Period symptoms: pain, heavy bleeding, PMS and more

What is common, what needs a GP appointment, and what needs help straight away. Each guide lists the warning signs clearly.

A winding ribbon carrying small markers in different soft colours, like a week of notes.

4 min read Adenomyosis How adenomyosis affects the womb, what scans can show, and the treatment choices for pain and heavy bleeding. Includes when to get help, with UK and US notes.
4 min read Bleeding disorders and heavy periods When heavy periods may point to a clotting problem, which other signs matter, and how to ask about specialist tests. Includes when to get help.
5 min read Endometriosis symptoms and keeping a symptom diary How to spot possible endometriosis symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and how to keep useful notes about pain and daily life for an appointment.
4 min read Endometriosis: getting diagnosed and choosing treatment What examinations, scans and keyhole surgery can tell you, how treatment is chosen, and where fertility care fits in. Includes when to get help.
4 min read Fibroids What fibroids can cause, how treatment is chosen, and what to talk about when it comes to pregnancy and menopause. Fibroids often shrink after menopause.
5 min read Heavy periods: how much bleeding is too much? Signs of heavy periods, possible causes, anaemia symptoms, what a GP may check, and when fast bleeding or feeling faint needs help.
4 min read Iron deficiency and anaemia How low iron can affect you, why heavy periods matter, what blood tests check, and how food and treatment can help. Includes when to get help.
5 min read Is period pain normal? When to get help Some period cramps are common, but severe pain needs care. Find out what may help, and when to see a GP or get urgent help.
4 min read Managing PMS and PMDD Practical treatment choices for PMS and PMDD, from everyday support and CBT to medicines, specialist care and crisis help.
4 min read Ovarian cysts Why ovarian cysts form, when they need watching or treating, and which kinds of pain need urgent help. Functional cysts form as part of the menstrual cycle.
5 min read PMS vs PMDD: symptoms and getting help How PMS and PMDD differ, how PMDD is diagnosed, what may help, and where to get urgent mental health support if you need it.
5 min read Spotting between periods: causes and when to get help What spotting between periods can mean, how it differs from a period, what to tell your GP, and which symptoms need urgent help.
4 min read When periods stop: amenorrhoea Why periods can stop, when to take a pregnancy test, when to get advice, and what a clinician may check. Includes when to get help, with UK and US notes.

Written by the Ruva team from the sources listed in each guide. They aren’t medical advice. If you’re worried about a symptom, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.