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 includes organs such as the uterus (womb), ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina, as well as hormones.

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

Puberty for girls

During puberty, the female body changes. Learn more about the physical and emotional changes you may experience when going through puberty.

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

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 if you're breastfeeding. Learn more about how breastfeeding affects your menstrual cycle.

Read more

Hysteroscopic endometrial resection

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

Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal bleeding can happen at times other than during your periods. Find out what to do if you have heavy periods or unexpected vaginal bleeding.

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

Why am I spotting between periods? Plus 9 other female health questions answered

healthdirect’s Chief Medical Officer answers how to handle the symptoms of endometriosis and bleeding between your periods, plus other questions.

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

Bleeding between periods

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

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

Haemophilia

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

Read more

Adrenal glands

Find out about your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys and make several important hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.

Read more

Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a minor procedure to examine a your cervix for abnormal cells or growths. It may include a biopsy to examine tissue.

Read more

Anaemia

Anaemia is a lack of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs around the body. It's important treat the cause of the anaemia.

Read more

Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an infection caused by bacteria. It's very rare but symptoms can develop quickly. Learn more about TSS here.

Read more

Foods high in iron

The best sources of iron are animal-based foods like meat and eggs (called 'haem iron'), but many plant-based foods also contain (non-haem) iron.

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

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

Personal hygiene

Good personal hygiene is important and will prevent you from catching or spreading germs. Learn more about how to look after your body here.

Read more

What to do if you are underweight

Being underweight could lead to health problems such as a weak immune system and bone fractures. Discover the causes, symptoms and when to get help.

Read more

Endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause inflammation, pain, affect fertility and impact your life. Learn more about treatments and how to manage the symptoms and pain.

Read more