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Periods

Your menstrual cycle is a process that prepares your body for possible pregnancy. During your menstrual cycle, hormones cause your uterus lining to shed and flow out of your vagina. This is the start of your period.

Everyone’s menstrual cycle is different, and cycles can change at different stages in your life.

Learn more about the menstrual cycle, what to expect during your period, period products, conditions related to your period and when to see your doctor.

The menstrual cycle is a series of changes your body goes through each month to prepare for a possible pregnancy. Each cycle is measured from the first day of your period (day one of your cycle) to the day before your next period. Your menstrual cycle begins when you have your first period and finishes when you have your final period (menopause). Learn more about the menstrual cycle, including the different phases of your cycle. Read more

A period is when you bleed from your vagina every month. Periods are part of your body’s menstrual cycle. Learn more about your period, including what to expect during your period, conditions related to your period and when to see your doctor. Read more

There are many types of period products available. You may need to try a few before you find products you like. Learn more about period products, including how to use them, how often they need to be changed and how to dispose of them. Read more

Many people experience emotional and physical symptoms before they get their period. This is known as ‘PMS’. Common symptoms include cramps, irritability, bloating, pimples and tiredness. Learn more about PMS, including the symptoms, causes, management options and when to see your doctor. Read more

Period pain happens when your uterus muscles tighten (contract). Pain might include cramping and heaviness in the pelvic area, and pain in the lower back, stomach or legs. Learn more about period pain, including what’s normal, the causes, what you can do and when to see your doctor. Read more

A heavy period (heavy menstrual bleeding) is when you lose lots of blood each period. About one in four women have heavy periods. Learn more about heavy periods, including symptoms, causes and treatment options. Read more

Everyone’s menstrual cycle is different, and cycles can change over time. At different life stages, some people have irregular periods or no periods at all. Learn more about what causes irregular or absent periods, how to improve period regularity and when to see your doctor. Read more

PMDD is a serious condition that causes severe emotional and psychological distress in the lead-up to your period. PMDD is more than bad premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Learn more about PMDD, including the symptoms, causes, treatments and when to see your doctor. Read more

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This con­tent has been reviewed by a group of med­ical sub­ject mat­ter experts, in accor­dance with Jean Hailes pol­i­cy.

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