Menstruation (periods)

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

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Period problems

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

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Hormonal medicines and periods

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

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Puberty for girls

Learn about the complex physical and emotional changes that occurs to a girl when she becomes a young woman.

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Irregular periods

The length of your cycle may change by the month, but if your period is suddenly very different, you should see your doctor.

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Breastfeeding and periods

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Vaginal bleeding

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

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Painful periods

Painful periods are most common in young women, and the pain tends to ease as women get older. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments.

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Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is most common in women aged over 50. Find out about the different types and the symptoms, which can be difficult to recognise.

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS develops in as many as one in five Australians at some point in their lifetime. Here are the symptoms to look out for.

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Anorexia nervosa symptoms

People with anorexia nervosa have an irrational fear of gaining weight and put themselves on restrictive diets and harsh, punishing exercise routines. They have an unrealistic view of their bodies.

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Female reproductive system

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

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Von Willebrand disease

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

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What causes ovarian cancer?

There is no screening test for ovarian cancer. Learn more about the potential causes of, and risk factors for, this disease.

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Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) occurs when a bacteria releases toxins into the body’s bloodstream. It's very rare but has been associated with tampon use.

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Iron deficiency

Iron is an essential mineral for our bodies and when iron levels are too low it can cause anaemia. Read about how low levels of iron can lead to health problems.

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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.

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Colposcopy

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

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What causes breast cancer?

The causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, but some factors that are known to increase the risk. Find out more about risk factors on this page.

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Ovarian cancer diagnosis

A physical examination for ovarian cancer involves checking for any lumps or masses and doing an internal examination. Find out about how ovarian cancer is diagnosed.

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Haemophilia

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

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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.

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Managing period pain

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common but can stop some women from enjoying their normal activities. Here are some ways to manage painful periods.

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Foods high in iron

The best source of iron is animal-based foods like meat and eggs, but many plant-based foods are also rich in (non-haem) iron.

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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.

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What to do if you are underweight

Being underweight can affect your health adversely. So, it’s important to understand what ‘underweight’ means and how you can gain weight safely if you need to. Learn more here.

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