Women's Health Resources

Heavy or painful periods can be caused by shifting hormones, endometriosis, fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, and a long list of other conditions. They can be very common, but that doesn't mean you have to accept them as your new normal. There are effective treatments to help relieve your symptoms.

Fibroids are benign growths that develop in or on the wall of the uterus, or in some cases, the cervix. Most patients never know they have them because they don't cause any noticeable symptoms, but some people do experience heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or chronic pain related to them. Your provider may recommend having them removed or shrinking them with medication if this is the case for you.

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Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows where it shouldn't, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic wall. It can cause severe period pain, chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, and trouble conceiving. It's often missed for years, so if these symptoms sound familiar, it's worth raising with your provider. Can-SAGE has a dedicated endometriosis library if you'd like to learn more.

Chronic pelvic pain is discomfort in your lower abdomen that lasts six months or longer. It can come from endometriosis, bladder or bowel conditions, or muscle and nerve problems, and sometimes more than one cause is at play. Because it's rarely down to a single thing, your care team will often combine treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle support, to help you feel better.

PMOS, recently renamed from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a hormonal and metabolic condition that can cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and difficulty getting pregnant. Despite the old name, many people who have it never develop ovarian cysts, and it affects far more than just the ovaries. Your provider can help you manage the symptoms through lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of the two.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside an ovary, and they're more common than you might think. Most are harmless and clear up on their own without any treatment at all. That said, see your provider if you have sudden or severe pelvic pain, which can occasionally mean a cyst needs attention.

A bit of discomfort around your period is normal, but pain that's severe, ongoing, or getting worse deserves a closer look. Make an appointment with your provider if your pain is interfering with your daily life or doesn't settle as you'd expect. Pain that comes alongside fever, heavy bleeding, or fainting should be seen right away.

A Pap test is a quick check of your cervix for abnormal cells that could develop into cervical cancer down the line. Your provider collects a small sample of cells, which takes only a minute or two. You might feel some brief pressure, but it shouldn't be painful, and staying on top of these tests is one of the best ways to catch any changes early.

Contraception prevents pregnancy, and you have plenty of options to choose from, including hormonal methods like the pill and IUDs and barrier methods like condoms. Some of these can also help with heavy periods, cramping, or acne along the way. Your provider can help you find the right fit based on your health, your lifestyle, and your plans for the future.

If you've been trying to conceive without luck, it may be time to check in with your provider. A good rule of thumb is to come in after a year of trying if you're under 35, or after six months if you're 35 or older. If you have irregular periods or a known reproductive condition, it's worth coming in sooner, since many causes of infertility respond well to treatment.

Menopause is the natural end of your periods, usually arriving in your late 40s or early 50s. The years leading up to it, called perimenopause, can bring irregular periods, hot flashes, and disrupted sleep, but everyone moves though this life stage at their own pace. If your symptoms are wearing on you, your provider can talk you through your options, including hormone therapy.

In most cases, a referral comes from your family doctor or nurse practitioner once your care calls for a specialist. Wait times can vary significantly depending on where you live.

To make the most of your appointment, it helps to come prepared with your symptoms, their timeline, and any questions written down. If you don't have a regular provider, a walk-in clinic or your provincial health line can point you in the right direction.