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.

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Irregular periods

Irregular periods are periods that don’t follow a regular pattern. If your period stops or changes in any way, you should see your doctor.

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Hormonal contraceptives and periods

Find out how different hormonal contraceptives (for example the oral contraceptive pill, hormonal IUD, and injection) might affect your period.

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Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common, especially among young females. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of painful 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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Female reproductive system

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

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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.

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Puberty for girls

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

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Adenomyosis

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

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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.

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Periods while breastfeeding

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Heavy periods

Heavy periods (menorrhagia) are common. Here's what you can do for heavy periods, starting with a doctor's visit, medicines and surgery.

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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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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.

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Adrenal glands

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness and an eating disorder: It is not a choice. Find out more about the symptoms and treatment of anorexia.

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Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a long-term condition that affects 1 in 50 Australians. Learn more about the causes, how it is diagnosed and the types of seizures.

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Migraine

Migraine is a very painful headaches condition that might come with 'aura' or nausea. Learn about migraine causes, symptoms treatment and prevention.

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Endometriosis

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

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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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