What is a period?
A period is when someone bleeds from their vagina. This is also called menstruation. They happen around every month as part of the menstrual cycle.
Periods information hub
Wondering what counts as a heavy period? How to manage severe period pain? Or want to learn more about a specific gynaecological condition?
Our hub gives you all the information you need to help manage your symptoms, to know how and when to seek help, and where to find key support services.
Let's make sure no-one is held back by their period.
Introduction to periods
What is a menstrual cycle?
Your menstrual cycle is the time from the first day of one period to the day before your next period.
15 period mythbusters
You may have heard stories about periods that do not sound quite true. But how can you tell for sure?
Top tips for managing periods as a teenager
You might be nervous about getting your first period, or you might have had periods for a while but are finding them difficult. You’re not alone.
9 PMDD mythbusters
Do you know fact from fiction when it comes to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?
Information about period symptoms
What are heavy periods?
Heavy bleeding during your period can feel scary, upsetting and embarrassing. Although it’s common, it’s not something you have to accept as “just a period” - there are treatments that can help.
What is severe period pain?
Some mild discomfort and cramping during your period is common. But if your periods are painful and affect your everyday life, you don’t have to put up with it. There are treatments that can help.
What is irregular bleeding?
On average, a menstrual cycle lasts between 24 and 38 days, but what happens if yours isn’t regular or predictable?
Information about conditions
All health info pages
What you need to know about fibroids and adenomyosis
What is endometriosis?
What is adenomyosis?
What are fibroids?
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Myth-busting: truths about PCOS
Accessing treatment and support
How to prepare for your doctor’s appointment
What to do if you're feeling dismissed by your healthcare professional
Helplines and support services
Your rights at work when you have painful or heavy periods
Tips for GPs when caring for women with period pain who may have endometriosis
Who can I trust when learning about my period?
Videos
These videos feature women living with gynaecological conditions and advice from medical experts.
Medical experts
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Myth busting - Dr Nighat Arif
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) webinar
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Fibroids and adenomyosis webinar
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Heavy menstrual bleeding webinar
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Endometriosis webinar
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Gynaecological Cancers webinar
Women's experiences
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Esther’s story: PCOS
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Dawn’s story: fibroids
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Beth’s story: endometriosis and adenomyosis
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Tanya's story: endometriosis and adenomyosis
Resources and further information
Resources and information about periods and gynaecological conditions
"Just a Period"
You don't have to accept severe pain or heavy bleeding. Find out more about our campaign for better menstrual health and read other people's stories about their periods.
Gender inclusivity
Being inclusive is absolutely critical to the success of our campaign.
We use the terms “women”, “girls”, and “people who menstruate” to reflect the fact that while most individuals affected by problem periods are women and girls, some trans, non-binary and intersex people can experience these too. Everyone who needs high quality information, treatment, care and support should be able to access it.