Find information about heavy, painful or changing periods, changes during perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause), and preparing to discuss your concerns with a clinician.
Last updated 30 October 2026
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Heavy, painful or changing periods
Start here for heavy bleeding, cramps, irregular timing, or periods that are lighter or missing. The guide explains possible causes, what information helps an assessment, and when bleeding or pain needs medical attention.
Read about heavy, painful or changing periods
Period changes during perimenopause
If you are wondering about changes as you approach menopause, this guide explains less predictable cycles, what to record and why other causes still need consideration. It also covers pregnancy and contraception during this stage of life.
Where to start
A period is bleeding that happens when the lining of the uterus sheds as part of the menstrual cycle. Your own pattern and any changes to it can be useful to discuss with a clinician. You can ask for help with pain, bleeding or uncertainty without knowing the cause first.
Read more about periods and the menstrual cycle at healthdirect.
How can HerDoc help through telehealth?
A HerDoc GP can discuss your bleeding or cycle changes, review previous results and recommend the next step. Where clinically appropriate, they can order pathology tests, refer for imaging or arrange an in-person examination. Follow-up appointments can cover results, suitable treatment and how symptoms are changing. The next step depends on your symptoms; not everyone needs the same tests or an examination.
Preparing to talk with a clinician
A few notes can help you explain what has changed. If available, have these details handy:
- Approximate dates of recent periods and how long the bleeding lasted.
- What the bleeding or pain is like, and how it affects sleep, work, study or other activities.
- Any bleeding between periods or after sex, and whether pregnancy is possible.
- Your medicines and contraception, things you have tried, and the questions you most want answered.
Use paper or your own private notes. You do not need a complete record before asking for care.
When to seek medical help
Arrange medical assessment for bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause, or for heavy periods and pain that concern you. If you might be pregnant and have bleeding, seek medical advice promptly.
Go to an emergency department for severe abdominal or pelvic pain, especially if pregnancy is possible. If you are bleeding very heavily, or feel faint or close to passing out while bleeding, call 000. Do not wait to complete a period record.
See healthdirect’s advice on vaginal bleeding, bleeding between periods and ectopic pregnancy.