WOMEN’S HEALTH

Period problems

Women can have a number of problems with their menstrual periods. Some common problems are premenstrual syndrome, painful periods, heavy periods and irregular periods. Lifestyle changes and medicines may help to relieve period problems.

Premenstrual syndrome • feeling clumsy Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or • skin problems (e.g. pimples, acne). premenstrual tension (PMT) means the Common emotional symptoms: physical and emotional symptoms that • mood changes some women have in the 1-2 weeks • changes in sex drive (libido) before their menstrual period. • trouble concentrating PMS may be due to changes in brain • less interest in work and social life. chemicals that occur during the menstrual cycle. Life stresses and genetic makeup may also be involved. Common physical symptoms: • fluid build up (e.g. bloated abdomen, swollen fingers and ankles) • tender, swollen breasts • food cravings • weight gain • aches and pains • headache • constipation or diarrhoea • tiredness • sleeping problems The timing of symptoms will help you Heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) decide whether or not they are due to PMS. PMS symptoms usually start about Heavy periods are common. Heavy 4–10 days before your period starts and bleeding can be caused by many settle once bleeding starts. Recording factors, including hormone disorders, daily symptoms on a calendar or chart endometriosis, polyps, fibroids and over 2–3 months can help you to find intrauterine contraceptive devices out whether the symptoms are due to (IUDs). Often, no cause can be found. PMS. It is hard to know how much bleeding is too much, but if bleeding interferes Painful periods with everyday life, there may be a (dysmenorrhoea) problem. For example, if you pass a lot of large blood clots or have periods Many women suffer from period pain. that last longer than 7 days, there may A cramping pain commonly occurs be a problem. Treatment depends on across the lower abdomen (stomach) the cause of the heavy bleeding, and and may spread to the lower back and your doctor can help with this. legs. Other symptoms may be nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and the symptoms No periods (amenorrhoea) of PMS (see above). Symptoms may begin 1–2 days before the period and or irregular periods slowly settle after the bleeding starts. (oligomenorrhoea) Period pain may be due to higher Periods stop during pregnancy, while levels of prostaglandins that occur breastfeeding and at menopause. with menstruation. Prostaglandins are They may also stop, or be irregular, for normal body chemicals that make the other reasons such as low body weight, uterus muscle contract. They can also too much exercise, stress, travel and affect stomach and bowel muscles. medical conditions. A doctor can help Period pain may also be caused by you find the reason why your periods medical conditions such as fibroids, have stopped or are irregular. endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory Note: A girl who has not started disease (PID). Period pain caused by periods by 16 years of age should check medical conditions mainly occurs in with a doctor. women over 30 years of age. Some women who have had period Medicines pain find that their periods are no Medicines can help with period longer painful after pregnancy and problems. Some of these medicines childbirth, or while using hormone must be prescribed by a doctor, but you contraceptives (birth control). can buy others without a prescription. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

© Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. Some medicines for period problems: • Don’t smoke. • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory • Wear a comfortable, supporting bra. medicines (NSAIDs, e.g. ibuprofen, • Learn and use relaxation techniques naproxen, mefenamic acid, aspirin) to help manage stress and pain. can relieve pain and heavy bleeding. • Talk to family, friends or your doctor NSAIDs are often the best pain and explain how you are feeling so relievers for period pain, as they they understand and can help you. reduce levels of prostaglandins. Note: Aspirin should not be used by girls • Do something you enjoy. under 16 years of age unless advised by To help ease period pain: a doctor. • Massage your lower back and • Paracetamol can relieve pain. buttocks. • Hormones (e.g. oral contraceptive • Apply heat (e.g. hot water bottle pill) can relieve PMS, pain, heavy or heat pack) on your stomach or bleeding and other problems. lower back. • Antidepressants can relieve PMS. Some complementary medicines may also help with some period problems. Important Period pain and problems can be Self care caused by a medical condition. See a • Have a healthy diet. Eat a variety doctor if you have: of vegetables, fruits, wholegrain/ • period pain for the first time when wholemeal foods, protein-rich foods you are over the age of 25 (e.g. nuts, lean meats, fish, eggs, • pain which is severe or does not beans) and low-fat dairy foods every improve day. Limit foods high in fat, sugar or • abnormal vaginal discharge (e.g. salt. change in odour or colour, or large • Exercise at a moderate level for at blood clots) least 150 minutes each week. Exercise • irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding can reduce pain and give you a feeling of wellbeing. • vaginal bleeding between periods • Do pelvic floor exercises every day. • pain during sexual intercourse • Get plenty of rest and sleep. • fever with the pain. • Limit caffeine drinks (e.g. coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks). Caffeine can worsen some symptoms of PMS. • Limit alcohol to no more than two standard drinks per day.

© Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. For more information Related fact cards Jean Hailes for women’s health Anxiety Website: https://jeanhailes.org.au Complementary medicines Healthdirect Australia Contraception Phone: 1800 022 222 Depression Website: www.healthdirect.gov.au Menopause NPS MedicineWise Menstrual chart Medicines Line Phone: 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) Oral contraceptives Website: www.nps.org.au Pain relievers Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) Pelvic floor exercises Your pharmacist can advise on CMI Pregnancy and ovulation leaflets. Relaxation techniques Poisons Information Centre Sleeping problems In case of poisoning phone 13 11 26 from anywhere in Australia. Vaginal discharge Pharmacists are medicines experts. Ask a pharmacist for advice when choosing a medicine.

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This card was current at the time of publication May 2016. PSA3964 © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia | www.psa.org.au V4.0