Menstruation (periods)

Menstruation, also called a period, happens about once a month. Learn more about the menstrual cycle, what causes your period and related health problems.

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Irregular periods

Irregular periods are periods that don’t follow a regular pattern. If your period stops or changes in any way, you should see your doctor.

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Hormonal contraceptives and periods

Find out how different hormonal contraceptives (for example the oral contraceptive pill, hormonal IUD, and injection) might affect your period.

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Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common, especially among young females. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of painful periods.

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Period problems

Suffering from heavy, painful or irregular periods? Does PMS affect your wellbeing? Learn about common period problems and how to cope.

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Female reproductive system

The female reproductive system includes organs such as the uterus (womb), ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina, as well as hormones.

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Managing period pain

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) can make it difficult to enjoy your normal activities. Learn how to manage painful periods and when to see your doctor.

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Puberty for girls

During puberty, the female body changes. Learn more about the physical and emotional changes you may experience when going through puberty.

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Hysteroscopic endometrial resection

An endometrial ablation is a common gynaecological operation. It helps relieve the symptoms of heavy periods. You should get less bleeding and pain.

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Periods while breastfeeding

Many factors determine when your period will return if you're breastfeeding. Learn more about how breastfeeding affects your menstrual cycle.

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Why am I spotting between periods? Plus 9 other female health questions answered

healthdirect’s Chief Medical Officer answers how to handle the symptoms of endometriosis and bleeding between your periods, plus other questions.

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Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal bleeding can happen at times other than during your periods. Find out what to do if you have heavy periods or unexpected vaginal bleeding.

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Thermal balloon endometrial ablation

Thermal balloon endometrial ablation is an operation that uses a balloon filled with hot water to remove the lining of your uterus (womb) to reduce or stop periods.

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Heavy periods

Heavy periods (menorrhagia) are common. Here's what you can do for heavy periods, starting with a doctor's visit, medicines and surgery.

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Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition that affects your uterus and can cause heavy, painful periods. Read about adenomyosis symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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Haemophilia

Haemophilia stops blood from clotting properly, causing abnormal bleeding. It’s best managed by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals.

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Vegetarian and vegan diets

It's easy to be healthy on a vegetarian diet if you include plant-based foods from the 5 food groups. But a vegan diet requires extra care.

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Adrenal glands

Find out about your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys and make several important hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.

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Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a minor procedure to examine a your cervix for abnormal cells or growths. It may include a biopsy to examine tissue.

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Foods high in iron

The best sources of iron are animal-based foods like meat and eggs (called 'haem iron'), but many plant-based foods also contain (non-haem) iron.

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Anaemia

Anaemia is a lack of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs around the body. It's important treat the cause of the anaemia.

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What to do if you are underweight

Being underweight could lead to health problems such as a weak immune system and bone fractures. Discover the causes, symptoms and when to get help.

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Personal hygiene

Good personal hygiene is important and will prevent you from catching or spreading germs. Learn more about how to look after your body here.

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Laparoscopic hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus (womb). It is a major operation usually recommended after simpler treatments have failed. Your symptoms should improve.

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Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an infection caused by bacteria. It's very rare but symptoms can develop quickly. Learn more about TSS here.

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Breast cysts

Breast cysts are benign bubbles of fluid in the breast. It's important to know what to look for if you suspect a lump is not benign.

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Gilbert's syndrome

Gilbert’s syndrome is an inherited liver disorder causing bilirubin buildup and jaundice episodes. It’s generally harmless and doesn’t need treatment.

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Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness and an eating disorder: It is not a choice. Find out more about the symptoms and treatment of anorexia.

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause inflammation, pain, affect fertility and impact your life. Learn more about treatments and how to manage the symptoms and pain.

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Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a long-term condition that affects 1 in 50 Australians. Learn more about the causes, how it is diagnosed and the types of seizures.

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