Periods
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Understanding my period
What is a menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the time from the first day of a period to the day before the next period starts. This cycle is controlled by the interaction of different hormones and is the body’s way of preparing for pregnancy.
There are 4 phases in the menstrual cycle:
- Menstruation (bleeding) – the uterus (womb) sheds its lining, resulting in bleeding, or a period
- Follicular phase – the pituitary gland produces hormones that stimulate follicle growth, which contain eggs
- Ovulation (release of the egg) – an egg is released into the fallopian tube. This is the most fertile phase of the menstrual cycle
- Luteal phase – if an egg is not fertilised, the egg disintegrates and hormone levels drop. The uterus then prepares for menstruation again, restarting the cycle
What should I expect?
Most periods last about 5 days, but it’s normal for it to be a little shorter or longer. The bleeding is usually heaviest in the first couple of days. When your period is heavier, the blood will usually be red. As your period lightens, the blood may look pink, brown, or even black.
We’ve put together a guide on what your period blood colour might mean. During your period, you'll lose about 20 to 90ml (about 1 to 5 tablespoons) of blood, but some people may bleed a bit more heavily, and that’s okay too. If heavy bleeding is affecting your day-to-day, make sure to speak to your GP. They’ll be able to support you and give further guidance to help.
What is a ‘normal’ period?
Everyone’s period is different, and what’s ‘normal’ for one person might not be the same for another. A good rule to follow is that your period shouldn’t stop you from doing the things you normally enjoy.
If your period is causing pain, discomfort, or getting in the way of your daily life, there’s no need to struggle. There’s help available and your GP can help recommend treatments and remedies to help you feel comfortable during your periods.
Getting your first period
Getting your first period is a big milestone, and feeling a little unsure or nervous about what to expect is completely normal. Everyone’s body is different, so your first period might not look the same as someone else’s.
When will it happen?
Most people start their periods when they’re about 12, but they can start as early as 8. It usually starts after other signs of puberty, like breast development and pubic hair.
How often will it come?
After your first period, it might take a few months for your cycle to become regular. Some people get their period every 23 to 35 days, but it can be different for everyone.
What will it look like?
Your first period may be very light, with brown or reddish spotting, or it might be more like regular period blood. Both are normal.
How long will it last?
Periods usually last between 2 to 7 days. It might be shorter or longer, especially in the beginning.
It’s important to see a GP if your periods have not started by age 15, or 13 if you don’t have any other signs of puberty. Your GP might suggest a blood test to look at your hormone levels.
Being ready for your child's first period can help make the experience smoother. To help you get ready, we've put together a guide for everything you need to know for your child's first period. It’s also important to remind teens that periods are a normal part of life, and everyone experiences them differently. You can encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling and let them know they’re not alone.
If you’re a parent or caregiver, supporting a teen through their first period is important. Here are some ways you can help:
- Open communication – make sure your child feels comfortable coming to you with questions about their period. Be open, non-judgmental and patient
- Teach the basics – explain how to use period products like pads, tampons and menstrual cups, and show them how to track their cycle
- Reassure them – let them know that it’s okay if their period is irregular at first or if they feel emotional. It’s all part of growing up
Irregular periods can be frustrating, but there are many reasons they might happen, and most of the time they aren’t something to worry about. A lot of people who have periods get them about every 28 days, but this can vary for everyone. Your cycle could range from 23 to 35 days, and that’s completely normal.
Here are some signs that your period might be irregular:
- The number of days between your periods keeps changing
- The amount of blood during your period varies a lot from one month to the next
- Your periods come closer together – less than 21 days between the start of 1 and the start of the next
- Your periods are farther apart – longer than 35 days between the start of 1 period and the next
It’s common for cycles to be a bit irregular, especially when you first start having periods. However, irregular periods can also be caused by everyday stress, health conditions or pregnancy.
Irregular periods are usually caused by changes in hormones, like oestrogen and progesterone. Changes in hormone levels can happen during the following life stages:
- Puberty – it can take up to 2 years for your periods to settle into a regular pattern
- Pregnancy – periods stop during pregnancy, but some people experience spotting early on. It’s important to call your midwife or GP immediately if you have any bleeding from your vagina
- Breastfeeding – many people don’t have periods when they’re exclusively breastfeeding, but it’s still possible to get pregnant, so you should consider contraception if you're not planning another pregnancy
- Menopause – irregular periods are common before menopause, and the amount of bleeding can vary from one cycle to the next
Other causes of irregular periods include:
- Everyday stress
- Weight gain or loss
- Eating disorders
- Extreme exercise
- Hormonal contraception
Some health conditions can also lead to irregular or heavy periods, such as:
- Endometriosis – a condition where tissue like the lining of the womb is found elsewhere in the body
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – an infection affecting the womb, ovaries, or fallopian tubes
- Fibroids – non-cancerous growths that develop in the wall of the womb
- Adenomyosis – when the tissue lining the womb grows into the muscular wall of the womb
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries work
- Thyroid problems
In rare cases, irregular or heavy periods can be a sign of more serious issues, like womb or cervical cancer. These cancers may cause bleeding between periods, after menopause, or during sex. If you have any of these symptoms or if you’re worried, it’s important to speak to your doctor.
Speak to your GP if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Your periods are irregular
- Your periods last longer than seven days
- Your periods are irregular and you’re struggling to get pregnant
- You have irregular periods and other symptoms like gaining weight, feeling tired, oily or dry skin and excess hair growth on your face and body
- Experiencing changes to your period
Before your visit, it can be helpful to track your periods using a calendar, diary or app.
Symptoms before a period
Period pain
Period pain is one of the most common symptoms during a period. These are aches or pains in your lower belly or back that usually happen when the muscles of your womb contract to help shed its lining. For some, these cramps are mild, but for others, they can be more painful.
If you’re struggling to manage your period pain, it could be caused by a health condition. We’ve covered some of these in the ‘Menstrual disorders’ section of the page.
There’s information on how to manage period pain in the ‘Managing period pain’ section of the page.
Before a period, many girls, women and people who menstruate might experience a variety of symptoms. These can range from mild discomfort to more intense feelings, and they can be part of your body's natural cycle.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
PMS is the name for the group of symptoms that people who have periods can experience in the weeks before their period starts. It’s something that can affect anyone who has a menstrual cycle and there’s help available if PMS is affecting your everyday life.
It’s not fully understood why people experience PMS, but it might be linked to changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle. Some people may be more sensitive to these hormonal changes than others.
With the right support, you can find ways to manage your PMS symptoms and feel more comfortable throughout your cycle.
Symptoms of PMS
Everyone’s experience of PMS is different, and your symptoms might even change from month to month. However, most people will have PMS at some point. The most common symptoms include:
- Mood swings
- Changes in emotions, like feeling low, irritable, anxious or upset
- Feeling tired
- Having trouble sleeping
- Bloating or cramping
- Having tender breasts
- Headaches
- Spotty skin or greasy hair
- Changes in appetite
- Craving certain foods
It's common to notice changes in your mood and emotions around the time of your period. These changes are caused by the shift in hormone levels during your menstrual cycle, and they can impact both your body and your mental health.
For some people, these emotional changes are mild, but for others, they can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are ways to manage these feelings, and help is available if you need it.
As your period approaches, you might notice emotional changes like:
- Feeling more emotional or sensitive than usual
- Mood swings, where you feel happy one moment and upset the next
- Irritability or frustration over things that wouldn’t normally bother you
- Trouble sleeping, which can make you feel more tired and affect your mood
These changes are often linked to a drop in hormone levels, especially oestrogen and progesterone, which happens before your period starts. It's a normal part of your cycle, but it can still be challenging to deal with.
For some people, the emotional impact of their menstrual cycle can be more severe. This is known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which is a more intense form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD can cause:
- Severe mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or tearful
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling out of control
PMDD typically begins a week or 2 before your period and usually improves within a few days of your period starting. If you think you might have PMDD, it’s important to talk to your doctor, as there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms.
There are several ways to manage the emotional effects of your period and feel more in control:
- Staying active – gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming, can help support your mood and ease stress
- Getting enough rest
- Eating a balanced diet
- Practising relaxation – activities like meditation, deep breathing, or listening to calming music can help manage feelings of stress or anxiety
- Sharing how you're feeling with a friend, family member, or counsellor can make a big difference
If your period is seriously affecting your mental health and daily life, it's important to reach out for help.
It’s important to speak to your GP if:
- Your mood swings, anxiety, or depression feel unmanageable
- You’re finding it hard to go about your day because of your emotions
- You think you might have PMDD or other concerns about how your period is affecting your mental health
Your doctor can offer advice, support, and treatments that can help. If needed, they might also suggest talking therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you manage your emotions.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or are at risk of harming yourself or others, please call 111, speak to your GP or the Samaritans on 116 123, or text Shout on 85258.
When to see a GP
While many period symptoms are normal, if you find that your symptoms are making it hard to go about your daily life, you should speak to your GP.
Severe cramps, heavy bleeding, or extreme mood swings could be signs of a health condition that needs more attention. There are treatments and ways to manage these symptoms, so it’s important to ask for medical help if you need it.
Remember, everyone’s experience with their period is different, but understanding what’s happening and knowing when to seek help can make it easier to manage.
Talk to a GP if:
- Your periods are making it hard to go about your normal activities
- You're worried about changes in your period. For instance, it's becoming much heavier or lasting much longer than usual
- You’re experiencing pain that feels too much to handle
- Your periods become more painful, heavier or irregular
- You’re bleeding between periods
- You have pain during sex or when weeing or pooing
Keeping track of your period using a calendar, diary, or app can be helpful.
If your period pain is severe, your GP might recommend:
- Anti-inflammatory medicines to help reduce pain
- A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine – a small device that uses gentle electrical pulses to help with pain. TENS can only provide temporary pain relief from minor aches and pains when used alongside traditional pain medication
- Contraceptives which might make your periods lighter and less painful
Managing period pain
It's normal to feel some pain or discomfort before or during your period, but there are ways to make it easier to manage. Most period pain is a normal part of your cycle.
Period pain usually starts around the beginning of your period. You might have period pain if:
- You feel pain in your tummy right before or at the start of your period
- You experience cramps in your tummy that may spread to your back or thighs
- You feel either a sharp pain or a dull ache in your lower belly
Although it can be uncomfortable, there are things you can do to help ease the pain and continue with your day-to-day activities.
There are a few simple ways you can relieve period pain and feel more comfortable:
- Take a warm bath or shower to relax your muscles
- Use a heat pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on your tummy
- Try gently massaging your tummy or back
- Do some light exercise, such as yoga, swimming, walking, or cycling
- Take pain relief medicines, if they’re suitable for you, like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help manage the pain
- Cutting down on alcohol and avoiding smoking may also help ease period pain over time.
Period pain is usually caused by your womb tightening as it sheds its lining, which is a normal part of the menstrual cycle. However, in some cases, painful periods can be a sign of another condition, such as:
- Endometriosis or adenomyosis
- Fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
If you've recently had an intrauterine device (IUD) fitted, you may also experience period pain, especially during the first few months.
If you’d like to try TENS, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP first. Although TENS machines can be bought over the counter, it’s important to have an assessment with your GP to find out if it’s appropriate for you.
TENS isn’t safe for everyone. Don’t use one without speaking to your doctor if:
- You have a pacemaker or another type of electrical or metal implant
- You’re pregnant or there’s a chance you might be pregnant (TENS isn’t usually recommended early in pregnancy)
- You have epilepsy or a heart problem
- You have an overactive bladder
If you’re struggling with your period pain, you can also try the Boots Online Doctor Period Pain Relief Treatment Service2 for discreet and convenient treatment. You can access advice and treatment to help soothe your discomfort.
If the pain doesn't get better with these treatments, your GP might refer you to a specialist, like a gynaecologist, for further tests like an ultrasound scan. If another condition is causing the pain, treating that condition can help.
We’ve put together a guide to help take the discomfort out of your period.
Managing PMS pain
How can I help my PMS?
There are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms of PMS and feel more comfortable during this time.
You can try:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet – some people find eating smaller meals more frequently, every 2 to 3 hours helps
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Reducing everyday stress by trying yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques
- Taking pain relief medicines like ibuprofen or paracetamol to help with pain
- Keeping a diary of your symptoms for at least 2 menstrual cycles, and sharing it with your GP if needed
You should try to:
If your PMS symptoms are affecting your daily life and lifestyle changes aren’t helping, it’s a good idea to see your GP. They can give you advice on treatments that might work for you.
Treating & managing PMS
If your symptoms don’t improve with lifestyle changes, a GP may suggest other treatments, including:
- Hormonal medicine, like the contraceptive pill
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help manage emotional symptoms
- Antidepressants for more severe cases
If these treatments don’t help, your GP might refer you to a specialist like a gynaecologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor for further support.
Some people find that complementary therapies and dietary supplements help with PMS symptoms, although there isn’t much strong evidence to support their effectiveness.
It’s important to always check with your GP or pharmacist if you’re thinking about starting any supplements if you’re already taking other medicines.
Navigating your period
Periods can sometimes feel like they get in the way of daily life, but with a little planning and care, there are ways to stay comfortable and manage your period, whether you're exercising, travelling, or just going about your day.
Exercise
Exercising during your period can help ease some symptoms, like cramps and bloating. Moving your body boosts circulation and releases endorphins, which are natural mood-lifters and pain-relievers. You don’t have to push yourself, gentle exercises like walking, swimming, yoga, or stretching can be very beneficial.
Nutrition
- What you eat during your period can affect how you feel.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables - eating a healthy balanced diet is an important part of helping to maintain good health
- Include iron-rich foods – if you menstruate, you might need more iron, so try to eat foods like spinach, beans and lean meats
- Drink plenty of water – staying hydrated helps reduce bloating and headaches
Period delay
Sometimes, you might want to delay your period for an important event or trip. There are medications that can help delay your period, but they should be used with guidance from your doctor. If you’re interested in delaying your period, we’ve put together a guide that can help.
Tracking your period
Keeping track of your menstrual cycle can help you predict when your next period will start (if you have regular periods) and better understand your body.
You can use a calendar, a diary, or a period-tracking app to record:
- When your period starts and ends
- How heavy your flow is
- Any symptoms like cramps, bloating or mood changes
Tracking your period helps you plan, especially if you have upcoming events, trips or activities.
Tips for exercising during your period:
- Listen to your body – if you're feeling tired, choose a low-intensity workout
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially if you're sweating
- Wear comfortable period products – if you’re doing more physical activities, consider using tampons, menstrual cups, or period-proof underwear to feel secure
If you’re trans or non-binary, dealing with periods can sometimes feel challenging, but there are ways to make it easier:
- Use period products that make you feel most comfortable. Some people prefer tampons or menstrual cups over pads for more discretion
- Choose period-proof underwear that can feel more gender-affirming and comfortable
Remember, if your period is causing stress or discomfort, there are healthcare providers who can offer advice and solutions to make things more manageable.
Period products
Period products are used to soak up or collect the blood released during your period. There are several types, each with its own way of helping to keep you comfortable and protected.
Each of these products works differently, so you can choose the one that feels best for you and fits your lifestyle. Whether you prefer pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or period underwear, there’s an option out there to help you manage your period comfortably.
Pads are strips of padding with a sticky side that you attach to your underwear to hold them in place.
The absorbent side of the pad soaks up the blood.
Pads come in different sizes, so you can pick one that matches how heavy or light your period is.
Pantyliners are a smaller, thinner type of pad that’s great for days when your period is very light.
Tampons are small tubes of cotton wool that you insert into your vagina to soak up the blood before it leaves your body.
There are 2 types of tampons: ones with an applicator and ones without. The applicator helps you insert the tampon, but both types have a string at one end that you pull to remove it.
If the tampon is inserted correctly, you shouldn't feel it. If it feels uncomfortable, it might not be in the right position.
Menstrual cups are another option instead of pads or tampons.
These cups are made from silicone and are placed inside your vagina. As menstrual cups collect the blood, they’ll need to be emptied, washed thoroughly and reinserted.
We’ve put together a guide on everything you need to know about menstrual cups.
Period underwear looks like regular underwear but is made from absorbent fabric.
These pants soak up blood like a pad and have a special layer to prevent leaks.
Period underwear is also reusable – you just wash them after use and wear them again.
Menstrual health & hygiene
Menstrual health and hygiene are important topics to understand when you’re managing your period. It's about staying clean, comfortable and feeling your best during this time.
It's important to note that when we talk about ‘hygiene’ it doesn't mean that periods are dirty, because they're not. Periods are a natural and healthy part of life.
Taking care of yourself during your period can help you to stay healthy. This means regularly changing your period products, whether you use pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or period underwear to help keep yourself clean and help prevent any discomfort or irritation.
Change period products regularly
Whether you’re using pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup, it’s important to change them regularly. Pads and tampons should be changed every 4 to 6 hours, and menstrual cups should be emptied and cleaned according to the instructions provided.
It’s also important to remember to wash your hands before and after using a period product.
Wash regularly
Taking a shower or bath daily can help to keep your body clean. You don’t need any special soaps, just use warm water. You can use an emollient as a soap substitute if needed. Make sure to clean around your vagina gently without using harsh soaps or douches, as these can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria.
Wear comfortable clothing
Opt for breathable, cotton underwear and loose clothing to help you stay comfortable. Tight clothing might make you feel more uncomfortable or cause chafing.
Dispose of products properly
Used pads, tampons, or pantyliners should be wrapped up in tissue or the wrapper they came in and thrown in the bin. Menstrual cups can be washed and reused, so make sure to clean them according to the instructions.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious condition caused by an infection. It can happen if bacteria enters the body through an infected wound or from using period products like tampons or menstrual cups.
TSS can develop quickly, so if you notice any signs or symptoms, you need to get urgent medical help. TSS symptoms may feel like the flu at first. These include:
- A high temperature (fever)
- Muscle aches
- A rough, raised skin rash that feels like sandpaper
- Flu-like symptoms, like tiredness or feeling generally unwell
TSS can affect anyone, and it’s important to act fast if you notice any of the following symptoms in yourself or someone else.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you:
- Are confused
- Have slurred speech or aren’t making sense
- Have blue, grey, pale, or blotchy skin, lips, or tongue (this might be easier to spot on palms or soles if you have brown or black skin)
- Have a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
- Have difficulty breathing or very fast breathing
- Have large areas of peeling skin
If you have any of these symptoms, don’t drive yourself to A&E. Make sure to ask someone else to take you or call 999 for an ambulance. If you are worried that you might have TSS and you’re using a tampon or menstrual cup, remove it right away. Then, contact NHS 111 or visit the 111 website for advice. Your chances of developing TSS are higher if you’ve had it before, so be cautious if this is the case. If you’re diagnosed with TSS, you’ll need to be treated in a hospital immediately. Although TSS is rare, there are things you can do to lower the risk of getting it or spreading the bacteria that cause it.
Make sure to:
- Always wash your hands before and after using tampons, menstrual cups, diaphragms, or contraceptive caps
- Follow the instructions for how long to use period products and don’t leave them in longer than recommended
- Keep cuts, wounds, and burns clean, and watch for signs of infection like swelling, rash, or pain
If you’ve had TSS before, your doctor may recommend avoiding tampons or contraceptive devices like caps and diaphragms.
Menstrual disorders
Menstrual disorders refer to any unusual changes in your period, which can range from heavy or painful periods to missing periods altogether.
Before you speak to your GP about any problems you’re having with your period, it can be useful to keep a diary of your symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle. This can help to give your GP an idea of what’s happening and when.
What causes menstrual disorders?
Menstrual disorders can happen for lots of reasons, such as hormone changes, certain medical conditions, and stress. They could be caused by:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids – non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can make periods heavier and more painful
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Stress or weight changes
- Adenomyosis – a condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus starts to grow into the muscle walls of the uterus. This can make your periods heavier and more painful because the uterus becomes thicker and has to work harder to shed its lining each month
Having pain during your period is common, but some people have very intense pain, known as dysmenorrhea. This pain can happen in your lower belly and sometimes spreads to your lower back or thighs. There are two types of dysmenorrhea:
- Primary dysmenorrhea – this is period pain that isn’t caused by any particular health condition. It usually begins when your period comes, but it might start before
- Secondary dysmenorrhea – this is period pain that’s caused by other health conditions like endometriosis or fibroids
Some people have much heavier periods, which is called menorrhagia. A normal period usually involves losing around 20ml to 90ml (about 1 to 5 tablespoons) of blood.
You might have heavy periods if:
- You need to change your tampon or pad every 1 to 2 hours or empty your menstrual cup more often than recommended
- You need to use two types of period products together like a pad or a tampon
- Your periods last longer than 7 days
- You’re passing blood clots that are larger than a 10p coin (2.5cm)
- You’re bleeding through your clothes or bedding
- You’re avoiding daily activities, like exercise or you take time off work because of your periods
- You feel short of breath a lot or you’re tired
Amenorrhea is when someone doesn’t get their period:
- Primary amenorrhea – this happens when you haven’t started your period by age 16
- Secondary amenorrhea – this occurs when someone who has had regular periods suddenly stops having them for 3 cycles or for 6 months or more
If your periods are more than 35 days apart, and you have less than 9 cycles a year, this is called oligomenorrhea. If your periods are painful, very heavy, or irregular in a way that’s affecting your everyday life, it’s important to speak to a GP. They can help figure out what’s going on and recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms.
Convenient care with Boots Online Doctor
Boots presents Taboo Talks
A bloody good chat about periods, with Lottie Drynan & Dr Brooke Vandermolen
Join host Vogue Williams for an informative and funny chat about periods and hormones with body confidence campaigner Lottie Drynan and ‘Obgyn Mum’ Dr. Brooke Vandermolen. Lottie shares her experiences with her cycle, the stigma surrounding periods, and her dramatic introduction to using a menstrual cup. Dr. Vandermolen provides scientific insights on hormones, moods, pain, and cramps, discussing what is considered “normal,” what’s “worrying,” and whether the conversation is becoming less taboo.
Your guide to periods
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s possible, but not very likely. Sperm can live inside your body for up to 5 days, so if you have a shorter cycle and ovulate soon after your period ends, there’s a chance you could get pregnant. It’s always a good idea to use contraception if you’re not planning to get pregnant, even during your period.
Menstrual cups are small, flexible cups made from silicone or rubber that you insert into your vagina to collect, rather than absorb, period blood.
The amount of time you can leave one in your vagina depends on your flow. It’s important to follow the instructions for the product you choose. Once you remove it, you empty the blood, wash the cup, and reinsert it. They’re reusable, eco-friendly, and a great option if you want longer-lasting protection.
There’s a popular myth that periods can sync up with people you spend a lot of time with, like friends. While it might seem like this happens, there’s no solid scientific evidence to support the idea. It’s likely just a coincidence since everyone’s cycle is different in length and timing.
Yes, period pants are a great option. They’re made from absorbent fabric that can hold period blood, like a pad, but built into underwear.
They come in different absorbency levels, so you can choose what works best for your flow. They’re comfortable, reusable and a great alternative to traditional period products like pads or tampons.
Yes, small blood clots during your period are completely normal. They usually happen when your flow is heavier, and your body is shedding the lining of your uterus. However, if you’re noticing large clots (bigger than a 10p coin) or if your period is unusually heavy, make sure to speak to your GP.
It’s recommended to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours, depending on your flow. Never leave a tampon in for longer than 8 hours, as it can increase the risk of infections like toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
If your tampon feels uncomfortable or leaks before then, it’s a sign to change it sooner.
2Access to prescription-only treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
