Womens Health 0134 2011

Period Problems

Women can have a variety of problems with their menstrual periods. Some common problems are premenstrual syndrome, painful periods, very heavy periods and no periods. Lifestyle changes and medicines may help period problems.

Premenstrual syndrome • Weight gain • Aches and pains Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual tension (PMT) refers to • Headache physical and emotional symptoms that • Constipation or diarrhoea some women experience in the one to • Tiredness two weeks before menstruation. • Difficulty sleeping PMS may be due to changes in • Being clumsy or uncoordinated hormones and brain chemicals that • Skin problems (e.g. pimples, acne). occur during the menstrual cycle, Emotional symptoms combined with life’s tensions. include: Physical symptoms • Feeling irritable, sensitive include: • Feeling sad, depressed, hopeless • Fluid retention (e.g. bloated abdomen, • Anxiety swollen fingers and ankles) • Feeling overwhelmed • Food cravings • Lower libido • Tender, swollen breasts • Poor concentration

Self Care is a program of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Self Care is committed to providing current and reliable health information. • Less interest in work and social life painful after pregnancy and childbirth, • Wanting to be alone. or while using hormonal contraceptives. The timing of symptoms will indicate Heavy bleeding whether or not they are due to PMS. (menorrhagia) PMS symptoms only occur after ovulation (mid-cycle) and disappear Heavy periods are common. Heavy when menstruation starts. Recording bleeding may be caused by many daily symptoms on a calendar, or chart things including hormone disorders, over two to three months can help endometriosis, polyps, fibroids and decide whether the symptoms are PMS. intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs), but often no cause can be Painful periods found. It is difficult to know how much (dysmenorrhoea) bleeding is too much, but if it interferes Many women suffer from period pain. with everyday life, there may be a It is usually a cramping or aching problem. A period that continues for pain across the lower abdomen longer than seven days may also be a and may spread to the lower back sign of a problem. Treatment depends and legs. Other symptoms may also on the cause of the excessive bleeding. occur including nausea, vomiting, A doctor can help find the cause. diarrhoea, constipation, headache and lightheadedness. Symptoms usually No periods begin the day before the period and (amenorrhoea) slowly ease after the bleeding starts. Periods stop during pregnancy, while Period pain may be related to increased breast-feeding and after menopause, prostaglandin levels that occur with but they may also stop, or be irregular, menstruation. Prostaglandins are for other reasons including low body hormone-like body chemicals that affect weight, excessive exercise, stress, travel uterine muscle, and can also affect and medical conditions. A doctor can stomach and bowel muscles. help find the reason why periods have stopped or are irregular. Period pain may also be caused by a medical condition such as fibroids, Note: If a girl has not had a period by endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory 16 years of age it is important that she disease (PID). This is called ‘secondary’ check with a doctor. dysmenorrhoea and is most common in women over 30 years. Medicines Some women who have had period A variety of medicines can help with pain find that periods are no longer period problems. Ask a pharmacist or

To find your nearest Self Care pharmacy go to the pharmacy finder at www.psa.org.au doctor for advice. Medicines for period problems include: Important Period pain and problems may be • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs caused by a medical condition. (NSAIDs e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, Consult a doctor if you have: mefenamic acid, aspirin) for relief of pain and menorrhagia. As NSAIDs • Period pain for the first time over reduce production of prostaglandins, the age of 25 they may be more helpful than • Pain which is severe or long lasting paracetamol for relief of period pain • Abnormal vaginal discharge • Paracetamol for relief of pain • Irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding • Hormone therapy (e.g. oral • Vaginal bleeding between periods contraceptive pill) for relief of PMS, • Pain during sexual intercourse pain and menorrhagia • A fever with the pain. • Certain complementary medicines (e.g. calcium and pyridoxine for relief of PMS) • Limit alcohol intake. • Anti-depressants for relief of PMS. • Don’t smoke. Note: Aspirin should not be used by • Wear a comfortable, supporting bra. girls under 16 years of age, unless • Use relaxation techniques to help cope advised by a doctor. with tension and pain. Self care • Don’t take bad feelings out on other people. Explain how you are feeling so • Eat regular, healthy meals, including others can understand and help you. plenty of fruit, vegetables and grain • Spend time doing something foods. Limit foods high in fat, sugar you enjoy. or salt. • Exercise at a moderate level for at least To help ease period pain 30 minutes on all or most days of the • Massage your lower back and week – exercise can reduce pain and buttocks. give a feeling of wellbeing. • Place a hot water bottle on your • Do pelvic floor exercises every day. stomach or lower back. • Get plenty of rest and sleep. • Lie flat on your back and put a pillow • Limit caffeine drinks (e.g. coffee, tea, under your knees, or lie on your side cola, energy drinks). Caffeine can and bring your knees up to your chest. worsen some symptoms of PMS.

To find your nearest Self Care pharmacy go to the pharmacy finder at www.psa.org.au For more information Related fact cards Anxiety The Jean Hailes Foundation Complementary Medicines Website: www.jeanhailes.org.au Contraception Depression Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia Menopause Website: www.shfpa.org.au Menstrual Chart (ask your pharmacist – website only) Healthdirect Australia Oral contraceptives Phone: 1800 022 222 Pain Relievers Website: www.healthinsite.gov.au Pelvic Floor Exercises Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) Pregnancy and Ovulation Your pharmacist can advise on Relaxation Techniques CMI leaflets. Sleeping Problems National Prescribing Service (NPS) Vaginal Discharge Medicines Information Phone: 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) Sponsored by: Website: www.nps.org.au The Poisons Information Centre In case of poisoning phone 13 11 26 from anywhere in Australia.

Pharmacists are medicines experts. Makers of: Ask a pharmacist for advice when choosing a medicine.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. If symptoms persist see you healthcare professional

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Reviewed October 2011, Published October 2011. © Pharmaceutical Society of Australia www.psa.org.au