Menstruation (periods)

Menstruation, also called a period, happens about once a month. Learn more about the menstrual cycle, what causes your period and related health problems.

Read more

Hormonal medicines and periods

Some forms of hormonal contraception (for example the oral contraceptive pill, hormonal IUD, and injection) may affect your menstrual cycle.

Read more

Irregular periods

If your period stops or changes in any way, you should see your doctor.

Read more

Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common, especially among young females, and the pain tends to ease as you get older. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of painful periods.

Read more

Period problems

Suffering from heavy, painful or irregular periods? Does PMS affect your wellbeing? Learn about common period problems and how to cope.

Read more

Female reproductive system

The female reproductive system involves organs such as the uterus (womb), ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina, as well as hormones.

Read more

Puberty for girls

Learn about the complex physical and emotional changes a girl experiences in adolescence as she becomes a young woman.

Read more

Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) occurs when a bacteria releases toxins into the body's bloodstream. It's very rare but is more common during a woman's period.

Read more

Managing period pain

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common but might make it difficult for you to enjoy normal activities. Here are some ways to manage painful periods, and know when it’s time to see your doctor.

Read more

Women don't need to 'put up' with heavy periods

Heavy menstrual bleeding affects 1 in 4 Australian women, but treatment is available. There's no need to suffer in silence.

Read more

Hysteroscopic endometrial ablation

An endometrial ablation is a common gynaecological operation. It helps relieve the symptoms of heavy periods. You should get less bleeding and pain.

Read more

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition that affects the uterus and can cause heavy periods. Learn more about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Read more

Periods while breastfeeding

Many factors determine when your period will return when you're breastfeeding. Learn more about how breastfeeding affects your menstrual cycle.

Read more

Thermal balloon endometrial ablation

Thermal balloon endometrial ablation is an operation that uses a balloon filled with hot water to remove the lining of your uterus (womb) to reduce or stop periods.

Read more

Radio-frequency endometrial ablation

A radio-frequency endometrial ablation is an operation that uses radio-frequency energy to remove the lining of your uterus (womb). Usually this is done to reduce or stop periods.

Read more

Heavy periods

Your periods are heavy if you're using more tampons or pads than usual. Here's what you can do for heavy periods, starting with a doctor's visit.

Read more

Bleeding between periods

Vaginal bleeding between periods is not unusual, but should be checked by your doctor if it happens more than once or twice.

Read more

Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal bleeding isn't always related to menstruation. It can also be caused by infection or injury.

Read more

Vegetarian and vegan diets

It's easy to be healthy on a vegetarian diet if you include plant-based foods from the 5 food groups. But a vegan diet requires extra care.

Read more

Adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are two endocrine glands sitting on top of each kidney. They form part of the body's hormonal system. They produce several hormones that are involved in controlling your blood pressure, metabolism and your body's response to stress.

Read more

Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a minor procedure to examine the health of a woman’s cervix. It may include a biopsy to examine tissue.

Read more

Dilatation and curettage

Dilatation (also known as dilation) and curettage is a process which scrapes tissue from the inside of the womb, used to diagnose and treat conditions and after a miscarriage.

Read more

Von Willebrand disease

People with von Willebrand disease have trouble controlling their bleeding because a blood clotting factor is either absent, low or defective.

Read more

Haemophilia

Haemophilia stops blood from clotting properly, causing abnormal bleeding. It’s best managed by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals.

Read more

Endocrine glands and their hormones

The hormone system is the way in which one part of the body tells another part of the body to do something important. Find out more about different parts of the hormonal system.

Read more

Personal hygiene

Good personal hygiene is important and will prevent you and your children from picking up or spreading germs and infectious diseases. Take these steps to avoid getting sick.

Read more

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus also grows outside the uterus. It can be painful, but treatment is available.

Read more

Cold sores

Cold sores are blister-like spots that appear in or around the mouth. Find out about prevention, common triggers, treatment and self-care options.

Read more

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus (womb). It is a major operation usually recommended after simpler treatments have failed. Your symptoms should improve.

Read more

Laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy

Subtotal hysterectomies are operations to remove part of the uterus (womb). Usually a subtotal hysterectomy is carried out to help with heavy or painful periods, and fibroids.

Read more