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The human body
This is the monthly period, also called menstruation. As long as a woman is not pregnant and is not using hormonal contraceptives, the period usually is a sign that one menstrual cycle has finished and the next one has started. In most women, the period lasts 3 to 5 days. more...
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Overview
Some girls have very heavy periods right from the start. In most cases, though, the periods only start becoming heavier later on, for example following childbirth or after using a contraceptive coil. more...
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Videos
This video explains why women have monthly bleeding during their menstrual cycle, and how this process is regulated. The menstrual cycle starts with the first day of the period and lasts about 28 days on average. more...
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Overview
Premenstrual syndrome is a set of physical and psychological symptoms that start anywhere from a few days to two weeks before a woman gets her monthly period (menstruation). more...
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Learn more
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, the drug in medicines like Aspirin) is not suitable for heavy periods because it has an anti-clotting effect so it can increase the amount of blood lost during menstruation. more...
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Overview
Although menstruation is a normal part of a woman's life, severe period pain need not be. Women do not have to simply put up with it – menstrual pain can usually be treated effectively. If you have very painful periods or the pain keeps getting worse over time, it can be a good idea to see a doctor. more...
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Research summaries
There may be menstruation-like bleeding and pain for one to two weeks after this surgery. Women may also have a discharge for several weeks. They are usually no longer able to get pregnant. Women may also have a discharge for several weeks. more...
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(PantherMedia / CandyBox Images) Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be associated with a wide range of symptoms. Most of them are non-specific. In other words, they can also be caused by many other medical conditions. more...
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Although menstruation is a normal part of a woman's life, severe period pain need not be. Women don't have to simply put up with it – menstrual pain can usually be treated effectively. If you have very painful periods or the pain gets worse over time, it can be a good idea to see a doctor. more...
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Learn more
Very painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea): When a woman has her period (menstruation), the muscles in the wall of her womb repeatedly tighten and squeeze in order to shed the lining of the womb. This can cause period pain . more...
