Period problems

Your period can have big effects on your physical and mental wellbeing. Everybody’s period is a little bit different. It’s not about whether your period is normal or not — if your period is a problem for you, you have a period problem. 

Some period problems are symptoms of physical problems. If your period is often late — or often comes too soon — then you may have a physical problem that you need help with.

A late period is: when you go longer than 35 days between periods.

A period that comes too soon is: when you have less than 21 days between periods.

If you have no period, bleed heavily, have a lot of pain, bleed very little, bleed between your periods, or your period lasts more than seven days, you have a period problem.  

Period problems can be caused by:  

• Endometriosis  
• Hormone imbalance 
• Uterine scarring 
• Adenomyosis 
• The copper IUD 
• Stress 
• Eating and exercise disorders 
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) 
• Thyroid issues 
• Some medications 
• Other related health issues  

Period problems can also cause mental health problems. Mental health problems are things like:  

• Feeling very sad or very angry  
• Thinking harsh or upsetting things about yourself or your body 
• Having suicidal thoughts 
• Low energy or tiredness 
• Feeling tense, anxious, or on edge 
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control 
• Having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly 

Mental health problems can be caused by premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Mental health problems can also be caused by physical health problems, such as: endometriosis, hormone imbalance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, some medications, and other related health issues.

Lots of trans and gender diverse people have period problems. If that sounds like you, we can either help, or connect you with someone who can help. 

It’s totally okay to skip, stop, or take a break from your period, for any reason. You don’t have to have your period if you don’t want to. We can help you do whatever you decide is best for you.

If you are worried about your period, or if you want help, our nurses or doctors are the best people to talk to.  

Learn more about periods

We treat lots of period problems at our clinics. The help that you need will depend on the problem that you have.

If your PMS is a problem, you don’t have to put up with it. If you don’t want to have your period, some types of contraception can help you skip your period. Skipping your period helps you avoid PMS.

A good first step is to make an appointment with one of our nurses or doctors. They can talk with you about your problem, offer solutions, provide treatment, and prescribe medicine. If you want to use contraception, we can get you a type that works for you.

Our appointments are free for New Zealand residents under 22 years old. If you are 22 years, or older, you’ll pay our standard appointment fees — unless you are eligible for subsidised health care, or you have a Community Services Card. If you are eligible for subsidised health care, your appointment will be free. If you have a Community Services Card, your appointment will cost $5.

If you’re not a New Zealand resident, you’ll need to pay non-resident fees.  

Check out our fees page for more details.