Period problems

What are period problems?

Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea), cramps and heavy periods are common but, they can have a significant impact on daily life. Intense period pain doesn’t always have an underlying cause, but can result from problems such as fibroids or endometriosis, so it’s important to get your symptoms checked out.

For people experiencing period problems, your period may be notably heavy (menorrhagia) or irregular. Some women may also bleed between their periods (intermenstrual bleeding) or after sexual intercourse (postcoital bleeding). All of these issues may require further investigation by a specialist gynaecologist.

Symptoms of heavy periods

Heavy menstrual bleeding or mennorhagia is when periods are abnormally heavy and prolonged. It’s difficult to define exactly what a heavy period is because it varies from woman to woman. Changes in your period, particularly blood loss volume, can be an indication of heavy periods, other symptoms include:

• needing to use double sanitary protection
• waking up during the night to change sanitary protection
• bleeding longer than a week
• passing large blood clots
• anaemia, feeling fatigued

Heavy period diagnosis

Our private gynaecologists will conduct a full clinical examination, including asking questions about your medical history and listening to you about how you’re feeling. They may also recommend a pelvic examination and series of blood tests to evaluate your iron levels.

Heavy period treatment

Causes of heavy vaginal bleeding remain unknown but there are conditions that may lead to the development of mennorhagia. Our team of gynaecology experts will tailor a period management plan specific to you. Heavy period treatment can include but isn’t limited to:

• oral contraceptives
• hormonal IUD
• psychological support
• surgical options such as uterine artery embolisation

Our gynaecologists will discuss all options to find a treatment that suits you.