Millions of women and girls in the UK suffer from period problems, such as severe pain and heavy bleeding, with more than half reporting their symptoms not taken seriously, research has shown. 

A new survey, commissioned by the UK health charity Wellbeing of Women, has found almost a third of women and girls with period symptoms do not seek medical help for severe pain, heavy bleeding and other period symptoms.

Despite effective treatment options being available, medical experts say severe pain and heavy bleeding are normalised within the healthcare system, with many women and girls not receiving the treatment and support they need.

Severe pain, heavy bleeding and irregular cycles are common symptoms in women and girls with gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which require treatment and support.

However, figures show women wait years before receiving a diagnosis for these conditions. The Women’s Health Strategy for England has shown that women and girls are frequently ignored or told that heavy and painful periods are “normal”.

The survey of 3,000 women and girls, conducted by Wellbeing of Women, has found that almost all aged between 16-40 have experienced period pain, with 59 per cent saying their period pain was severe.

More than one in 10 have experienced some heavy periods, with almost half saying their heavy bleeding was severe.

Despite treatment such as tranexamic acid being shown to reduce period blood loss by as much as 54 per cent, the report has suggested that only 14 per cent of women have tried medication.

The findings have shown 56 per cent have found it difficult to access treatment and support and 51 per cent felt their healthcare professional had failed to take their period concerns seriously.

Nearly nine in 10 (86 per cent) have experienced mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and mood changes, in relation to their period, the charity has also revealed.

“Women and girls have been dismissed for far too long,” said Dame Lesley Regan, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Imperial College London and chair of Wellbeing of Women.

“It’s simply unacceptable that anyone is expected to suffer with period symptoms that disrupt their lives, including taking time off school, work, or their caring responsibilities, all of which may result in avoidable mental health problems.

“Periods should not affect women’s lives in this way. If they do, it can be a sign of a gynaecological condition that requires attention and ongoing support – not dismissal.

‘No woman should be held back by her period’

To tackle the normalisation of period symptoms, Wellbeing of Women has launched its Just a Period campaign, an initiative which, Regan says, will be addressing the many years of medical bias, neglect and stigma in women’s health.

In a roundtable event to launch the campaign, football coach Emma Hayes diagnosed with endometriosis, influencer Alice Liveing who has PCOS, weather forecaster Clare Nasir who had surgery for fibroids, shared their experiences and struggles living with gynaecological conditions.

“I’ve had excruciatingly painful periods for as long as I can remember,” influencer and personal trainer Alice Liveing explained ahead of the launch of the campaign.

“I have passed out, been sick and taken days off work. Other women I speak to experience similar. I had to see many doctors before getting the treatment I’ve needed.

“Women should not be dealing with their pain or putting up with symptoms that disrupt their lives.”

Dr Nighat Arif, BBC Breakfast and ITV This Morning GP resident and ambassador of Wellbeing of Women, said: “As a doctor, I see women and girls in my clinic with bad periods and who have been dealing with severe pain, flooding through their clothes, and mental health problems for years.

“No woman or girl should be told it’s ‘just a period’. That’s why I am backing this campaign from Wellbeing of Women.

“Anyone with pelvic pain, heavy vaginal bleeding and/or an irregular menstrual cycle, should see their doctor. There are good, effective treatments and no woman or girl should be held back by her period.”

Dr Philippa Kaye, ITV This Morning GP resident and campaign ambassador for Wellbeing of Women, said: “Periods are a natural part of life for millions of women and girls, but living with symptoms that prevent them living their lives is not normal.

“If women and girls experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or any other symptoms that have a negative impact, they should visit their doctor.

“Sadly, many of these debilitating symptoms are normalised or dismissed, meaning women and girls are unable to access the treatment and support they so desperately need.”

She added: “I will be working closely with Wellbeing of Women to raise awareness and create educational content, to help ensure no-one is held back by their period.”

Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP and chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, added: “There is a terrible phrase, ‘well, it’s just a period’, why are you making a fuss about that? Can’t you just get on with it? Yet many women and girls are experiencing horrendous period symptoms and gynaecological conditions.

“These are impacting the health of women and girls, and preventing them from taking part in work, school, sport and everyday life. Endometriosis alone affects one and a half million women in the UK and costs the economy £8.2bn. Now is the time for change.”