17 Sep 2025

5 Period Symptoms That Could Mean Something More Serious

Most women experience some discomfort during their periods, but how do you know when symptoms are more than just part of the cycle? While heavy bleeding or painful cramps can sometimes be normal, they can also be signs of an underlying condition that needs medical attention. Here are five period symptoms you shouldn’t ignore — and what they could mean for your health.

1. Very Heavy Bleeding

If you’re soaking through pads or tampons every hour, passing large clots, or bleeding for more than seven days, this is classed as heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia). It can be caused by:

Fibroids or polyps in the uterus
Endometriosis
Hormonal imbalances
Blood clotting disorders

Untreated heavy bleeding can lead to anaemia, leaving you tired and weak. If this sounds familiar, it’s worth having a gynaecological assessment to find out the cause.

2. Severe Cramps That Affect Daily Life

Mild cramps are common, but pain so intense that it interferes with work, sleep, or daily activities should not be dismissed. Severe cramps may be linked to:

Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease

If your periods are leaving you in severe pain each month, a private gynaecology consultation and scan can help identify the cause and provide relief.

3. Irregular or Missed Periods

It’s normal for cycles to vary slightly, but if your periods are consistently irregular, very short, very long, or absent, it may indicate:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Thyroid problems
Premature ovarian insufficiency
Stress or weight-related hormonal disruption

Irregular cycles may also make it harder to conceive, so early investigation can be important if you’re planning a pregnancy.

4. Bleeding Between Periods

Spotting between cycles or after sex is not always harmless. Possible causes include:

Cervical or endometrial polyps
Hormonal changes
Infections
Pre-cancerous cervical changes

This is one of the key reasons why regular cervical screening is recommended, as it can detect problems before they become serious.

5. Severe PMS or Mood Changes

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects many women, but if mood swings, anxiety, or depression become overwhelming before each period, it may be a sign of:

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Hormonal imbalances
Thyroid dysfunction

These conditions are treatable, and getting support can improve both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore These Symptoms

While occasional changes in your period can be normal, consistent or severe symptoms may point to conditions that need treatment. The good news is that many causes — from fibroids to endometriosis — can be diagnosed with scans and blood tests and managed with the right care.

At our clinic, we provide private gynaecology consultations, hormone profiles, and ultrasound scans to help identify what’s behind your symptoms and offer solutions tailored to you.

Final Thoughts

Your period is a window into your reproductive health. While every woman’s cycle is unique, heavy bleeding, severe pain, irregular cycles, bleeding between periods, or extreme PMS should not be brushed aside as “normal.” Recognising these warning signs early gives you the chance to take control of your health.