Did you know you can get help for heavy, painful and/or irregular periods that impact your usual daily activities?
Menstruation, or having a period, is a normal process of the menstrual cycle involving bleeding from the vagina about once a month. Periods are a natural process and are not something to be embarrassed or ashamed of. Periods are a different experience for everybody and period pain is unique to each person. Not all women menstruate, and not all people who menstruate are women.
Most people who have periods will experience some form of pain or discomfort before, during or after a period. Many people with period pain wonder if their pain is “normal”.
Normal period pain,
- Is on the first two days of your period
- Goes away when you take pain-relief medicines
- Does not impact your daily life
However, period pain or heavy bleeding that stops you from doing your daily activities, like going to uni, work or socialising, is a good reason to seek support from a doctor or someone you trust. It is also good to seek support if your periods change or you are worried about your periods.
For medical support, you can
- Visit the UQ Health Centre. To find a UQ Health Centre near you, visit 'Find a Clinic - UQ Health Care'
- Speak with your doctor, or search for a GP.
- Your Overseas Health Insurance Provider. If you are a UQ Student you can visit a GP/Doctor at a UQ Health Clinic for consultations and claim or bulk-bill to your insurance provider. Most OSHC providers have a network of direct-billing GPs allowing for appointments with no out of pocket cost.
- If you are with UQ's preferred provider, Allianz Care Australia, you can download the Allianz MyHealth App to manage your policy, submit your medical claims, access emergency numbers and use their health assistant.
Remember it is important to know that seeking support is ok. Seeking support early can help relieve stress and worry, and help improve your overall wellbeing by giving you more control over your health.
No taboo, there is support for you.