Millions of women in UK face severe period pain but symptoms dismissed, survey finds

Severe pain, heavy bleeding and irregular cycles are common symptoms in women and girls with gynaecological conditions. Photograph: Aleksandr Davydov/Alamy

Millions of women and girls experience debilitating periods, yet nearly one-third never seek medical help, and more than half say their symptoms are not taken seriously, according to research.

A survey of 3,000 women and girls for the Wellbeing of Women charity found that they are often dismissed as “just having a period”, despite experiencing severe pain, heavy bleeding and irregular cycles that can lead to mental health problems.