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Menstruation

Feature: Heavy periods

During her period a woman loses about 20 to 60 ml of blood – about the amount of 4 to 12 teaspoons. When a woman loses a lot more blood or feels very bothered by heavy periods in everyday life, this is called hypermenorrhea. You can find out more about how other women cope with heavy periods and what treatment options can help.

Feature: Period pains

Period pain is a common problem, affecting nearly half of all women. Some women’s pain is so severe that they are unable to do everyday things, like going to work or school, on one to three days per month. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve severe period pain. You can find out more in our information.

Feature: Premenstrual syndrome

They can be a mystery for women, too: the days leading up to the period. Out of the blue, women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) feel depressed, irritable, find it hard to concentrate, or cry easily. There are different strategies to cope with these symptoms. You can read more about it here.

Research summaries

Premenstrual syndrome: Can dietary supplements help relieve the symptoms?

Calcium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) may be able to relieve mood swings, breast soreness and other symptoms some women regularly experience in the days leading up to their periods. more...

Heavy menstrual bleeding: How does hysterectomy compare with less major surgical procedures?

Endometrial surgery can achieve similar symptom relief to hysterectomy (removal of the womb), but with a much lower risk of adverse effects. However, about 1 in 5 women who has an endometrial procedure is likely to have another operation within 2 years. more...

Period pains: Can anti-inflammatory drugs help?

Anti-inflammatory drugs like acetylsalicylic acid or ASA (ASS in German), diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve severe period pain. These drugs occasionally have adverse effects like headache or indigestion. more...

Premenstrual syndrome: Can relaxation techniques or psychological treatments relieve the symptoms?

Premenstrual syndrome can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as with medications for depression (antidepressants). It has not been scientifically proven which method is better. But research suggests that CBT can relieve symptoms of depression and that, in women it has helped, its effects last longer than antidepressant medication. more...