contracting to push out the blood.

    Exercise may help relieve the pain, as well as taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

    Ask your pharmacist for advice.

    See your GP if the pain is so severe that it affects your daily life.

    Hormonal contraception, such as the combined pill, the intrauterine system (IUS), the contraceptive patch or the contraceptive injection can reduce period pain.

    • Painful periods

    Heavy periods

    Some women naturally have heavier periods than others. But if your periods are so heavy that they impact your life, there is help available.

    Talk to your GP about your bleeding, including how often you have to change your sanitary protection (towels, tampons or menstrual cup).

    Your GP can investigate why you're experiencing heavy bleeding. These investigations may include a physical examination, blood tests or scans.

    Treatments for heavy periods can include:

    • some types of hormonal contraception, such as the intrauterine system (IUS) or the combined pill
    • tranexamic acid tablets
    • anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen or mefenamic acid
    • progestogen tablets
    • surgery (depending on the cause)

    Bleeding between periods

    There are many different causes of bleeding between periods.

    Some may not be anything to worry about. If you're concerned about bleeding or it lasts longer than three months, you should seek medical advice.

    Irregular periods

    A period normally lasts two to seven days, with the average period being five days long.

    The length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman.

    But the average is to have periods every 28 days.

    Regular cycles that are longer or shorter than this, from 21 to 40 days, are normal.

    But some women have an irregular menstrual cycle.

    This is where there is a difference in:

    • the time between your periods (they may arrive early or late)
    • the amount of blood you lose (periods may be heavy or light)
    • the number of days the period lasts

    Irregular periods can be common during puberty and just before the menopause.

    Changing your method of contraception can also disturb your normal menstrual cycle.

    Read more about irregular periods, including what causes them and when treatment may be necessary:

    • Irregular periods

    Stopped or missed periods

    There are many reasons why a woman may miss her usual monthly period, or why periods may stop altogether.

    Some common reasons are:

    • pregnancy
    • stress
    • sudden weight loss
    • being overweight or obese
    • extreme over-exercising
    • reaching the menopause

    If your periods stop and you're concerned, see your GP.

    • Stopped or missed periods

    Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

    PMS is thought to be linked to changing levels of hormones throughout the menstrual cycle.

    Not all women experience PMS. Among those who do, the range and severity of symptoms can vary.

    Symptoms may include:

    • mood swings
    • feeling depressed or irritable
    • headaches
    • tiredness
    • bloating
    • breast tenderness

    Symptoms usually start and can intensify in the two weeks before your period, and then ease and disappear after your period starts.

    Endometriosis

    Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the womb (endometrium) is found outside the womb, such as in the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

    Not all women have symptoms, but endometriosis can cause:

    • painful, heavy or irregular periods
    • pelvic pain
    • pain during or after sex
    • pain or discomfort when going to the toilet
    • bleeding from your bottom
    • feeling tired all the time

    See your GP if you have symptoms of endometriosis, especially if they're having a big impact on your life.

    Ovulation pain

    Some women get a one-sided pain in their lower abdomen when they ovulate.

    The pain can be a dull cramp or a sharp and sudden twinge. It can last just a few minutes or continue for a day or two. Some women notice a little vaginal bleeding when it happens.

    Painful ovulation can usually be eased by simple remedies like soaking in a hot bath or taking an over-the-counter painkiller, such as paracetamol.

    If you're in a lot of discomfort, see your GP about other treatment options.

    • Ovulation pain
    • Periods

    Postmenopausal bleeding

    Menopause happens when a woman’s periods stop. Women usually experience it between 45 and 55 years of age.

    After periods have stopped for more than a year, any bleeding from the vagina after this needs to be checked by a GP.

    The condition is called postmenopausal bleeding.

    More useful links

    • How to use your health services

    The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.

    For further information see terms and conditions.

    Health conditions A to Z

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