Period symptoms
Causes of Missed Periods & Period Bleeding

Symptoms from periods are common. We will outline causes of missed periods, heavy bleeding and pain associated with periods. Women can experience a wide range of symptoms before and during their monthly menstrual period. For some women, these symptoms can be mild, but for others, they can interfere with daily functioning to a significant degree. Examples of this include abnormal period bleeding, particularly heavy period bleeding which can have an adverse affect on a woman’s life.

List Of Period Symptoms

• Acne or skin changes- many women find that they will have an outbreak of acne shortly before their period. This should be treated using topical acne medication and regular skin cleansing.

• Swollen or tender breasts- if you experience significant pain, you can find relief using over the counter pain medication. Many women also find that a hot shower or warm compress helps reduce the pain associated with tender breasts.

• Feeling tired- a common period symptom and one that a large number of women find that they are unusually tired during their menstrual period. You will need to try and sleep more, and resort to caffeine only when absolutely necessary.

• Difficulty sleeping – in addition to feeling tired, many women find that they have difficulty sleeping during their menstrual cycle. Often, this is a result of the discomfort experienced as a result of other symptoms. Take time to relax and avoid television or other distractions as you try to fall asleep. A warm shower may help as well.

• Upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating – Stomach symptoms are common period symptoms among women, especially during heavy bleeding days. Try to eat a well balanced diet, make sure you are drinking enough water, and avoid foods that will further aggravate your stomach.

• Headaches and backaches- many women report painful periods, particularly pain in their lower back or tension type headaches before and during their period. You can use over the counter pain medication, or try heated pads on the lower back or neck. Massage therapy also works well for both headaches and backaches.

• Changes in appetite- some women feel very hungry or have cravings for certain foods. Try to remember that there is a difference between what you want to eat and what you need to eat, but feel free to indulge cravings in a reasonable manner. A balanced diet will help reduce the cravings and keep you from gaining unwanted weight.

• Joint or muscle pain- the changes in your body during your menstrual cycle can lead to pain in joints and muscles. If it is severe, treat with over the counter pain medication. You should also try stretching exercises or deep breathing techniques to counter these aches and pains.

• Forgetfulness or trouble concentrating- feeling “foggy” is reported by some women, likely as a result of decreased sleep or headaches during the menstrual period. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, and try to get some exercise to help clear your head.

• Lost periods can occur sometimes and this is often due to hormonal conditions, weight loss, over exercising and pregnancy

If your symptoms are particularly severe, they may indicate a more serious medical condition. Menstrual period symptoms that interfere with your life can often be treated in conjunction with your doctor.

You can now find out more about causes of missed periods, lost periods, heavy period bleeding and much more in the period forum below.

There could be other reasons like thyroid issues. Even though you do not have medical insurance, it is extremely important for all woman to have annual pap smears and mammograms. You might try to find a free women's health clinic to get this done.

Prolonged period

I’m 17 years old, and I’m concerned about my period, I’ve currently had it for more than 3 weeks, it usually comes for 7 days max, it’s not normal, and I want to know why that’s happening, and is there something I can do, please help me

Advice - Period Symptoms

Prolonged or heavy periods (menorrhagia) can occur for many reasons. Often they occur for no apparent reason, what we call idiopathic or dysfunctional uterine bleeding. They can be due to structural problems in the womb or uterus such as fibroids (although you are very young for this); endometrial polyps, endometriosis and endometritis (an inflamed uterine lining) and infections, particularly if associated with any pain, fever or discharge. They can also occur due to hormonal changes with excessive oestrogens), pregnancy and blood clotting disorders.

You need to see your doctor so they can examine you and check for one of the above causes. If no cause is found and it persists, then hormone treatment is sometimes advised (the OCP or oral contraceptive pill) or use of Ponstan or Mefenamic Acid. Dont delay; see your doctor today and they can then seek to reassure you quickly.

My daughters period is 2 days late

My name is Mary and my daughter got her first period on June 2nd 2008. It was a very light period essentially 1 little spot per day and lasted for 4 days. Then in October 2009 she had 1huge spot only. Then in January 2010 she had a single, very heavy period for a week and then in Feb she had a very heavy period that lasted for a week, followed by 7 days of old brown blood (a total of 14 days).

Advice - Period Symptoms

Changes in periods are not uncommon, but the issues with your daughters periods have been going on for some time now. This is called oligomenorrhoea and really needs to be investigated further as I am assuming that your daughter is in her teenage years. There are many reasons for this as the process of having a period is quite complex. It can either be due to a failure of the stimulant hormones to be produced (LH, FSH), a problem with their affect on the ovary, a problem of the ovary not producing oestrogen or a physical problem in the emptying of the womb of the period e.g. due to a physical barrier. There are many disorders that can affect this, both genetic, hormone conditions and physical problems too. She needs to see her doctor or a gynaecologist to have an examination and investigations (usually blood tests) to look for the cause. Dont delay, see your doctor today!

Period

Last month on the 7 I had my regular period. Then on the 21 of the same month I got a heavier period that lasted longer. Now in the month of March I started bleeding early last week but it only seemed to be spotting. A couple days ago I also had really bad stomach pains that became really bad and lasted all night. What could cause this? Are these things related?

Advice - Period Symptoms

Changes in periods are not uncommon, but your issues have been going on for a few months now. This is called oligomenorrhoea and really needs to be investigated further as there are many reasons for this as the process of having a period is quite complex. It can either be due to a failure of the stimulant hormones to be produced (LH, FSH), a problem with their affect on the ovary, a problem of the ovary itself not producing oestrogen or a physical problem in the emptying of the womb of the period e.g. due to a physical barrier. There are many disorders that can affect this, both genetic, hormone conditions and physical problems too. You didnt mention your age, but you could be reaching the menopause as a possible reason. The other thought is this, are you pregnant? I would do a pregnancy test to check! Regardless of result, you need to see your doctor or a gynaecologist to have an examination and investigations (usually blood tests) to look for the cause. Dont delay, see your doctor today!

Period Pain and heavy periods

I had a big baby just over a year ago. Ever since then my periods are very heavy and there are blood clots. I have bad pains in my lower stomach and a intense dragging down sensation when using tampons or whilst and after intercourse. Do I need to worry?

Advice - Period Symptoms

Sometimes patterns and intensity of periods can change after confinement. I don't think you need to worry, but I suspect you wish to improve the situation. If you are not looking to have further children, the options are to use the oral contraceptive pill, to consider a mirena coil or even a more permanent method in the form of a hysterectomy or even to consider endometrial ablation where the lining of the womb is destroyed.

blood clots and pain during period

I had my first baby about 15 months ago. Before then, I never had a regular period. Sometimes it would be light for a few day or heavy for week or sometimes I would skip a month but after I had my daughter I have it every month but there are always tons of clots and a lot pain that makes me unable to move or do anything. Also, I had my daughter via c-section and I did have a colposcopy with pre cancer cells on my cervix while I was pregnat but last time when I went to a new doctor he didn’t see anything on my cervix when he swabbed it. I’m 19, Is this normal to have heavy clots or should I go see my doctor?

Advice - Period Symptoms

Heavy periods with blood clots are not uncommon. They may reflect an underlying problem with your uterus such as fibroids,cysts or other endometrial problems. Hormonal problems and dysfunctional uterine bleeding are other issues. It can equally occur for no obvious reason.

I would see your doctor to get this checked. You might need an ultrasound scan of your uterus and a pipelle biopsy of your uterus lining.

The treatment for this may include drugs such as the oral contraceptive pill, Mefenamic Acid, Tranexamic Acid and even surgery sometimes.

To Return From Period Symptoms To The IBS Help Online Homepage Click Here