FAQs
MENSTRUAL HEALTH
Menstrual health goes beyond periods (the physical), it also includes mental and social well-being in relation to your cycle. Learn more about menstrual health here.
PERIODS
A period is when girls, women and others who menstruate, shed their uterine lining and bleed from their vagina as part of the menstrual cycle. Learn more about periods here.
The bleeding will typically last between 2 to 8 days. Learn more about periods here. If your periods regularly last longer than 7 days it may be worthwhile booking an appointment with your doctor as you may be suffering from a condition called heavy menstrual bleeding. Learn more about heavy menstrual bleeding here.
Typically you will lose between 3 to 15 teaspoons of blood in each period. Learn more about periods here. If you regularly lose more than 13 teaspoons of blood it may be worthwhile booking an appointment with your doctor as you may be suffering from a condition called heavy menstrual bleeding. Learn more about heavy menstrual bleeding here.
The first two days of a period are often the heaviest with the blood being red in colour but on lighter days you may find that the blood is pink, brown or black. Learn more about periods here. If your blood or discharge is orange or grey it may indicate an infection. Consult your doctor if you do have any concerns about colour changes to your period blood.
The average age for periods to start is 12 (during puberty) but for some girls they will begin earlier and others later, everyone is different. Learn more about when periods start here.
As you approach your first period you may notice some of the following symptoms:
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Watery white/yellowish vaginal discharge
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Lower abdominal/Stomach cramps
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Acne
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Bloating
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Mood swings
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Tiredness (fatigue) and/or breast tenderness/soreness
Learn more about when periods start here.
When periods begin it is a good time to consider if you need contraception and if so what option is right for you. Learn more about contraception here. Healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists will be able to support you when making the decision and if you are under the age of 16, they will not tell your parents or carer, as long as they believe you fully understand the information you are given and the choices you’re making. If you are comfortable and able to do so you can include your parents or carer in the discussion. You may decide to track your period in an app, calendar or diary to better help you manage your period. Learn more about managing your period here.
If your period has not arrived by the age of 16 it may be worthwhile booking an appointment with your doctor, normally a delay in starting your periods isn't something to worry about, it is likely that they will be able to help identify why your period is delayed and discuss treatment options if required. Learn more about menstrual health here.
Tracking your period may help along with having the period product(s) on hand that suit you and your lifestyle best. Learn more about managing your period here.
Tracking your period (first day, the number of days it lasts, shortest and longest time between periods, the amount you bleed, how you feel, etc.) in an app, calendar or diary may help you manage your period. Learn more about managing your period here.
There are many period products to choose from to help manage the bleeding and these come in the shape of pads, tampons, menstrual cups and pants. Learn more about managing your period here.
Many women experience pain as part of their period and the severity can vary from dull achy cramps to unmanagable intense pain. For milder pain you may find undertaking gentle exercise and/or using pain relief medicine eases the pain, but for severe pain it may be worthwhile booking an appointment with your doctor. Learn more about managing your period here.
In the weeks before your period you may experience mood swings, headaches, tiredness, stomach pain and spotty skin, these can be symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) which is thought to be linked to the changes in hormone levels as part of your menstrual cycle. If the symptoms are affecting your daily activities and quality of life it may be worthwhile booking an appointment with your doctor. Learn more about menstrual health here.
The are a number of reasons why your periods may be irregular. Learn more about changes to your period here.
If your period is late and you've had sex it may be worthwhile taking a pregnancy test. Learn more about changes to your period here. Missed or late periods happen for many reasons other than pregnancy. Causes can range from hormonal imbalances to medical conditions. If you are concerned it could be worthwhile booking an appointment with your doctor.
Irregular periods are when the length of your menstrual cycle keeps changing, this isn't always a sign that something is wrong but it may be worthwhile booking an appointment to see you doctor just in case.
It is likely that, from time to time, you will experience heavier than usual bleeding during your menstrual period, but it can be hard to know if this is normal or if your periods are heavy compared with other women. Learn more about heavy periods here. If your periods regularly last longer than 7 days and/or you regularly lose more than 13 teaspoons of blood this could be a sign of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and it may be worthwhile booking an appointment with your doctor.
Periods can differ from person to person and are a natural part of the menstrual cycle however heavy menstrual bleeding is not OK and is not normal. Complete our questionnaire to help you understand if you may have heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Take questionnaire.
The average age for periods to stop is 51 but some women will experience this sooner and others later (typically between 45 and 55). When periods stop this is known as the menopause (12 months without a period) and this comes as a result of lower hormone levels. Learn more about when periods stop and the menopause here. If you do have any concerns it may be worthwhile booking an appointment with your doctor.
THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The menstrual cycle is defined as the time from the first day of your period to the day before your next period begins. It is a reccurring process and a typical cycle lasts 28 days. During this time a series of natural changes in hormone production occur along with changes to the structures that form part of the reproductive system (namely the uterus and ovaries), these changes are our body's way of preparing for the possibility of pregnancy. Learn more about the menstrual cycle here.
A typical cycle lasts 28 days. Learn more about the menstrual cycle here.
There are 4 stages to the menstrual cycle, the menstruation phase, the follicular phase, the ovulation phase and the luteal phase. Learn more about the menstrual cycle here.
HEAVY MENSTRUAL BLEEDING (HMB)
Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), also known as menorrhagia, can be a serious and debilitating medical condition. It is defined by the impact it has on a woman’s physical, social and emotional quality of life, for example, if your monthly period limits your normal daily activities, or affects your role at work. Learn more about heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) here.
For the majority of women with HMB, there is no obvious cause. However, some conditions have been linked to HMB. Learn more about what causes heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) here.
Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a treatable condition, and there are a wide range of treatment options available. Learn more about treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) here.
If you feel your periods are impacting your daily life and you may be suffering from HMB, it is important to seek advice from your GP. During your consultation, your GP is likely to ask you key questions, which will enable them to make a clear diagnosis of HMB. Learn more about preparing for your GP appointment here.
IUS (intrauterine system)
The IUS (intrauterine system) is a hormonal contraceptive placed into the womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse.
It prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestogen into the womb to thicken the cervical mucus and prevent sperm from meeting the egg. It also prevents the lining of your womb thickening enough for a fertilised egg to implant in it. Sometimes it can also stop you ovulating.
IUD (intrauterine device)
The IUD is a copper device that's put into your womb (uterus) by a doctor or nurse.
It prevents pregnancy by releasing copper into the uterus which is toxic to sperm and eggs.
Implant
A hormonal contraceptive that's placed under the skin in your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.
The implant releases the hormone progesterone into the bloodstream and prevents pregnancy in 3 main ways – stopping ovulation, making cervical mucus thicker (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb), and preventing the lining of your womb thickening enough for fertilised egg to implant in it.
Injection
The contraceptive injection is a hormonal method of contraception, injected every 8-13 weeks depending on the type. The contraceptive injection is administered by a doctor or nurse or you can be taught to inject yourself at home.
It releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy in 3 ways – by stopping ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus (which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the womb) and thinning the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant itself.
Combined pill
The combined oral contraceptive pill is often just called "the pill". It contains 2 hormones - oestrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy.
The hormones in the pill prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus (which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the womb) and thinning the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant in it.
Progestogen-only pill
A hormonal contraceptive pill containing one hormone called progesterone.
It prevents pregnancy by making the cervical mucus thicker (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb) and preventing the lining of your womb thickening enough for a fertilised egg to implant itself. Some progestogen-only pills can also stop ovulation.
Patch
The contraceptive patch is a small sticky patch that releases two hormones – oestrogen and progesterone into your body through your skin to prevent pregnancy.
It works to prevent pregnancy by making your cervical mucus thicker (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb) whilst also stopping ovulation. The patch also prevents the lining of your womb from thickening enough for a fertilised egg to implant into it.
Ring
It is a small soft, plastic ring that you place inside your vagina. It releases two hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
The hormones in the ring prevent pregnancy in 3 ways – by stopping ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus (which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the womb) and thinning the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant itself.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It fits inside your vagina and prevents sperm from getting to the womb.
The diaphragm prevents pregnancy by covering the cervix so sperm can’t get into the womb.
Internal condom
Also known as the ‘Female condom’, it is a barrier method of contraception worn inside the vagina.
It prevents pregnancy by catching sperm and stopping sperm meeting an egg.
External condom
The external, or male condom, is a barrier method of contraception made of thin rubber or plastic and is worn over the penis during sex.
External condoms prevent pregnancy by catching sperm and stopping it getting to the womb to fertilise an egg.
Natural family planning
Natural family planning involves being able to identify the signs and symptoms of fertility during the menstrual cycle so you can plan or avoid pregnancy.
Whilst using the natural family planning method, a woman learns how to identify her fertile days (fertile window) using fertility indicators such as cycle length, waking temperature and cervical fluid. Sex is then avoided or condoms used during that window to prevent pregnancy.
Withdrawal
The withdrawal method involves removing the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation occurs during sex.
The withdrawal method, when done correctly, reduces the amount of sperm entering the vagina and minimises the risk of sperm reaching and fertilising an egg.
Male sterilisation
Male sterilisation (vasectomy) is a surgical procedure where the tubes that carry sperm are cut or sealed to permanently prevent pregnancy.
Male sterilisation works by preventing sperm getting into a man's semen, the fluid that he ejaculates. This means that when a man ejaculates, the semen has no sperm in it and cannot fertilise a woman’s eggs.
Female sterilisation
Female sterilisation is an operation where the fallopian tubes are blocked or sealed to permanently prevent pregnancy.
Female sterilisation works by stopping eggs travelling down the fallopian tubes, which link the ovaries to the womb (uterus). This means a woman's eggs cannot meet sperm and be fertilised.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0038 August 2023
