Things you might be wondering
Do I need to take iron supplements when I get my period?
Most people don’t need iron supplements during their period, but it depends on your body and diet. When you get your period, you lose a small amount of blood and, with it, a little iron. You can usually make up for this by eating iron-rich foods
like red meat, chicken, fish, beans, lentils, tofu or fortified cereals. Eating vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, strawberries, or tomatoes can help your body absorb iron better.
You might need extra iron if your periods are very heavy (soaking through a pad or tampon every hour), you feel tired all the time, or you get dizzy or out of breath easily. You should talk to your GP before starting any supplements, as they might
cause side effects.
My period does not come at the same time each month. Is this normal?
It’s normal for your period to come at different times each month – especially when you have just started getting it. This is because your body is still getting used to new hormone patterns. Your period might come early, late, or not come at all
for a month. Other things that can impact how regular your periods are include stress, illness, major weight changes or too much exercise. Over time, most people's cycles become more regular.
If your period used to be regular but has changed, you haven't had a period for several months, or you often get your period more than once every 21 days, speak with your GP for advice.
Why do I get other side effects during my period if the change is happening in my uterus?
Hormones are chemical messengers in the body. Changing hormone levels make your uterus thicken, thin and break down, causing a period. But they also send messages to other parts of your body. That’s why you might get headaches, mood swings, nausea
or other symptoms during your period.
What is menstrual suppression?
Menstrual suppression means using medicine (usually hormones) to change your periods. It can make your periods lighter, less frequent, or stop them for a while. Medicine can also help people who find periods very hard to manage.
It’s safe to use period-suppressing medicine if you feel comfortable and your GP (or another health worker) agrees it’s right for you. The blood doesn't 'build up' or cause harm, and it won’t make it harder for you to have babies later in life
(it won’t affect your fertility) if you choose to. Remember that pregnant people don’t usually get a period for nine months.
There are many ways to suppress periods, like the pill, hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), an injection, or an implant. Everyone is different, so speak with your GP about what might work best.
Is it common to feel emotional when you have your period?
It’s common to feel emotional during your period. Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone rise and fall throughout your cycle, which might affect your mood. Many people feel more sensitive, sad, anxious, or irritable in the days before their
period starts.
If your emotions feel very intense or don’t go away after your period finishes, it’s a good idea to speak with your GP or a mental health worker, like a psychologist. They will be able to support you and answer any questions or worries you have.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue like the uterus lining grows outside the uterus. The uterus lining changes during each menstrual cycle. It gets thicker and thinner before the excess comes out as a period. For people with endometriosis,
some excess lining attaches and grows in places it doesn’t belong, and blood gets trapped. This can cause pain in some people.
Period pain is not always a sign of endometriosis. Speak to your GP if your period is affecting your everyday life or if you are worried for
any other reason.
What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition caused by hormones. Some young people with PCOS will get acne, irregular periods, excess body hair and extra fluid-filled sacs (follicles) on their ovaries. But because these are all common changes
during puberty, it can be tricky to tell if these symptoms are signs of PCOS. If you are unsure, speak to your GP.
Can the pill cause PCOS?
The pill does not cause PCOS. This is a common myth, but there is no evidence to support it. The pill does the job of the ovaries by giving your body a steady supply of some hormones. When you stop taking the pill, your body goes back to making
its own hormones. This might make side effects like irregular periods and acne come back. You can always speak to your GP for more information.