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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Anorexia nervosa

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

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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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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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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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