How Our Periods Can Affect Us: Period Problems

About Menstruation

Menstruation, also known as a period, is a monthly bleeding cycle that is common amongst women. This is a completely normal occurrence in females who have reached the age of puberty. It causes no complications to your health. 

A period is when a person is bleeding, via the lining of the uterus / womb, expelled from a female’s most private region, which often occurs every 28 days, or so. 

The interval between every menses cycle can be between 21 days – 40 days. One period cycle can last from 3 days – 8 days. 
The first period generally begins from the age of 12, however it is possible to start at a later, or earlier date. 

On average, a child will begin their first period between the ages of 10 – 16. Concurrently, there is the possibility to start their first period from an age as young as 8 years old. 

Menstruation Products

When females have their monthlies, they would use certain products to upkeep their hygiene and allow them to participate in normal activities. 

These products are: pads, tampons, and menstrual cups – styled depending on every individual’s needs. 

• Pads – A absorbent cotton pad, of various lengths, to absorb menstrual bleeding. One time use. 

There are also cloth pads available, which can be washed and reused. 

• Tampons – A small cotton tube, with a string attached to one end. To be inserted directly where bleeding occurs. One time use only. 

• Menstrual Cups – A bell shaped medical insertion used to collect blood and emptied periodically. Material made of either, silicone, latex, or thermoplastic. Reusable. 

What does a period signify?

Periods are a sign that your body has developed to the stage of fertility; meaning that your body is now capable of having babies. 

There are many precautions that you must consider due to this development, such as your overvaluation time, contraception, or planning, for planned / unplanned pregnancy. 

An overvaluation time is when your body is fertile; the time you are likely to become pregnant, without the proper counter measures in place. Your overvaluation time is set to 12 – 14 days before the start of your next period. 

Contraception’s are precautions you take to prevent pregnancy. This can be through contraceptive pills, injections, or condoms. 

Period Delays 

After age 16, if your menses has yet to come, it is recommended to visit a GP, but there is the possibility for your menses to occur naturally by the age of 18. 

If you have not had any signs of puberty by the age of 14, a trip to your GP is also advised. 

Your GP will determine if you are going through the stages of puberty normally. They may also recommend you to take some blood tests, to check your hormone levels. 

This is to find a cause to your delayed period. 

Your GP may refer you to a specialist, (e.g., gynaecologist for women’s health) to find a probable cause and treatment plan. 

Possible causes: 

• Normal delay – can be an inherited condition, to start at a later time. 
• Hormone imbalance 
• Underweight 
• Excessive exercise 
• Eating disorders 
• Constant / severe stress 
• Pregnancy – a possibility of pregnancy before your first period. Your body can mature enough to release eggs, a few months before the start of your menses. 
• A problem found in the womb, ovaries, or your private region. 

Treatment plans

Delays in starting your first period, can be treatable, but it depends on the cause. 

For hormonal imbalance, your GP, or specialist, may suggest hormone therapy. 

For eating disorders, the plan can include, a number of therapies and an insight into your diet. 

Exercise enthusiasts, will be urged to reduce physical activities, while underweight patients are persuaded to consume more calories under guidance. 

Some causes may be untreatable. In this case, you will be advised to seek NHS therapy, or counselling. It will give you the support to accept and face the situation in the present. 

Period Pains 

Period pains are quite common to experience. This is due to the womb contracting, to expel excess blood from its lining. 

Combating period pain: 

Some light exercise may relieve the pain. Or, you can take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, and aspirin. 

People with medical conditions who should not take ibuprofen and aspirin: 

• Asthma 
• Kidney, stomach, or liver problems 

Aspirin should also not be taken by: 

• Anyone under the age of 16 years old. 

Paracetamol is an alternative medication that can be used as a substitute, but may not be as effective as ibuprofen, or aspirin. 

Hormone contraception can help reduce period pain. These include, contraceptive pills, the intrauterine system (IUS), contraceptive patches, or a contraceptive injection. 

It is advised to talk to your GP, if you experience extreme period pain, that affects your daily routines. 

Heavy Periods 

Some women will experience heavy periods, compared to others. 

However, if they start to impact how you spend your days, there are a few approaches you can take. 

You can talk to your GP about the excessive bleeding, and how often you change your sanitary protections. 

They may investigate the reason why you experience such heavy blood flow. This can be through a physical examination, blood tests, or scans. 

Treatments for Heavy Periods 

There are varying types of treatments you can undergo for heavy bleeding: 

• Some types of hormonal contraceptives – Contraceptive pill, or intrauterine system (IUS) 

The intrauterine system (IUS) is a T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into a female’s womb / uterus, which can stop them from getting pregnant. It needs to be replaced every 3 – 5 years to keep it functioning properly. 

• Tranexamic acid tablets 
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers – e.g., ibuprofen, or mefenamic acid 
• Progestogen tablets 

• Surgery (depending on the cause found) 

Irregular Periods 

The duration a period can last is between 2 days – 7 days. On average, a period would last around 5 days. 

Normally, a women’s menstruation cycle would occur every 28 days. This is just a general estimate. The interval between periods can be anywhere from 21 days – 40 days. This is still accepted within the norm. 

However, some women can experience irregular patterns during their menses. 

Varying from: 

• The intervals between periods (period start times may vary) 
• Amount of blood loss (light to heavy) 
• The duration a period can last 

Causes of Irregular menstruation 

Irregular periods are standard during puberty, or just before menopause (an age where your body stops reproducing. When your period officially stops.) 

Changing the method of contraception can also affect your menstrual cycles. 

Some other causes can include: 

• Early pregnancy 

• Extreme weight loss / gain 

• Excessive exercise 

• Stress 

• Medical Condition – e.g., Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), or Thyroid Problems 

If you are concerned about the irregularity of your periods, making an appointment with your GP is a good idea. 

If there are causes of concern, you can be referred to a specialist (gynaecologist) for further tests and treatments. 

Stopped / Missed Periods 

There are various reasons why your period can be amiss. From missing periods, to your periods abruptly stopping. 

The usual factors include: 

• Pregnancy 

• Stress 
• Abrupt Weight Loss 
• Overweight 
• Excessive exercise 
• Reaching the age for menopause 

Treating Stopped / Missed Periods 

If you are concerned about your periods, talking to your GP can guide you on what you can do. 

If they feel that an underlying medical condition is causing this problem, they may recommend you, either: 

• A Gynaecologist – specialist for treating conditions related to the female reproductive system 

• An Endocrinologist – a specialist for the treatment of hormone conditions 

You may be urged to complete a full gynaecological exam and corresponding tests. This includes, blood tests, ultrasound scan, CT scan and MRI scans. 

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) 

PMS is generally thought to be caused by the change in hormone levels, before and during the menstruation cycle. 

It is a condition that does not apply to all women, only some. 

PMS has a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity. 

Symptoms include: 

• Mood Swings 
• Depressed, or irritated 

• Headaches 
• Tiredness 
• Bloating 
• Chest feeling tender 

Symptoms can appear 2 weeks prior to your menses and can intensify during this period. Once your menses begins, the symptoms will decrease and fade away. 

What can help

• Exercise moderately 

• A healthy, balanced diet 

• Sleep a recommended amount of 7 – 8 hours per day 

• Stress reducers – yoga, meditation 

• Painkillers – ibuprofen, or paracetamol 

• Note down real-time symptoms of your previous 3 menstrual cycles – this is to explain the symptoms you felt to your GP 

Endometriosis 

A condition where the tissue, that lines the uterus, is discovered outside the womb. Organs such as the ovaries, or fallopian tubes can grow on the outside of the womb. 

This condition does not appear in all women, only some. 

Symptoms of endometriosis: 

• Painful, irregular, or heavy menses 
• Pelvic pain 
• Pain during or after intercourse 
• Pain, or discomfort going to the bathroom 

• Bleeding from backside 
• Continuous fatigue 

It is advised to speak to your GP if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if it is affecting your daily life. 

Treatments available 

It is important to note that these treatments do not cure the problem, but can only ease the pain. 

• Pain Killers – ibuprofen, paracetamol 

• Hormonal medicines and contraceptives 
• Surgery – cutting away the endometriosis tissue found outside the womb 
• Operation to remove part, or all of the organ affected by the tissue – e.g., womb removal (hysterectomy) 

Your GP will analyse the options available to you, disclosing the pros and cons of each method. 

However, your doctor may ask that you wait for a period, before making a decision. They may want to observe if your symptoms improve on their own, before taking any major action. 

Overvaluation pains 

A number of women can experience pain in their lower abdomen when they begin to ovulate. The pain can either be a dull ache, or a sudden sharp pain. 

The duration of pain can last from as little as a few minutes, or as long as 1 – 2 days. There may also be bleeding from your private part, when it occurs. 

There are simple ways to treat painful ovulation. Soaking in hot water, or ingesting paracetamol, are some remedies you can try to alleviate the pain. 

Other medications you can try are: 

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – such as Ibuprofen. 

These medicines interfere with ovulation. Women attempting to get pregnant, should avoid these.

• Birth Control Methods – Contraceptive pills, contraceptive implant. 

These can immediately remove ovulation pain. 

 
If you are in considerable pain, a GP can suggest other treatment options to help with the pain.