Resource hub
Search accessible information, lesser-known facts and trusted guidance about periods and menopause. Free to use for pupils, parents, staff and employers.
12 entries
Periods
The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of a period, not the day bleeding stops.
A cycle is measured from the first day of one period to the day before the next begins. Cycles of roughly 21 to 40 days are common, and they are often irregular in the first years after periods start.
NHS: PeriodsPeriods
Pain that stops school, work or sleep deserves medical attention.
Period pain is common, but pain that disrupts daily life can be linked to conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids. Keeping a simple symptom diary helps a GP take the picture seriously.
NHS: Period painPeriods
Soaking through protection every hour or two, or passing large clots, should be checked.
Heavy menstrual bleeding can cause tiredness and iron deficiency anaemia. It is treatable, and a GP can investigate causes rather than leaving someone to manage alone.
NHS: Heavy periodsMenopause
Menopause is reached after 12 consecutive months without a period, with no other medical cause.
The years of changing hormones beforehand are perimenopause, and symptoms often begin then. In the UK, menopause usually happens between 45 and 55, with an average around 51.
NHS: MenopauseLesser-known facts
Anxiety, low mood, brain fog, joint pain, palpitations and sleep problems are all recognised.
Because these symptoms look like many other things, they are often missed or misattributed. Naming them clearly is one of the quickest ways to help someone get the right support at work or from a GP.
NHS: Menopause symptomsLesser-known facts
Premature ovarian insufficiency affects around 1 in 100 women under 40.
It can also follow surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Younger people are rarely told this is possible, which delays diagnosis and support at exactly the point it matters most.
NHS: Early menopauseLesser-known facts
Irregular cycles in the first couple of years are usually part of settling into a pattern.
Knowing this prevents unnecessary fear, while still leaving room to seek advice if periods stop, become very heavy, or are extremely painful.
NHS: Irregular periodsPeriods
Tampons should be changed regularly and not left in longer than the packet advises.
Practical product knowledge — pads, tampons, cups, discs and period underwear — is part of every session we run, because confidence with products is what keeps young people in the classroom.
NHS: Tampons and towelsSupport & guidance
Menopause and heavy periods are common reasons experienced staff reduce hours or leave.
Simple adjustments — uniform flexibility, temperature control, breaks, understanding managers — retain people. We help employers put language and policy around that.
Support & guidance
NHS 111 online or by phone for urgent advice; 999 in an emergency.
For ongoing symptoms, a GP is the right first step. Ask for a longer appointment and bring a short symptom record if you can.
NHS 111 onlineSupport & guidance
Specialist charities offer helplines, support groups and pain-diary tools.
Endometriosis UK provides information and peer support, which is often what helps someone keep advocating for themselves between appointments.
Endometriosis UKSupport & guidance
Mood changes across the cycle are real and can be supported, not dismissed.
YoungMinds offers guidance for young people, parents and school staff on talking about mood, anxiety and when to seek help.
YoungMindsIf you need help now
If pain, bleeding, mood changes or menopause symptoms are affecting daily life, speak to a GP. For urgent advice use NHS 111 online or call 111. In an emergency call 999.
Everything here is general education based on NHS and specialist charity guidance. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice.