Period Problems:
As with all parts of our bodies, during our menstrual cycle, particularly our period, there are lots of things that can go wrong. In this section, we are going to discuss what is ‘normal,’ common symptoms of something that might be wrong (this doesn’t necessarily mean you have a diagnosable period problem), as well as links to information about more serious period problems. If you are just at the beginning of your journey with having a period, you might not know what is ‘normal’ for you yet. That’s okay. This is another good reason why it can be beneficial for you to track your cycle and establish patterns. This means you are more likely to notice when something is different and be able to report on what specifically has changed if you find yourself needing to speak to a medical practitioner.
What is normal?
Most people with periods experience bleeding and other symptoms (such as mild cramp, irritation or fatigue) usually experience them for between 4-7 days. It is common for the length of the cycle (from when you bleed to the end of your luteal phase) to be between 31-35 days. It can be normal if you are extremely stressed or not eating particularly well, or enough for you to miss a period. Having a little bit of pain or cramp during ovulation (when your ovary releases an egg) is also normal. This is known as Mittelschmertz. This is a German word meaning 'middle pain' that refers to the pain most commonly felt in the pelvis during ovulation or a couple of days before/after
What you might want to get checked out:
Timing of Periods:
Bleeding/spotting outside of your period:
Timing of Periods:
It can be a problem if you have a cycle that lasts longer than 35 days (unless you suspect you are perimenopausal or in menopause). Similarly , if you are bleeding for more than seven days, this can also be a problem.
No Periods:
Bleeding/spotting outside of your period:
Timing of Periods:
It can be a problem if you miss your periods completely (and you are not on any type of birth control, are not stressed and are eating and sleeping well). You should speak to a healthcare professional if you miss your period for more than 3 months.
Bleeding/spotting outside of your period:
Bleeding/spotting outside of your period:
Bleeding/spotting outside of your period:
It can be a problem you find yourself bleeding or spotting while you are in your follicular phase, while you are ovulating or during your early luteal phase. It is normal to see increased cervical fluid (clear discharge from your vagina) during ovulation. This is usually clear/white and sticky.
Change in flow:
Chronic Pelvic Pain:
Bleeding/spotting outside of your period:
It can be a problem if you notice that your periods are much lighter or heavier than usual for a couple of months (and you have not changed birth control).
Extreme Pain:
Chronic Pelvic Pain:
Chronic Pelvic Pain:
It can be a problem if you find yourself in extreme pain (feeling nauseous, feeling unable to concentrate, being unable to sleep, not noticing a difference with over-the-counter painkillers).
Chronic Pelvic Pain:
Chronic Pelvic Pain:
Chronic Pelvic Pain:
It can be a problem if you experience pain in your pelvis/abdominal area during your cycle while not on your period and it impacts your quality of life.