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.
Health information
Our easy-to-understand information explains symptoms and conditions that affect lots of women.
If you are worried or need medical advice, please speak to your doctor, midwife or healthcare professional.
You can find information below about:
Periods and menstrual health
Periods information hub
Learn about your period and whether your symptoms could be signs of a gynaecological condition. Learn about treatment options, self-care tips, and how to get help.
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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?
What is a period?
A period, or menstruation, is when the lining of the womb is shed every month or so.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places. It can cause chronic pain, heavy periods and other symptoms affecting your everyday life. With the right treatment, it can be made more manageable.
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is when the lining of the womb grows into the muscle wall. It can cause heavy, painful or irregular periods.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in and around the womb. They can cause heavy periods and other symptoms, such as pressure and pain. There are treatments to help.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is a common condition that affects the ovaries. Symptoms include irregular periods, fertility problems, acne, unwanted hair growth and scalp hair loss. Treatments can help manage symptoms.
Contraception
Contraception is used to prevent pregnancy and to manage periods. Learn more about your contraception options.
How to prepare for your doctor’s appointment
Got an appointment with your GP or doctor for period pains, heavy bleeding, or irregular periods? Follow these key steps to help you prepare and get the most out of it.
What to do if you're feeling dismissed by your healthcare professional
If you feel like you didn’t get the help you need from your doctor, nurse or a gynaecologist, what can you do?
Gynaecological cancers
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix. This is the opening between the vagina and the womb (uterus). Cervical cancer is most common in women in their 30s, but screening can help prevent it.
What is vulval cancer?
Vulval cancer is when cells anywhere on the vulva divide and grow in an abnormal way.
What is vaginal cancer?
Vaginal cancer is a cancer that starts in the vagina.
What is womb cancer?
Your womb is the muscular bag in your body where a baby would be held during pregnancy, and the endometrium is its lining.
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries, a pair of small organs located low in the tummy that store eggs.
Pregnancy and birth complications
What is miscarriage?
A miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends within 23 weeks and six days of starting.
What is premature birth?
If you give birth before the 37th week of pregnancy, this is called premature birth or premature labour.
What is a perinatal mental health problem?
A perinatal mental health problem is a mental health problem you experience before or shortly after giving birth.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb.
What is pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women.