What are period problems?
Period problems such as painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), cramps and heavy menstrual bleeding are common, but they can have a significant impact on daily life. While period pain doesn’t always have an underlying cause, it can sometimes be linked to conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis, so it’s important to get your symptoms checked out.
Some people experience heavy periods (menorrhagia) or irregular menstrual cycles. Others may notice bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding) or after sex (postcoital bleeding). These symptoms often require further investigation by a specialist gynaecologist.
There are effective ways to diagnose and manage period problems. If your symptoms are affecting you, our gynaecology services at Guy’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital can help.
Specialist care for period problems
Our gynaecology experts provide personalised menstrual care, including:
- short notice appointments, often available within one week
- comprehensive clinical assessment, including blood tests where appropriate
- fast and accurate diagnosis using advanced investigations
Symptoms of heavy periods
Heavy menstrual bleeding or mennorhagia is when periods are abnormally heavy and prolonged. It’s difficult to define exactly what a heavy period is because it varies from woman to woman. Changes in your period, particularly blood loss volume, can be an indication of heavy periods, other symptoms include:
- needing to use double sanitary protection
- waking up during the night to change sanitary protection
- bleeding longer than a week
- passing large blood clots
- anaemia, feeling fatigued
If your period symptoms are affecting your daily life, complete the form on this page to speak to our team and arrange an appointment.
Heavy period diagnosis
Our private gynaecologists will carry out a full clinical assessment to understand your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life.This includes discussing your medical history and listening carefully to your concerns.
You may also be offered:
- a pelvic examination, where appropriate
- blood tests to check iron levels and assess for anaemia
- further investigations to help identify the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding
Heavy period treatment
The causes of heavy periods (menorrhagia) are not always clear, but they may be linked to underlying gynaecological conditions. Our specialist team will create a personalised period management plan based on your symptoms, diagnosis and future fertility plans.
Treatment options for heavy periods may include:
- oral contraceptives
- a hormonal IUD
- psychological support, where symptoms impact wellbeing
- surgical treatments, such as uterine artery embolisation
Book an appointment with a specialist gynaecologist
If heavy periods are affecting your quality of life, complete the form on this page to book an appointment with a private gynaecologist and discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.
Locations
Our gynaecology specialists can see patients at the following locations: