5 days ago
6 signs you need to see a doctor about your period
Periods are a routine – though often unwelcome – part of life for millions of women and people who menstruate. And for some, symptoms can affect everyday life.
A recent study found more than a third (36%) of girls said they missed 1.7 days of school a year as a result of heavy or prolonged bleeding. And a survey by UK charity Wellbeing of Women found over half of women say periods are negatively impacting their lives.
Yet, despite this, many of us are reluctant to see a doctor if we're struggling with our menstrual cycle.
"The stigma and shame around periods mean many women delay seeking help for treatable symptoms," Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women, tells Yahoo UK.
"Our 'Just a Period' survey found that women wait nearly two years from the onset of issues like pain or heavy bleeding before speaking to a doctor," she adds.
This wait can not only affect your daily life but may lead to a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts or, in rare cases, some forms of cancer.
Understanding what's normal – and what's not – is key to getting help sooner. Here are six signs it might be time to speak to your GP about your period.
Mild cramping at the start of your period is common. But pain that leaves you curled up on the floor, vomiting, or unable to function isn't something to brush off.
"A period that stops you from living is not normal," says Dr Aziza Sesay, a GP and ambassador for Wellbeing of Women. "Whether that's going to school, work, or even just walking around – that's a red flag."
"There's this narrative that women are just made to suffer," she continues. "But just because it's common doesn't mean it's normal."
Intense pain around your period could be a sign of conditions including endometriosis – where cells similar to the womb lining grow elsewhere in the body, causing inflammation, pain and scar tissue – and adenomyosis, where the womb lining grows into the muscle wall. Fibroids, non-cancerous growths in or around the womb, can also cause painful periods.
Changing a pad or tampon every one to two hours is an indicator of heavy menstrual bleeding – what Dr Sesay calls 'flooding'.
"That's where you're frequently changing products, wearing both [a tampon and a pad] together, or even needing to sleep on a towel,' she explains. 'And it's not normal. A tampon should not fill up every 60 minutes, for example."
This level of bleeding can impact your iron levels, leading to anaemia, which may cause tiredness, dizziness, headaches or shortness of breath, she explains.
She advises speaking to your GP if you need to change products frequently or are regularly passing blood clots larger than 2.5cm (around the size of a 10p coin).
While heavy periods can be normal for some people, they can also be caused by conditions including fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to the NHS.
Unexpected bleeding can be a sign that something isn't right. This includes spotting between periods, after sex, or bleeding post-menopause.
This type of bleeding might be linked to cervical polyps (small, usually benign tissue growths on the neck of the womb), infections, or more serious conditions such as endometrial or cervical cancer, Dr Sesay explains. While cancers are less common, she stresses early diagnosis is key.
"Bleeding between periods, after sex, or post-menopause should always be investigated," Dr Sesay continues. "It could be a sign of something hormonal, but it might also indicate cervical or womb-related conditions. The sooner we know, the faster we can rule these out."
Everyone's cycle is slightly different, but it's worth paying attention if yours changes noticeably or becomes unpredictable.
Periods that suddenly become heavier, more painful, or arrive less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart could indicate an issue, according to Dr Sesay. "Conditions like thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work – or even early perimenopause can all affect your menstrual rhythm," she says.
When your period starts skipping without an obvious reason, such as pregnancy, contraception or menopause, it might be time to investigate. One missed period isn't always a cause for alarm, but Dr Sesay says, "frequent irregularity without explanation" is a red flag.
"Stress, excessive exercise, weight loss or PCOS are common culprits,' she explains.
"Track your cycle and bring that information to your GP. It makes the appointment more effective, as your doctor will be able to see your patterns clearly."
Thanks to hormonal shifts, feeling low, anxious, or irritable before your period is common. But when emotional symptoms become extreme, disruptive, or hard to manage, it could be more than premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
"There's a condition called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and it's far more serious than regular PMS," Dr Sesay explains. PMDD is a little-known hormone-based condition that affects around one in 20 people who have periods worldwide.
Symptoms include depression, anxiety and irritability, as well as reduced motivation, focus and libido. It can also be life-threatening: 34% of women with PMDD have attempted suicide, according to the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD).
Dr Sesay stresses it's important to seek help and support as soon as possible if you're struggling with any of these symptoms.
"Please don't delay visiting your doctor. We want to help support you; it's what we're here for. You don't have to suffer," she says.
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Tracking your cycle, checking your body and trusting your instincts are all important ways to catch any issues early, according to Dr Sesay. "It's about asking yourself, 'what's my normal?' so that you know when your body feels off," she says.
She advises using a tracker like the Wellbeing of Women Period Symptom Checker if you've noticed any changes in symptoms, saying, 'it only takes a few minutes to use and can help prepare you for what to tell your doctor".
She also advises being persistent when it comes to menstrual issues."If someone dismisses your concerns, ask again," she says. "See another GP. Don't give up."
Beyond recognising red flags, looking after your general health can also help keep your cycle stable. "What we do in our lifestyle will have an impact on our overall health – and that includes our cycle," she says.
She recommends avoiding smoking and vaping, keeping alcohol under 14 units a week, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress.
Read more about periods:
Locked Loos And Leaks At School: Students Are Facing Too Many Barriers On Their Periods (Huffpost, 4-min read)
What you need to know about menstrual cups, as doctors issue warning (Yahoo Life, 8-min read)
What is PMDD? Vicky Pattison diagnosed with condition after 'feeling insane' for years (Yahoo Life, 4-min read)
