Menstrual Disorders: what it is and how we help

Menstrual disorders at a glance

Menstrual disorders cover painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), heavy periods, irregular or absent periods and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). They are very common, but periods that stop you working, sleeping or living normally are not something you simply have to put up with. Identifying the cause is the first step, followed by treatment that fits your goals.

Common menstrual problems

• Painful periods: cramping lower abdominal pain, sometimes into the back and thighs.
• Heavy periods: changing protection every one to two hours, flooding or large clots.
• Irregular periods: cycles shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days, or missed periods.
• PMS and PMDD: mood changes, bloating, breast tenderness and fatigue before a period.

What causes menstrual disorders?

Causes include hormonal changes, PCOS, endometriosis and adenomyosis, fibroids, thyroid problems, stress, significant weight change and intense training. Perimenopause often makes cycles less predictable.

How are menstrual disorders treated?

Your GP can arrange tests and offer anti-inflammatory pain relief, hormonal contraception, tranexamic acid for heavy bleeding or a hormonal coil. Heavy periods often lead to low iron, which can be tested. For more detail, see our guides to heavy periods and irregular periods.

How we support menstrual health in Chiswick

• Acupuncture: reviews suggest it may reduce period pain; sessions can be timed around your cycle.
• Blood tests: iron, ferritin, thyroid and hormone markers.
• Ayurveda: diet and routine guidance through the cycle.
• Yoga: studies suggest regular yoga can reduce period pain.
• Red light therapy: warmth and relaxation for cramping muscles.

For more detail, read our guide to acupuncture for period pain.

What does the evidence say?

Regular exercise and heat reduce period pain for many people. Acupuncture and yoga show benefit in some reviews, though study quality varies. Medical treatment is effective for heavy bleeding.

What counts as a heavy period?

A period is considered heavy if you need to change a pad or tampon every one to two hours, pass clots larger than about 2.5 cm, bleed through to clothes or bedding, or need two types of protection together. Periods lasting more than seven days also count. Heavy periods are common and treatable, and can cause low iron and tiredness.

Why are my periods irregular?

Cycles can vary by a few days and still be normal. Irregular periods are often linked to PCOS, stress, significant weight change, intense exercise, thyroid problems, breastfeeding or perimenopause, and hormonal contraception also changes bleeding patterns. If your periods stop for three months or more and you are not pregnant, see your GP.

Period pain: what is normal?

Cramping on the first one or two days that eases with simple pain relief and heat is common. Pain that stops you working or studying, lasts beyond the period, or happens between periods or during sex is not something to put up with, and can point to endometriosis or adenomyosis.

What to expect at Omnia

We start with a detailed history of your cycle, pain, flow, mood and any tests or treatment so far, and may suggest a blood panel for iron, thyroid and hormones. Your plan might combine acupuncture timed to your cycle, yoga and Ayurvedic diet and routine guidance, reviewed over two or three cycles. Anything that needs investigation is passed to your GP.

What you can do at home

• Keep a cycle diary noting pain, flow and mood
• Use a heat pad on the lower abdomen
• Keep gently active through your period
• Eat iron-rich foods if periods are heavy

For quick relief and when pain needs checking, see our guide to how to stop period pain fast.

Blood tests that can help

Blood tests can check hormones, thyroid and iron when periods change or become heavy. Our Hormone Health Check (£69) is a good place to start. See our guides to blood tests for PCOS, blood tests for anaemia and early menopause blood tests. Blood tests are taken at our Chiswick clinic, with no GP referral, and you receive a clear results report, with a GP review available at an additional cost if you would like one. See every blood test and price.

Omnia Lifestyle is at 8 to 9 Bedford Corner, Chiswick W4, two minutes from Turnham Green. Book online or call 020 4515 0000.