What to expect when you see your doctor

55% of women are yet to speak with their GP about their menstrual health2.
Many women find it uncomfortable or embarrassing to talk about their period, but you don’t have to live with heavy periods.

Preparing for your first appointment

Talking about your period can be embarrassing. It’s uncomfortable having to talk about how heavy your flow is, or how much blood you lose every month. But here’s what you should know: heavy bleeding is incredibly common. 1 in 4 women experience heavy periods that restrict them to carry on with normal daily tasks1. Some miss work, the gym, family outings, and even sex.

It’s time to let go of the idea that heavy periods are the norm. There is help available, and it starts with a conversation between you and your doctor. Before you see your GP it’s always wise to be prepared. This ensures you get the most out of your visit, your questions answered and avoid walking out with regrets, so follow this guide to make the most of your visit.

 

What to Prepare

What to Expect

As well as asking general questions about your period and how it affects you, your doctor may perform or request several tests. Don’t be concerned if your doctor suggests a test for pregnancy or chlamydia – it’s standard practice.

Find out more about Treatments, which outline the most common treatment options, to discuss with your doctor. Be prepared that you might not walk out of your appointment with a treatment plan. It’s likely that your doctor will need more information before he or she can talk about treatment options with you. However, your doctor should discuss the next step with you.

  • Physical exam, which may include an internal exam
  • Cervical screening test
  • Blood test to check for iron deficiency
  • Ultrasound
  • Check your blood pressure and heart rate

Find a Gynaecologist

You can use this tool to find a doctor near you who specialises in the treatment of
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

1.Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, Clinical Care Standards for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, October 2017. 2. Two Blind Mice. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Market Research Quantitative survey with 5,000 Australian women. (2023).