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Period pain isn’t always “just normal”

Beyond the Cycle team with medical students after a session

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Many of us grow up hearing that painful periods are just part of life. Sometimes they are. But for around 1 in 10 girls and women, severe pain is a sign of a condition like endometriosis, and the average wait for a diagnosis is 7 to 9 years.

Things people often mention to their GP

  • Pain that stops them going to school, college or work
  • Pain that over-the-counter painkillers don’t touch
  • Very heavy bleeding, or periods that last longer than usual
  • Pain that affects daily life before, during or after a period

Getting ready for your appointment

Keeping a simple diary of your cycle and symptoms for a couple of months can make it easier to explain what is happening. Write down how often you miss school or plans because of your period, and what you have already tried. If it helps, bring someone you trust with you.

Your pain matters, and you deserve to be taken seriously.

This post is for information only and isn’t medical advice. If you’re worried about your symptoms, please speak to your GP.

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