BBC Morning Live Doctor Punam issues health warning after coffee shop fainting
The fresh warning comes after she came across a woman in a coffee shop who fainted and upon waking up, told her "don't worry, this always happens when I am on my period." The NHS doctor recalled: "She was very young, probably in her early 20s."
Sitting her down, she asked her if she had ever been to her doctor, to which the woman responded with no, noting this was her normal. In fact, she said she always takes time off work during her period.
"That moment has stayed with me because sadly it confirms what I see in my clinic here all the time. Women just put up with exhausting, painful, heavy periods for years, being led to believe that it's just part of being a woman when this doesn't have to be your normal", the health guru said.
The doctor, who also appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, said that whilst "heavy periods might be common, they're not something you have to just put up with." She continued: "As a GP, I see so many women who've been quietly coping for years.
"Tired. Missing work. Flooding through clothes. Led to believe this is just part of being a woman. It is not."
Signs you need to go to your GP
Here are some signs your period might need a closer look, she notes:
Soaking through pads or tampons every hour
Using both a pad and tampon together
Passing clots bigger than a 10p coin
Bleeding for more than 7 days
Feeling tired, dizzy or low in iron
Missing school, work, or social plans regularly
"These aren't emergencies but they are signs worth discussing. There are causes. There are investigations. And there are options that can really help" she notes. She added that "if any of this sounds familiar, speak to your GP. You don't have to keep pushing through."
Why am I bleeding heavily on my period?
The doctor notes it could be one of several conditions. She suggests being checked for:
Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Fibroids
PCOS
Hormonal imbalance
Perimenopause
Von Willebrands Disease
'Sometimes there is no obvious cause but that does not mean it's not real', she stressed, concluding that "it is worth investigating."
In the comments of the video, women shared the stories with one writing: "My doctor rolled his eyes at me and made me feel I was being dramatic when I insisted on further investigation. Turned out I had a very large fibroid which needed removed. We need more gps like you who understand."
Another said: "Such great advice. Mine are getting heavier, longer and closer together as I get further into my 40s. It's exhausting. I really must make a GP appointment. Thank you for this."
Meanwhile a third woman said: "Thank you so much again. You are advocating for so many people who suffer in silence, or think it's normal."
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