Periods and the menstrual cycle

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Periods and the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is a monthly process that prepares your body for pregnancy. It’s controlled by your hormones.

When oestrogen levels rise, the ovaries release an egg. This is called ovulation.

In the second half of the menstrual cycle, progesterone increases. This prepares the womb for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop. This causes the shedding of the womb lining, known as a period.

Periods

A period is the stage of the menstrual cycle where you bleed from the vagina.

It usually happens about every 28 days and lasts between 4 and 8 days. Cycles can be shorter or longer. A cycle length of between 24 and 38 days is normal.

When your periods first start, they may be irregular.

Your first period

Periods start during puberty, usually around age of 12, but this can be earlier or later. Everyone is different.

If you haven’t started your period by age 16, speak to your doctor. This is usually not a reason to be concerned.

You may find it difficult to talk about your period. Remember they are natural and normal.

Learn more about early or delayed puberty on NHS and delayed periods on NHS Inform.

Find out more on Puberty FAQs: Girls on Young Scot and starting your periods on NHS.

Tracking your period

Keeping a record of your periods and symptoms can be helpful.

You can do this using a:

calendar
diary
period tracking app

Tracking can help you know when to expect your period and to be prepared.

Free period products in Jersey

You can find free period products in many locations across Jersey.

Access free period products

What to expect during your period

Periods usually last around 5 days, but this can vary anywhere between 4 and 8 days. Bleeding is often heavier during the first couple of days. Blood can look red on heavier days. On lighter days it can look pink, brown, or black.

Most people lose between 5 and 12 teaspoons of blood during a period, although you may experience heavier bleeding.

Your period shouldn’t stop you doing everyday things, including:

going to school or work
doing sports
other activities

If you have pain, discomfort or worries, contact your doctor.

List of surgeries and GPs in Jersey

Check out the NHS 24 video about Periods: What's normal on YouTube.

Learn more about period products and using them safely.

Heavy, irregular and paused periods

Heavy periods

Many people have heavy periods for no clear reason. Signs include:

bleeding through your clothes
passing large blood clots
needing to change your period product very frequently
using 2 types of products at the same time
bleeding so heavy it regularly stops you doing daily activities

Contact your doctor if your periods feel unmanageable or stop you doing everyday activities.

Find out more about heavy periods on NHS Inform.

Irregular periods

Irregular periods don’t happen every month. This can be common when you first start your period during puberty, however it can also be caused by:

stress
health conditions
pregnancy
perimenopause or menopause

Keep a note of your period dates and symptoms so you can discuss them with your doctor.

If you think you may be pregnant, take a pregnancy test as soon as possible.

I think I’m pregnant

Find out more about pregnancy and birth and the support available in Jersey.

Learn more about irregular periods on NHS Inform.

Paused periods

If you haven’t had a period for over 3 months, and you know you’re not pregnant, this known as paused or missed periods. The medical term is secondary amenorrhoea.

Learn more about paused periods on NHS inform.

You can also find out more about heavy periods, period pain, irregular periods and stopped or missed periods on NHS.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your GP if:

your period affects your daily life
you’re worried about your periods
your cycle keeps changing, such as:

the number of days in between your period
your periods come closer together or further apart

you have heavy periods
your periods are irregular
have bleeding between periods, known as spotting
you notice unusual discharge
you have severe pain
you feel a heaviness in your tummy, or have back pain
you notice pain at other times during your cycle, not just during your period
you have pain during sex
you bleed after sex
you haven’t had a period for the last 3 to 6 months
you bleed after the menopause

List of surgeries and GPs in Jersey

Out of Hours GP service

Prepare for your GP appointment

It’s helpful to track your period and symptoms to discuss with your doctor, including:

the date your last period started
how long your period usually lasts
the shortest and longest time between your periods (from the first day of one period to the first day of the next)
how often you need to change your period products when your flow is heavy
the date when you had your last smear test, which is also known as cervical screening, if you’re over 25

If your doctor thinks that something else may be causing your symptoms, they will explain this and discuss any tests or treatment you may need.

Find more information if you have questions about the care or treatment you need on it’s ok to ask on NHS inform.

Periods and your mental wellbeing

Hormone changes around the time of your period can cause physical and emotional changes. You may experience:

heightened emotions
mood swings
lack of sleep
irritability

If your periods affect your mental wellbeing, talk to your GP. There's a lot that can be done to help manage your symptoms.

List of surgeries and GPs in Jersey

Out of Hours GP service

Find out more about the support available in Jersey if you are experiencing issues with your mental health.

Get urgent help (what to do in a mental health crisis)

Period pain

Period pain is common. It’s also known as dysmenorrhoea. It usually begins when your period comes but might start before.

Primary dysmenorrhoea

It causes cramping or aching pains in your:

abdomen or tummy
lower back
tops of your legs

Other symptoms include:

feeling tired
feeling bloated, your tummy sticks out more than normal
diarrhoea
headaches
mood changes

If you have milder pain, things that might help include:

using a hot water bottle
doing some gentle exercise
taking pain relief, such as paracetamol. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can speak to your pharmacist for advice on pain relief

Secondary dysmenorrhoea

Secondary dysmenorrhoea is period pain caused by a health condition.

Symptoms can include:

a change in your period pain. It might be more intense or last for longer
a feeling of heaviness in your tummy, or back pain
pain at other times during your cycle, not just during your period

Speak to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Find out more about period pain on NHS Inform.

Pain from contraceptive devices

Period pain can sometimes be caused by intrauterine devices (IUDs), especially in the first few months after they are inserted.

After an IUD insertion, your period might change and:

become more irregular
last longer than normal

You also might bleed or spot in between periods. This is common with hormone-releasing IUDs. Some people might also experience pain during sex or a vaginal discharge.

If you have pain with any of the symptoms above, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

Period products and using them safely

There are many different period products available, including:

period pads
tampons
menstrual cups
period pants

Choose which ones suit you best.

Period products are available for free in many locations in Jersey.

Access to free period products

Learn more about choosing period products on NHS Inform.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a very rare, but serious condition that’s caused when bacteria gets into the body and releases harmful toxins. It can happen when you use tampons if they’re not changed regularly enough.

It can be life-threatening. Quick treatment is essential.

Your chances of getting TSS are higher if you've had it before. If so, avoid tampons and menstrual cups and use period pads or period pants instead.

To reduce the risk:

wash your hands thoroughly before and after changing tampons or menstrual cups
clean your menstrual cup before each use
change cups and tampons regularly, every 4 to 6 hours. Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours.
change your tampon or empty your cup first thing in the morning, if you’ve chosen to wear one overnight
stop using tampons or cups once your period ends

Call 999 immediately if you have symptoms such as:

a high temperature
flu-like symptoms
feeling hot, cold, or shivery
nausea or vomiting
diarrhoea
a rash or blotchy skin
dizziness or fainting
difficulty breathing
confusion

Learn more about Toxic shock syndrome on NHS.

Stuck or lost tampons

Sometimes a tampon can get stuck and may move higher up or sit sideways. This can make it harder to remove. It won’t come out on its own, and you can’t push it out.

Contact your GP if:

you can’t remove a tampon yourself
a tampon has been in for more than 8 hours, and you can’t take it out
you’re unsure whether a tampon is still inside you

List of surgeries and GPs in Jersey

Out of Hours GP service

If your GP is closed, contact the Emergency Department at Jersey General Hospital by calling +44 (0) 1534 442000.

Find out what to do if you have a stuck or lost tampon on NHS Inform.

Tampons should be changed every 4 hours and never left in for more than 8 hours.

You can develop TSS if you leave your tampon in for too long. You may also notice a strong odour or unusual discharge.

Menstrual health conditions

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Hormone changes before your period can affect your body and how you feel. The changes can be both physical and emotional. This is called PMS.

Common symptoms include:

mood swings
feeling low, anxious, or irritable
tummy bloating
headaches
breast tenderness or changes
tiredness or difficulty sleeping
skin changes, such as spots or dryness
appetite changes
reduced interest in sex, also known as reduced libido

Although PMS symptoms are normal, speak to your doctor if they’re affecting your day-to-day life. There are options and support available to help you.

Learn more about PMS symptoms, including things you can do to help your symptoms and other treatments for PMS (premenstrual syndrome) on NHS.

Check out the NHS 24 video about managing your PMS symptoms on YouTube.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is an extreme form of PMS and less common.

Contact your doctor to get help and advice if you experience PMDD or severe PMS.

It can happen at any time, but it’s more common:

when periods start
during menopause

It’s a complex condition where you may experience difficulties with both your mental and physical health.

Emotional symptoms can include:

mood swings
feeling angry or irritable
feeling tired and disengaged
feeling anxious or tense
feeling overwhelmed
difficulty concentrating
suicidal feelings

If you need support with your mental health you can get urgent help (what to do in a mental health crisis) or call 999.

Find out more about mental health support available.

Learn more about PMS and PMDD on NHS Inform.

Other menstrual related conditions

Below is a list of other menstrual related conditions:

Adenomyosis on NHS Inform
Endometriosis on NHS Inform
Fibroids on NHS Inform
Ovarian cyst on NHS Inform
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on NHS Inform. PCOS is also known as Polycystic Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)

Periods, fertility and pregnancy

It’s important to know how your period is linked to fertility and pregnancy. This is particularly important if:

you’re trying to get pregnant
you don’t want to get pregnant

You are most fertile around ovulation, typically around 14 days before your next period.

Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary. Usually, one egg is released each month, and it survives for about 24 hours.

Pregnancy can happen if sperm fertilises the egg. Sperm can survive up to 5 days in the fallopian tubes, so using contraception is important if you don’t want to get pregnant.