Periods are a normal part of life for many women, but that doesn’t mean they’re always straightforward. In fact, changes to bleeding patterns, discomfort, or mood shifts are extremely common and can vary over time. While some problems are mild and manageable, others can interfere with daily life and cause understandable concern.
The good news is that most period problems are not serious, but they can sometimes point to underlying conditions that need checking. Understanding what is typical and what might need medical advice can help people feel more in control.
Here we look at the most common problems with periods, from painful cramps to irregular bleeding, and when it may be worth speaking with a healthcare professional. Everyone’s experience is different, but being aware of what’s normal — and what isn’t — is the first step towards getting the right support.
Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea)
Period pain, known medically as dysmenorrhoea, is one of the most widespread menstrual concerns. It usually feels like cramping in the lower abdomen and back, sometimes radiating down the thighs. For some, the pain is mild and short-lived, but for others it can be intense enough to interfere with work, school, or daily activities.
There are simple approaches many people find helpful, such as using a hot water bottle, gentle stretching, or light exercise like walking. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is commonly used. However, these medicines aren’t suitable for everyone — ibuprofen, for instance, may not be appropriate for people with asthma, stomach issues, or kidney problems, and it should be avoided in younger children. Always check the packaging and speak with a pharmacist or GP if unsure.
If pain is severe, persistent, or suddenly worse than usual, a GP consultation is recommended.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy periods, also called menorrhagia, are another common problem. While flow varies naturally, signs of heavy bleeding include soaking through sanitary products every hour or two, passing large clots, or having to change plans because of bleeding.
Heavy bleeding can cause tiredness or even iron deficiency anaemia over time. Causes include hormonal changes, fibroids, polyps, or other conditions affecting the womb lining. For some women, there may not be an obvious underlying issue, but that doesn’t make the experience any less disruptive.
If heavy bleeding interferes with daily life, it’s important to seek medical advice. A GP may suggest blood tests or ultrasound scans to look for causes. Keeping track of how often products need changing and whether clots are present can help with discussions during appointments.
Although heavy bleeding is common, it’s not something to simply “put up with”. Effective management usually starts with a professional assessment.
Irregular Periods
An average menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days, counted from the first day of one period to the next. Periods are considered irregular when this pattern varies significantly, with cycles sometimes arriving early, late, or skipping altogether. Flow and duration can also differ from month to month.
Irregularity is very common at certain life stages. During puberty, it can take years for cycles to settle. The years leading up to menopause often bring irregular bleeding too, due to hormonal changes. Stress, illness, sudden weight changes, or starting or stopping contraception are also well-known triggers.
Occasional irregularity is usually nothing to worry about. But if cycles are persistently unpredictable, very frequent, or absent without explanation, medical advice is recommended. Tracking cycles with a diary or an app can help provide useful information for clinicians when discussing possible causes or investigations.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS refers to the combination of symptoms that appear in the days or weeks before a period and typically improve once bleeding begins. It affects most women to some degree, though severity varies widely.
Common PMS symptoms include mood swings, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and fatigue. While mild symptoms may be manageable, some women find that PMS disrupts work, relationships, or overall well-being.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but hormonal fluctuations are thought to play a role. Keeping track of when symptoms occur can confirm if they are linked to the menstrual cycle.
Lifestyle adjustments, such as regular exercise, balanced meals, and adequate sleep, may help ease PMS. In cases where symptoms are severe or interfere with daily life, a GP may discuss other strategies. Understanding that PMS is common and not “all in your head” is important for reducing stigma and seeking support when needed.
Missed or Absent Periods
Missing a period occasionally is often not a cause for concern, but repeated absence (known as amenorrhoea) may need looking into. The most obvious reason for a missed period is pregnancy, but other factors can also contribute. Stress, sudden weight loss, excessive exercise, illness, or approaching menopause can all affect the menstrual cycle.
In some cases, missed periods may be linked to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid problems. This is why it’s helpful to keep track of when periods occur and mention any changes to a GP.
If you miss more than three periods in a row and are not pregnant, or if your periods suddenly stop without a clear reason, it’s worth seeking medical advice. While occasional changes are usually harmless, persistent absence is the body’s way of signalling that something may need further attention.
Spotting Between Periods
Spotting refers to light bleeding that happens outside the main period. It may appear as a few drops of blood or light staining on underwear between cycles. Occasional spotting can be related to hormonal changes, contraception (particularly hormonal methods like the pill or coil), or the natural fluctuation of the cycle.
However, persistent or unexplained spotting may indicate an underlying issue such as fibroids, infection, or changes in the cervix or womb lining. Because of this, it’s a good idea to discuss ongoing spotting with a GP.
Keeping a note of when spotting occurs, how long it lasts, and whether there are other symptoms like pain can be useful during a medical consultation. While spotting is usually not serious, checking with a healthcare professional ensures peace of mind and allows any underlying issues to be addressed early.
Severe Mood Changes
Hormones naturally affect mood, and many women experience irritability or low mood as part of PMS. However, for some, mood changes can be more severe. This might include intense sadness, anger, or anxiety that disrupts relationships or daily functioning.
In rare cases, a condition known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may be present, where mood symptoms are extreme and cyclical. Although less common, PMDD highlights the importance of taking mood-related period symptoms seriously.
If mood changes feel overwhelming or affect quality of life, keeping a record of when they occur in relation to the cycle can help. A GP may then be able to distinguish between PMS-related issues and other possible causes. Understanding that these changes are real and valid — not a personal weakness — is an important step in seeking support and improving wellbeing.
Other Possible Conditions (Endometriosis and Menstrual Migraines)
Beyond the more common period problems, some women face additional challenges, such as endometriosis or menstrual migraines.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows in other areas, often leading to painful periods, pain during sex, or difficulties with fertility. It can take time to diagnose, but awareness of symptoms is growing, and medical input is essential for management.
Menstrual migraines are another issue linked to hormonal changes. They tend to occur in the days before or during a period and can cause severe headaches alongside nausea and sensitivity to light.
Both conditions go beyond typical menstrual variation and require assessment by healthcare professionals. Including them here emphasises that while period problems are common, some patterns deserve further investigation, especially if they interfere significantly with quality of life.
Problems with periods are very common, and for most women, they change over time. Pain, heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, PMS, missed periods, spotting, and mood changes are all experiences that many share. While they can often be managed, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored.
Keeping a symptom diary or using a cycle-tracking app can make it easier to notice patterns and share accurate information with a GP. This helps clinicians offer the right investigations or reassurance.
At WePrescribe, we support safe, doctor-led guidance for women navigating these concerns. Explore our products dedicated to helping with period pain, or contact us if you’d like to learn more about how to access confidential, professional support tailored to your needs.
