Don’t suffer in silence
For women experiencing anything from period problems and pain to menopause symptoms, your GP practice is there for you
Heavy periods; pain that affects your everyday activities; symptoms of the menopause and perimenopause… These are just a few of the things women can experience at various times of their life. But help is out there.
GP principal Dr Tara Shah says, “Periods and menopause symptoms affect all women differently. Sometimes the impact of these can really cause difficulties in everyday life. There are many options for dealing with them that your GP can advise on – so reach out for help if something doesn’t feel right.”
Your periods change over the years, and when it comes to perimenopause and menopause, hot flushes aren’t the only symptom to look for. Irregular periods, anxiety, mood swings and brain fog can start years before your periods stop, and carry on afterwards. These can have a big impact on your life, relationships and work.
Quality of life can also be severely affected by conditions such as endometriosis, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places – this can affect women of any age.
Professor Dame Lesley Regan, women’s health ambassador for England, says,
“Heavy or painful periods can seri ously impact women’s lives, making learning, working and caring more difficult. They can also be a sign of health condi tions that need attention. There is treatment available, so I urge all women to know the signs of a problem period.
“If your periods prevent you getting on with daily life, please do not hesitate to seek advice. Your local GP practice or women’s health hub can direct you to the help you may need.”
Don’t suffer in silence. Treatment can help if your menstrual or menopause symptoms are causing problems. Contact your GP practice and find more information at nhs.uk/ womens-health.
When to seek help
Emma Cornell, advanced nurse practitioner in primary care, says, “If you suffer painful periods, or you sense that things are not as normal as they once were – perhaps since coming off contraception – please book an appointment.” Here are some of the symptoms to be aware of:
• Pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) that could be worse during your period
• Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
• Pain when peeing or pooing during your period
• Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee or poo during your period
• Pain during or after sex
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Heavy periods where you need to use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through to your clothes.