Your period is the part of the menstrual cycle when the shed lining of the uterus passes through your vagina, and comes out with blood you bleed from your vagina. This happens when an egg released from your ovary has not been fertilised. For most people, periods happen every 28 days or so.

Regular periods are the best indicator that your reproductive system is working as it should. It’s useful to know what’s ‘normal’ for you, so that you are more likely to notice if something doesn’t seem right.

Menstrual products absorb or collect the blood released during your period.

The Brook website has information on the pros and cons of using different period products:

If you’re finding it difficult to afford hygiene and toiletry products, find out where you can access them for free.

Dorset Council provides free period products to young people who have experienced care. You can ask your personal adviser for more information or complete a form.

If you are gender fluid, non-binary or trans, you may still have periods. It can be a complicated topic for transgender and non-binary individuals and can cause significant discomfort each month.

Periods can be a challenging time, triggering heightened feelings of gender dysphoria. It’s important to protect your mental health, understand how gender affirming hormones can affect your period, and find gender-neutral period products that help you feel comfortable.  If you have any concerns about your period, speak to a healthcare professional.

If you have friends or family who are trans or non-binary and you want to know how you can support them during their period the Clue website has some great resources.

Everyone is different. Knowing what is normal for you and your cycle is the best way to notice if anything is wrong. If you spot any changes to your period or menstrual cycle, or if you are worried, speak to a healthcare professional.

Pain or discomfort before or during your period is common, but there are things you can do to help yourself feel better.

Sometimes certain health conditions can cause period pain. If your pain gets worse or you have any concerns, speak to your doctor.

Find out more about conditions that could cause period pain on our pelvic health and gynaecology pages:

Missed or late periods can affect anyone who has periods and most women will experience them at some time. They’re usually nothing to worry about, but it’s best to speak to your doctor just in case.

Find out more about conditions that could cause irregular periods on our pregnancy, gynaecology and menopause pages:

Your period could be considered irregular if the gap between your periods is less than 21 days or more than 35 days. You’re more likely to have irregular periods if you’ve just started your periods or when you’re nearing menopause.

Irregular periods aren’t usually a sign of anything wrong, but very irregular periods can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, speak to your doctor if:

Many people can get heavy periods, and this might be normal for them. They may also be caused by certain conditions. If heavy periods are affecting your everyday life, speak to your doctor about treatment options.

Heavy periods – signs and treatments

Are blood clots in my period normal?

Do you have a heavy period? Seven signs to look out for

What tests are there for a heavy period?

Find out more about conditions that could cause heavy periods our pelvic health and gynaecology pages:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the name for the physical and emotional symptoms people can experience in the weeks leading up to a period. It can affect anyone who has periods, and most women experience symptoms at some point.

If you are struggling with PMS, some changes to your lifestyle could help. If your symptoms are severe and affecting your daily life, speak to your doctor about treatment options.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a very severe form of PMS. It not only impacts on your physical health but also can cause depression, suicidal feelings and anxiety.

There are a wide range of options to help you manage symptoms of PMDD. Talk to your doctor if you have intense emotional symptoms, including feelings of depression, hopelessness, anger and panic attacks, or symptoms that interfere with your ability to work or socialise.

If you are experiencing problems with your menstrual cycle or have any concerns, it’s always best to speak to your doctor. Tracking your period will help you to tell your doctor about your experience. Using a period tracker app is a great way to do this.

If you feel like you haven’t been listened to or your problems haven’t been solved by speaking to a healthcare professional, the Wellbeing of Women website has advice on the steps you can take.

If you’re finding it difficult to afford hygiene and toiletry products, find out where you can access them for free.

Dorset Council provides free period products to young people who have experienced care. You can ask your personal adviser for more information or complete a form.