Periods

A period is a part of the menstrual cycle when a woman bleeds from her vagina for a few days. Periods generally start in girls around age 12 – although some girls will start much later than this. Concerns over particularly heavy periods can sometimes be helped by hormonal contraceptives, but it is best to discuss this with your GP or at a local sexual health clinic.

Talking about any concerns is the first step and simple advice may be enough to help, but if you are having bleeding in between periods, after vaginal sex or after your periods have stopped (the menopause) you should see your GP or sexual health doctor as soon as possible.

Learn more about periods