Dr Michelle O'Driscoll: Period reg flags to watch out for

DO you dread the arrival of your period? If so, why? In an ideal world, our periods would be just one of those things that happen on a monthly basis, don’t take any great toll on us or our schedule or wellbeing, last a few days, and then pass on by for another month.

But, unfortunately, for many this is far from the case. Due to a multitude of reasons, periods can become really uncomfortable, unpleasant and sometimes debilitating. Often, it can be something that our tolerance threshold rises to meet over time, and we just don’t question whether this is acceptable, or whether there’s anything that can be done to improve or reduce the symptoms experienced.

This doesn’t have to be how things are for us, however, and it’s important to query what your ‘normal’ is, versus what should actually be expected and acceptable in terms of your period experience.

Some may experience challenging periods from puberty, others experience an increase in issues as they age, and postpartum periods can become particularly problematic.

Underlying conditions such as endometriosis can contribute to many of the issues, for example, and this is notoriously underdiagnosed and undertreated in Ireland currently.

With that in mind, here are some red flags that should prompt you to think and consider whether a conversation with a healthcare professional and/or further investigation is required.

Periods lasting longer than seven days – anything lasting longer than a week is probably longer than is usual, and warrants a conversation with your GP.

Periods that interfere with your life – are you afraid to go do the groceries, or to even leave the house on those heaviest flow days? It shouldn’t need to be this way, and you can explore what can be done to reduce this. If your usual period experience is significantly impacting your daily life, then it’s time to get your healthcare team involved.

Happen more than monthly – if your period is happening more frequently than this, you should flag it with your doctor to rule out any underlying cause.

Debilitating pain – while cramping and discomfort is kind of par for the course for some people, for others the pain can become excruciating. If the pain is impacting on your ability to get on with your day, then this needs to be addressed.

Making you anaemic – if your period is heavy enough to be impacting on your iron levels, this needs to be raised with your doctor and a plan put in place to address it.

Any major changes in mood leading up to your period or around the time of ovulation – premenstrual syndrome is normal, but the more severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder is incredibly debilitating and disruptive. 

If you’re feeling extremely low, angry or anxious, take the decision to reach out.

Have clots larger than an inch in diameter – this isn’t normal and should be investigated further.

If you bring one or more of these red flags to your doctor, they will take a detailed history of your symptoms, any medications you might be on, and any previous diagnosis in relation to menstrual problems. Some tests or scans might be advised, or the use of medication to aid with symptom relief might be suggested.

While awareness is increasing in the area of women’s health and menstrual issues, it’s important to shout loudly until your issue is heard. Document the days your period occurs, its duration, the symptoms experienced, and any particularly problematic outcomes from it such as skipping social outings or leaking through products, effects on work performance or relationships.

Getting the impact in writing can help to highlight the issues more clearly and push for action to remedy the problems.

Just because something has become ‘normal’ for you, doesn’t mean that it is ‘normal’ – we don’t need to settle for just surviving for a chunk of each month!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Michelle O’Driscoll is a pharmacist, researcher and founder of InTuition, a health and wellness education company. Her research lies in the area of mental health education, and through InTuition she delivers health promotion workshops to corporate and academic organisations nationally. See intuition.ie