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PH02 - Menstrual Cycle - Related Products

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PH02 - Menstrual Cycle - Our most read Articles

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A137 Different types of vaginal discharge. What are they and what do they mean?

Period Hub - PH05 - Pregnancy

Pregnancy

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4 Extreme exercise 

A064 Tampons vs. Pads 

Tampons vs. Pads 

MCBLA06 - How to Prevent Period Leaks?

How to Prevent Period Leaks?

Always Night sanitary pads were especially designed for overnight protection and offer more coverage, no matter how much you toss and turn, while Normal (Size 1) and  Long (Size 2) sanitary pads were designed for optimal daytime protection.

What is the difference between Day & Night sanitary pads?

A045 - Caurosal - Why is my period late? 10 Reasons for a Late Period

Why is my period late? 10 Reasons for a Late Period

PRFPEA01 - Tampons vs. Pads 

Tampons vs. Pads

Menstrual cramps occur when the lining of the uterus, which has built up in preparation for pregnancy, needs to flake off and leave the body. For this to happen, the uterine muscles alternately contract and relax. These contractions can in turn cause crampy menstrual pains. Not everyone experiences these. Some feel only slight discomfort, while others experience pain in the lower abdomen or sharp pain radiating to the legs and back. Other symptoms that may accompany menstrual pain include: 
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhoea.
 
However, it is important to remember that although menstrual pain is common, acute pain caused by these cramps is not. You should consult your doctor if you have acute pain, if it impedes your daily functioning or if it intensifies over time. These symptoms may suggest that there are other factors behind what appears to be normal, expected menstrual pain.

A015 - T02 - Why period cramps happen and how do you know it's it?

Why period cramps happen and how do you know it's it?

Learning how to sleep on your period without [leaking](/en-gb/period-hub/menstrual-cycle/how-to-prevent-period-leaks/) can take some getting used to – and some planning.

Because there’s nothing better than a good night sleep (especially when combating PMS fatigue!), we’re sharing our favourite tips on how not to leak on your period at night.

A034 - DC01 - How to Stop period leaking at night 

To ensure that you are comfortable every day of your period, especially when you are struggling with heavy bleeding - you need to start by choosing the right hygiene product. First of all, choose [the right size of sanitary pads](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/how-to-choose-the-right-sanitary-pad-size/ "The right size of sanitary pads") and adjust their absorbency.

A066 - T09 - Sanitary pads for heavy flow

Sanitary pads for heavy flow

A065 What is PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)?

DDA03 - Is it Normal to Have a Lot of Discharge?

Lot of discharge

A116 The Right Pad to Prevent Leaking

The Right Pad to Prevent Leaking

There are six main energy-draining culprits that lead to PMS fatigue.

- Hormonal fluctuations – Oestrogen usually acts as a stimulant, but its levels drop significantly after you ovulate, depriving you of its energy. At the same time, your levels of feel-good serotonin also dip, leaving you without its mood-boosting effects as well. Meanwhile, the calming effects of progesterone begin to kick in, which makes you feel more mellow.

- Energy burning – When you ovulate, your body temperature rises and your body starts burning more energy in preparation for pregnancy. For the next few days, your basal metabolic rate can go up by 9 percent, draining your energy. This all adds up to making you feel more tired.

- Anaemia – If your periods are heavy, you lose a lot of blood, which could lead to an iron deficiency in your red blood cells. This makes it difficult for your tissues to get the oxygen they need, meaning your cells need to work harder to function normally.

- Giving in to other symptoms – You’re sore and you’re hungry. You’re not sleeping well and you feel bloated. It’s no wonder you’re not jumping for joy. All these factors may stop you from exercising, which would make you feel rejuvenated. It is hard to get motivated when faced with these factors.

- Cravings – Your fluctuating hormones may have convinced you to binge on chocolate or other sugary foods, triggering a sugar high that is followed by a crash. This cycle can repeat itself unless you recognise it and actively switch to healthier alternatives.

- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – If you are experiencing severe emotional lows, this acute form of PMS may be to blame. In addition to physical symptoms, you may find yourself crying, lashing out at others, feeling out of control or losing interest in things that used to bring you joy. If this happens monthly, you should see a doctor.

A149-T02-Can PMS cause fatigue?

Can PMS cause fatigue?

Different types of Discharge

PH05 - ADP -  Pregnancy Vaginal Discharge - Related Articles

A109 - T04 - Why shouldn’t you ignore spotting between periods?

Why shouldn’t you ignore spotting between periods?

A016 Can You Swim on Your Period with a Pad?

As long as your discharge is not itchy, smelly, or greenish-brown coloured, it is perfectly normal. Signs to look out for are cramping, pelvic pain or bleeding during sex, spots, weight gain, fever, or – as mentioned earlier – strange smells. This may indicate an underlying medical condition or serious hormonal imbalance that requires treatment.

These include things such as ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome, and cervical cancer (infection should be in this list as would be most common). These are rarely the cause, and they are often accompanied by other symptoms, so please don’t worry, but it is always worth getting the opinion of a medical professional.

A101 - T03 - When Should I Be Concerned About Brown Discharge?

When Should I Be Concerned About Brown Discharge?

A101 Should I Be Worried About Brown Discharge?

Should I Be Worried About Brown Discharge?

Caffeine tends to make your blood vessels constrict and can constrict the uterus. This can make cramping feel more intense.

During your [period](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/first-period-symptoms/ "First period symptoms"), skip the morning coffee and opt for a herbal tea instead! If you need to start your day with coffee, try decaffeinated coffee during your period. If you rely on caffeine all day, then to beat the afternoon slump, have a protein-rich snack or go for a brisk 10-minute walk. This will give you a boost of energy.

Skip the caffeine

Calculate your cycle

A034 How to Stop Period Leaking at Night

How to Stop Period Leaking at Night

Always be prepared

PH04 - Vaginal Discharge - Related Products

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Why You Will Love It?

Each has its own benefits. Each has its own quirks. We’re here to help you make sense of the ultimate period showdown –tampons vs pads.

Right up front, let’s establish one very important factor in the tampons vs pads debate. It’s totally up to you! That’s right. It’s all about you and your personal preference. Whichever works for you on any given day or during any given activity is the one you should go with.

There is nothing inherently better about a tampon vs a pad and vice versa.

But let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

A064 - T01 - Choosing between a tampon or a pad is one of life’s eternal questions.

Choosing between a tampon or a pad is one of life’s eternal questions.

A145 - ADP - Why do you get cravings on your period? -  Related Articles

A035 Your Menstrual Cycle Phases

A127 - Vaginal Discharge during pregnancy

A127 Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

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Always FlexProtect period pads listing page

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Put quite straightforwardly, brown discharge is caused by bits of blood getting caught up in your discharge, leaving your body. Here is a list of possible reasons why you might be experiencing brown discharge every once in a while:

- __You Have Just Finished Your Period__ Thick brown discharge is often a sign that your body is cleaning itself by flushing out residual blood from your period. Bits may come out with your discharge in the days after you think your period has ended. Older blood tends to turn more brownish. You might see this during your period when the blood is a bright red in the first few days and becomes browner a few days in. See this as a positive thing, as it means that your body is doing a good job of keeping clean.

- __You Are About To Ovulate__ Brown sticky discharge can also occur due to the hormonal changes your body experiences during ovulation. Oestrogen levels rise, prompting your body to release an egg from your ovaries, so the change in discharge texture is completely normal.

- __It’s Not You, It’s Your Birth Control__ Random brown discharge can be your body’s reaction to a new birth control pill or you might have forgotten to take your pill for a few days recently. This is thanks to the hormonal changes, and the spotting should stop as your body adjusts. If you have forgotten to take your birth control pill it’s important to start taking it as soon as possible and consider emergency contraception if you have had intercourse.

- __Your Cervix is Irritated__ The cervix is fairly sensitive, so anything from a slightly careless pelvic examination to vigorous bedroom antics can be causes of brown discharge.

- __You Are Stressed or Depressed__ Stress and depression can cause the lining of the uterus to thin, and parts of it to come away at unexpected times. Try to identify and remove the cause of stress from your life. Take some time out to relax or, if it feels more serious, see a doctor about the way you are feeling. With the right self-care and support, this brown discharge should clear up.

A101 - T01 - What Causes Brown Discharge?

What Causes Brown Discharge?

A0110 - What causes long periods and what does it mean?

The menstrual cycle is affected by various diseases:

- thyroid diseases,
- pituitary tumours,
- adrenal diseases,
- ovarian cysts,
- liver dysfunction,
- coeliac disease,
- diabetes.

A045 - T04 - SUB08 -  Diseases

8. Diseases

Although physical activity during menstruation can offer many benefits, not all types of exercise are appropriate. Listen to your body’s signals and follow any medical advice, especially if you experience heavy bleeding or intense pain. In such cases, consider adjusting your workout plan to avoid overburdening your body.

During menstruation, avoid:
- High-intensity cardio workouts, such as sprints, long-distance runs over 10 km, or fast-paced cycling. These can intensify bleeding and increase lower body tension, leading to more discomfort.
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT).
- Exercises that heavily engage abdominal muscles, such as sit-ups or planks, which can worsen menstrual symptoms. 
- Jumps, for instance, during intense aerobics, as they may intensify bleeding and overstrain the muscles.
- Heavy weightlifting or other demanding strength training in the gym.

__Every woman is different__ - what works for you may not be suitable for a friend. Adjusting your workouts to your own needs is essential during the menstrual cycle.

How to manage periods while playing sports? Do not forget to use appropriate sanitary products, such as [Always Ultra Long pads (size 2) with wings](/en-gb/feminine-products/period-pads/always-ultra/always-ultra-long-sanitary-pads-with-wings/ "Always Ultra Long pads (size 2) with wings.")


A0111 - T04 -Exercising during period – what to avoid?

Exercising during period – what to avoid?

A039 What Is a Sanitary Towel? (What Is a Sanitary Pad?)

What Is a Sanitary Towel?

After this, if your egg is not fertilised, progesterone levels start to drop, signalling to your body to start breaking down the lining of your uterus, as it is no longer needed.
 

This is when you may start to experience symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
 
Read more [here](/en-gb/period-hub/symptoms-explained/when-does-pms-start/ "About PMS") about PMS, what it is, and how to manage it.
 

Then, your body starts all over again with Day 1 of your menstrual cycle.
 
Check out the full range of Always period pads to find the right product and size for you and your flow. Always Ultra come in six sizes to ensure you feel secure and confident day and night, and during light or heavy flow.

A049 - After this, if your egg...

MCBLA03 - Symptoms of an abnormal period

Symptoms of an abnormal period

A067 Symptoms of an abnormal Period

Maybe you made a mistake counting the days since your last period, so you think why is my period delayed, when in fact, it’s right on schedule.

The average [menstrual cycle](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/menstrual-cycle-phases "Menstrual cycle") is 28 days. But most women’s cycles are slightly longer or shorter than this. If your period is just two days late, it may be a result of normal cycle fluctuations from month to month.

Many women have slightly irregular cycles with one month being on, say, a 27-day cycle and the following month a 29-day one. This means that if the previous month’s period came “early”, the next month may seem like it’s “late.” It happens to the best of us.

A045 - T04 - SUB02 -  Miscalculation or normal fluctuation?

2.  Miscalculation or normal fluctuation?

## When abnormal period symptoms are a sign of something else going on.

Extremely heavy periods that get in the way of your life should not be ignored. If you find that you experience heavy menstrual bleeding, you may have a condition called menorrhagia.

Here are some abnormal period symptoms that could mean you have menorrhagia:

- You bleed through a [menstrual pad](/en-gb/period-hub/menstrual-cycle/ "Menstrual pad") or tampon every hour for more than two hours straight
- You notice sudden gushes in your flow
- You bleed for a week or longer
- You need to wake up in the middle of the night to change your pad

Menorrhagia is usually caused by an underlying medical condition that can be addressed by your doctor. Knowing some of the signs and symptoms of abnormal periods due to menorrhagia can help facilitate your doctor’s appointment.

Some of the reasons for menorrhagia that you can discuss with your doctor include:

- Inherited bleeding disorders
- Uterine fibroids, non-cancerous tumours on your uterus
- Polyps, small, benign growths on your uterine lining
- Certain medications

If you think you have menorrhagia, see your doctor. And come prepared! Your doctor will want to know when your period starts and stops, how many pads or tampons you go through in a day and whether they soaked through, and what your period symptoms are.

Keep a log in a notebook of your [abnormal menstruation symptoms](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/what-does-your-first-period-look-like/ "Abnormal menstruation symptoms") and bring it along with you to your doctor visit.

Softness and protection without hampering the comfort is what you probably want the most during your period, even more so if your period in on the heavy side. [Always Platinum Normal](/en-gb/feminine-products/sanitary-towels/always-platinum/always-platinum-normal-sanitary-pads-wings/ "Always Platinum Normal") period pads provide you with all the necessary protection while being also gentle to your skin and extremely effective in absorbing any leakage, so you could feel confident and comfortable through the day!


Having an abnormal period....

One common cause of late periods is [Polycystic Ovary Syndrome](/en-gb/period-hub/symptoms-explained/ovarian-cysts-causes-treatment-and-prevention/ "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome"), aka PCOS, a condition that many women and girls experience.

This is when multiple follicular cysts form on the ovaries. These cysts contain eggs. PCOS is associated with hormonal disruption, which means the eggs may not be released, resulting in delayed, infrequent or absent periods.

PCOS is very common, and often the symptoms of PCOS can be managed with medication. Ask your doctor if you’re concerned.

A045 - T04 - SUB06 - PCOS

6. PCOS

Carousal - A127 - Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

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Worried about brown discharge?

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How Do You Work Out Your Period Cycle?

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Stages of Puberty in Girls

Always Ultra Secure Night (Size 4) sanitary pads

A007 When Is My Next Period Due?

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First Period, How it looks

PH02 / PH03 - ADP -  Menstrual Cycle / Symptoms Explained -  Our Best Sellers

Our Bestsellers

A009 - T01 - What is normal menstrual flow?

What is normal menstrual flow?

A116 The Right Pad to Prevent Leaking (How to Prevent Period Leaks?)

It’s important to be able to plan for your next period. Click here to learn how to work out your period cycle. It's super helpful!

A032 How Do You Work Out Your Period Cycle?

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A045 7 Reasons for a Late Period - Related Products

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Confidence at puberty

ICA01 - What Causes Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods

Every woman at some point in her life experiences crampy menstrual pains. And how to get reduce period pain and cramps? You can start with warm compresses!

A015 How to get rid of period pain and cramps

How to get reduce period pain and cramps

If there’s a silver lining to getting period cramps, it’s that they often start a day or two before your period.

This gives you a nice (if uncomfortable!) heads up that your period is on its way, and enough time to check if your supply of pads and tampons is fully replenished from last month’s period.

You can also start wearing pantyliners to catch that first bit of period blood when it starts.

A015 - Get prepared

Get prepared


Always Ultra Day Normal Sanitary Pads Size 1 13ct (old)

MCPSA04 - How to Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle

Calculate your menstrual cycle

A145-I04-How to manage them?

How to manage them?

Soothe cramps with heat

pregnancy discharge

A015 - How to get rid of period pain and cramps

A015 How to Get Rid of Period Pain and Cramps

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If your period catches you by surprise and you get a stain on your underwear, remember that COLD water and salt work best for getting out blood stains. Then wash as normal with detergent.

A113 - T03 - Stain Smarts

Stain Smarts

FPG02 - How to Dispose a Pad?

How to Dispose a Pad?

First Period Guide

__The treatment of prolonged menstruation depends on the underlying cause. which is why it is essential that you see your doctor as soon as possible to determine if you need to be referred to a gynaecologist.__

A gynaecologist check-up could include taking a detailed medical history, including information about cycle regularity, the duration of menstruation, the amount of bleeding, the presence of clots, and any additional symptoms such as lower abdominal pain or weakness. Yoy may be examined, undergo a transvaginal ultrasound, and undergo blood tests.

Also, make sure to try these [three stretching exercises for menstrual cramps](/en-gb/period-hub/symptoms-explained/3-stretches-for-period-cramps/ "Three stretching exercises for menstrual cramps")


A0110 - T03 - Treatment of long periods

Treatment of long periods

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MCPSA05 - What causes long periods and what does it mean?

Long period

A128-I05-How to prevent it?

How to prevent it?

A045 - FC02 - Menstrual Cycle Length

Menstrual Cycle Length

VDEA07 - How Do I Know If My Discharge Is Normal?

Abnormal discharge?

Is it linked to pregnancy?

Regular physical activity during periods can bring a range of benefits to your health and well-being. [How to cope with menstrual pain and cramps?](/en-gb/period-hub/symptoms-explained/how-to-get-rid-of-period-pain-and-cramps/ "How to cope with menstrual pain and cramps?") __Exercise promotes the production of endorphins – the "happiness hormones" – which act as natural pain relievers.__ As a result, gentle exercise can effectively alleviate menstrual pain and reduce muscle tension, particularly in the pelvic area, lower back, and thighs. Improved blood circulation in these areas further helps to relieve discomfort.
 
Additionally, movement helps reduce lower abdominal bloating, alleviates the feeling of heaviness, and boosts mood, providing relaxation and reducing irritability or insomnia. Even moderate forms of activity, such as walking, yoga, or cycling, offer a natural way to ease many common menstrual discomforts.
 
__Exercise and movement not only provide relief but also improve overall physical fitness__ by strengthening the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. This can make it an excellent tool for supporting both physical and mental well-being during your period.

A0111 - T02 - The impact of exercise on menstruation

The impact of exercise on menstruation

PUE A02 -What Are the Signs of Puberty in Girls?

Signs of Puberty

A045 7 Reasons for a Late Period - Related Articles

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A109 Spotting between periods – causes, symptoms and prevention

Spotting between periods – causes, symptoms and prevention

A012 Article Flash card first Image Bleeding between Periods

A012 Bleeding Between Periods

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A101 - Should I be worried about Brown Discharge

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A045-Late Period- You are menstruating

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Our most read Articles

Why is my period late?

Brown discharge

Calculate your menstrual cycle

Period pains and cramps

Period cravings

Pregnancy discharge

Yeast infection discharge

Low energy before period

Explain Periods and Puberty