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Period problems

Heavy, painful, or irregular periods. Common, and there's a lot that can help.

Speak to a GP about period problemsFrom £79

In short

Heavy, painful, or irregular periods are common and often very treatable. A GP can assess the likely cause, start treatment, arrange tests, and refer on if needed, so you don't have to just put up with them.

Overview

What is period problems?

"Period problems" covers heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), and irregular cycles. Causes range from normal hormonal variation to conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, or thyroid problems. Many are treatable in primary care, and an assessment helps decide whether tests or a specialist referral are needed.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Very heavy bleeding (soaking through pads or tampons, flooding, or clots)
  • Painful periods that affect daily life
  • Irregular or unpredictable cycles
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex
  • Periods that have changed noticeably
  • Tiredness that may suggest anaemia from heavy bleeding

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if your periods are affecting your daily life, have changed noticeably, are very heavy or painful, or you're bleeding between periods or after sex. Bleeding after menopause always needs prompt assessment.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Very heavy bleeding with dizziness, breathlessness, or a racing heart (possible significant blood loss)
  • Bleeding after the menopause (always needs prompt assessment)
  • Severe sudden pelvic pain
  • Bleeding in pregnancy (seek urgent care)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • A full history to understand your cycle and its impact
  • Advice and treatment for period pain (from anti-inflammatories to hormonal options)
  • Treatment for heavy periods (tranexamic acid, hormonal contraception, or the hormonal coil via referral)
  • Blood tests where helpful (for anaemia or thyroid problems)
  • Guidance on when a scan or specialist assessment is needed
  • Referral to gynaecology for persistent or complex problems

What we don't do

  • Hormonal coil (IUS) fitting (referred to NHS services)
  • Ultrasound scans and specialist gynaecology procedures (referred to NHS or private)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about period problems starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about period problems

What counts as a heavy period?
Bleeding that affects your life, soaking through protection every hour or two, passing large clots, flooding, or needing double protection. Heavy periods are common and treatable, so it's worth getting help.
Can you help with painful periods?
Yes. Options range from anti-inflammatory painkillers to hormonal treatments that reduce or stop periods. We'll find an approach that fits you.
When do irregular periods need investigating?
Occasional variation is normal. We'd assess new or persistent irregularity, bleeding between periods or after sex, or a sudden change, which can have treatable causes.
Could it be a hormone problem?
Sometimes. Conditions like PCOS or thyroid problems can affect periods, and we can arrange the right tests to check.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about period problems?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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