FAQS

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

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

The bleeding will typically last between 2 to 8 days. Learn more about periods

Typically you will lose between 3 to 15 teaspoons of blood in each period. Learn more about periods

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

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

As you approach your first period you may notice some of the following symptoms:

• Watery white/yellowish vaginal discharge
• Lower abdominal/stomach cramps
• Acne
• Bloating
• Mood swings
• Tiredness (fatigue) and/or breast tenderness/soreness

Learn more about when periods start

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The are a number of reasons why your periods may be irregular. Learn more about changes to your period

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

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

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).

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

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

A typical cycle lasts 28 days. Learn more about the menstrual cycle

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

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)

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)

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)

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