Your cycle is under 21 days: A typical cycle is around 28 days, so one that regularly falls below 21 days or above 35 days is considered abnormal and should be mentioned to your GP.
Miss Shazia Malik, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at The Portland Hospital (HCA Healthcare UK) adds: “Irregular cycles can often be sorted with hormonal birth control methods such as the Pill or patch.
“Weight loss, stress and excessive exercise can have a significant impact on menstruation, so getting these under control can help normalise your cycle.”
Heavy bleeding: It’s normal to lose two to three tablespoons of blood during a period but you should see a doctor if you bleed so heavily you need to change pads or tampons more than every couple of hours.
Consultant gynaecologist Dr Jo Bailey, who works with VJJ Health, recommends speaking to a GP if you have symptoms of anaemia such as tiredness, fatigue or shortness of breath. Hormonal problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems and obesity could be to blame.
“Consult your GP as there are some simple medications that will help. You may also need to take iron tablets,” says Dr Bailey.
Endometriosis, a disease affecting one in 10 women, involves tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside the uterus.
According to Dr Bailey it can also cause heavy painful periods and sometimes pain during sex or with opening your bowels.
Visit your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
PMS disrupts daily life: Between 20 and 40 per cent of women experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS). “PMS symptoms can include depression and mood swings, as well as bloating and painful breasts,” says Dr Bailey.
When severe PMS symptoms significantly interfere with daily life, it’s known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
“Talk to a doctor if you experience significant feelings of sadness or anxiety, noticeable lack of interest in normal activities and/or extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating or insomnia,” advises Miss Malik.
Something smells fishy: A slight odour is normal but fishy-smelling period blood may indicate bacterial vaginosis (BV). Itching, burning or a change in your vaginal discharge may also occur.
“BV happens due to an imbalance in the bacteria normally present in the vagina,” says Dr Bailey. GPs can test for BV and prescribe antibiotics.
If it is recurrent, a vagina-specific probiotic such as VJJ Perfect V (£26; vjjhealth.com) could help.
Bleeding between periods: Some spotting is normal, but at times it can indicate an underlying issue. Consult your doctor if you experience spotting every month which lasts for more than a few days, if you’re bleeding after sex, after menopause or while pregnant, or if your spotting is accompanied by pain, fever, or unusual vaginal discharge.
“These symptoms could potentially point to conditions like uterine fibroids, polyps, infections and sexually transmitted diseases,” says Miss Malik.
Your period goes AWOL: The most common reasons for periods disappearing – not including pregnancy and menopause – are breastfeeding, stress, over exercising, rapid weight changes and hormonal contraception.
PCOS may also be to blame, but tends to come with other symptoms such as rapid weight gain, acne-prone skin and an increase in body hair. See your doctor if you’ve skipped your period for three months.
“There are long-term health implications of PCOS, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer of the womb lining,” says Dr Bailey.
“Depending on the root issue, treatment may involve lifestyle changes, hormonal therapy, or other medications to restore regular ovulation and menstruation,” explains Miss Malik.
