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Period Problems

Painful period


Periods, or menstrual bleeding, are a normal part of the menstrual cycle where women (or those assigned female at birth) bleed from their vagina for a few days. For most women, this happens around every 28 days, but it’s common for periods to range from every 21 days to every 35 days.

Sometimes, people have problems with their periods, including heavy and painful periods, irregular cycles and mood changes. You can get help from your GP if your periods are so heavy or painful that they affect your daily life.

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Here are some problems that you might experience and some websites with further information about them:

Heavy Periods

You may have heavy periods if you:

  • need to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, or empty your menstrual cup more often than is recommended
  • need to use two types of period product together, such as a pad and a tampon
  • have periods lasting more than 7 days
  • pass blood clots larger than about 2.5cm (the size of a 10p coin)
  • bleed through to your clothes or bedding
  • avoid daily activities, like exercise, or take time off work because of your periods
  • feel tired or short of breath a lot


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Painful Periods

You may have period pain if:

  • you have pain in your tummy at the start of your period or several days before your period
  • you have painful cramps in your tummy that spread to your back and thighs
  • you have a sharp pain or a dull ache in your tummy

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Endometriosis (en-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis)

This is a condition when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. You might have some symptoms during your period, such as:

  • severe period pain
  • heavy bleeding during your period
  • pain when you poo or pee

You can have other symptoms at any time in your menstrual cycle, such as:

You can get treatment to manage the symptoms of endometriosis, such as pain.


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Adenomyosis (ad-uh-no-my-O-sis)

This is a condition where the lining of the womb (uterus) starts growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb. Some symptoms of adenomyosis affect your periods, such as:

  • painful periods or
  • heavy bleeding during your period.

Other symptoms can happen at any time in your menstrual cycle, such as:

Some people with adenomyosis have no symptoms.

You can get treatment to manage the symptoms of adenomyosis.


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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

This is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. If you have signs and symptoms of PCOS, they’ll usually become apparent during your late teens or early 20s. Symptoms can include:


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Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is the name for the symptoms women can experience in the weeks before their period. It can affect anyone who has periods. The most common symptoms of PMS include:

  • mood swings
  • feeling depressed or irritable
  • feeling upset, anxious or emotional
  • tiredness or trouble sleeping
  • bloating or cramping
  • breast tenderness
  • headaches
  • spotty skin
  • greasy hair
  • changes in appetite or food cravings


You can get help if it affects your daily life. If you have very severe PMS it is called Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).  



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