Period Questions and Answers - Expert advice and answers on periods

Hi, I have been taking Agnus castus drops for a few weeks to help reduce my monthly symptoms. I was advised to take it every day. I stopped taking the contraceptive tablet when I started taking AC drops. I was due to start my period on Thursday last week, but I still haven't started. I'm worried that the AC is affecting my cycle and wanted some advice. Is it best to take the drops every day or only at certain times?

The Agnus castus helps support your progesterone levels, so in some cases this can affect your cycle, as it can alter the balance of our hormones.... Read the full answer 〉

Hi, I am looking for some herbal or vitamin support for my daughter-13 who has very heavy periods and has become anaemic. Is there a product that contains a good overall vitamin support? Also, are there any herbs that could help? Thank-you

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, considering her age, we couldn't recommend anything herbal to influence her hormones. However, it is... Read the full answer 〉

Hi, my teenage daughter has quite a bit of pimples and irritated skin on her forehead and shoulder area probably due to puberty. Are there any products that we could possibly take/ apply that might assist with the outbreaks? Thanks!

Hi, as you suspect, it’s not unusual for teenagers to experience an outbreak of acne and this is usually due to fluctuating levels of hormones,... Read the full answer 〉

Started my period and on the 1st day I feel sick and dizzy. I’ve never felt like that before ever! Is it normal? And why only this cycle?

Unfortunately nausea is quite a common symptom around the time of your period. This often occurs as a result of fluctuating hormones. As this is the... Read the full answer 〉

Hello I’m thirty one and suffering very bad with endometriosis the pain is indescribable she is seeing a doctor at our hospital but she needs help with pain relief, I was wondering if you could recommend any herbal or just anything to ease her pain, I would appreciate it if you could help us please, thank you.

A number of home and herbal remedies may be helpful when it comes to endometriosis. Firslty, having a good diet can be really beneficial in cases of... Read the full answer 〉

Although my diet and exercise regime stays the same during PMS, my stomach from under my ribs gets very very heavy and swollen, my face gets a bit puffy and legs get swollen, is this normal?? i am also very petite which makes it worse.

Unfortunately water retention and bloating is a common symptom for women around the time their period is due. The hormonal changes around this time... Read the full answer 〉

Hello I started having luteal phase post coital bleeding last April. The bleeding only happens when we have intercourse around ovulation time, but continues on and off until my period (which is normal at around 5 days). It isn’t bright red blood and isn’t coming from my cervix (definitely uterine bleeding)- it is like an on/off period. I have had colposcopy, cervical and endometrial biopsies and a pelvic ultrasound, all of which have come back clear. I abstained from intercourse for around 5 months and had no bleeding but when we tried again the bleeding has restarted. I am 38 years old, otherwise healthy, and am trying for a second baby (my daughter is 3). I also had LLETZ treatment 2 years ago for CIN 1 cells. My doctor is refusing to do hormonal blood tests and seems completely unconcerned by my symptoms. I am very upset and frustrated as I feel this issue is seriously affecting my chances of conceiving. As the doctors have failed to find any ‘structural issues’ I am wondering if this may be a hormonal issue, causing my uterine lining to be unstable, and hence bleeding after intercourse? I would be so happy for any advice you could give me as I’m so anxious about this. Thank you.

Hi, we would urge you to have this checked again by your doctor, and if they aren’t willing to help, it might be worth seeing a different... Read the full answer 〉

Hello, I have been having cramping and back pains as if I’m going to get my period I was supposed to get it two weeks ago and I did not I’ve been kinda stressed and starting to get migraines I also haven’t had sex with my partner is that normal that I haven’t gotten my period?

Your period can arrive late for a number of reasons; this could be the result of a hormone imbalance, stress, a recent change in your body weight or... Read the full answer 〉

I’m on the mini pill and have irregular periods, is this normal?

For women on the mini-pill, or progesterone based pills, irregular bleeding can be a common side effect, particularly in the first few months of... Read the full answer 〉

How soon should my period return to normal after giving birth?

If bottle feeding your baby, or even combining bottle and breastfeeding, your periods can start up again as soon as 6 weeks after giving birth.... Read the full answer 〉

I have pink period blood, what does this mean?

Period blood can often appear pink if your period is particularly light and a little blood mixes with some normal vaginal discharge. In some cases... Read the full answer 〉

How long does a period last?

Period cramps very often start in the day or two before your period is due and then in many cases can continue throughout the first few days of your... Read the full answer 〉

When will my periods start?

On average girls start their periods around 12 years old, but some girls start as early as 8 years old and others won't start until they are 16,... Read the full answer 〉

I’m peri-menopausal, on the mirena coil but experiencing erratic symptoms

As you approach the menopause your oestrogen levels start to drop which can give rise to a whole number of symptoms. The mirena coil is actually... Read the full answer 〉

What can I do to help with period pain?

Firstly, although it’s normal to experience some pain around the time of your period, often called ‘cramp’ it’s important to understand why... Read the full answer 〉

I’ve just started my period and they are all over the place, is this ok?

Periods can be quite irregular after first starting your period, especially in the first year, so this isn’t necessarily anything to worry about.... Read the full answer 〉

Will I still have a period if I’m on the pill?

This depends on what type of pill you are on, the pill can be split broadly into two different types: The first is the combined pill. This pill... Read the full answer 〉

How can I get my periods back on track after coming off the contraceptive injection? My periods are frequent and heavy.

The depo injection is progesterone based, so, often when you come off this method, your body tries to overcompensate for the previously high levels... Read the full answer 〉

My periods are regular but I only bleed for two days is there any problem?

On average women bleed for 4-5 days during their period but this can vary from 2-7 days and still be classed as 'normal' for you - everyone is... Read the full answer 〉

I’m in peri-menopause and recently I’ve had very heavy periods – is this normal or should I be worried?

Throughout the menopause, levels of the hormone oestrogen fall. However, in most cases it doesn’t fall steadily, and instead, levels fluctuate,... Read the full answer 〉

I’m 44 and I’ve recently missed a period what does this mean?

You can miss a period for a number of reasons; firstly I would suggest you take a pregnancy if you suspect you might be pregnant. However, a whole... Read the full answer 〉

My period has lasted 7 days this month, will this be the case every month from now on?

Now and again it’s quite normal to have a slightly longer period as it’s quite normal for your period to vary slightly from month to month. I... Read the full answer 〉

Is vaginal discharge normal?

Having some clear or white vaginal discharge is quite normal. Women of child-bearing age experience vaginal discharge which helps to keep the vagina... Read the full answer 〉

I have experienced some spotting recently is this normal?

In women who aren't taking oral contraceptives, mid cycle bleeding is most likely simply to be as a result of ovulation bleeding. This typically... Read the full answer 〉

My periods haven’t started back up after coming off the pill, what does this mean?

After coming off the pill it can take up to 3-6 months in some cases for your period to become regular again. Your body has to adjust to not having a... Read the full answer 〉

I’ve just come off the contraceptive implant and my periods haven’t returned to normal yet, how long will this take?

Irregular periods are a common side effect of the contraceptive implant. Irregular periods can last as long as the first year after insertion, but... Read the full answer 〉

I’ve got irregular periods – what does this mean?

Irregular periods can happen for a number of reasons, this could be the result of a hormone imbalance, stress, your body weight and body fat... Read the full answer 〉

What does it mean if my periods have stopped?

A missed period could be the sign that you’re pregnant. However, if this isn’t the case, irregular or missed periods could be caused by a number... Read the full answer 〉

What causes period pain?

Period pain or dysmenorrhoea, can be caused by a number of reasons. The main cause of the pain you experience each month, often called cramp, is... Read the full answer 〉

What are classed as ‘heavy’ periods?

Heavy periods, also called menorrhagia, are surprisingly common and can affect many women. Generally, periods are classed as heavy if you lose over... Read the full answer 〉

Will Agnus castus help with my periods?

Agnus castus is a licensed herbal remedy that can help to relieve symptoms of PMS such as menstrual cramps, breast tenderness, bloating, irritability... Read the full answer 〉

Periods: Questions and answers

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