Private menstrual & period problems treatment in Preston
Whether you're experiencing heavy periods, painful periods, irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, or bleeding between periods, a prompt medical assessment can help identify the underlying cause and guide the most appropriate treatment.
Confidential · Same-Day Appointments · No Referral Needed
Expert assessment & personalised care
Menstrual and period problems are common and can affect women of all ages. If you're looking for private treatment for menstrual and period problems in Preston, Dr Faizal Secretary provides personalised assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in a professional and confidential setting.
At My Private Clinic, we offer comprehensive women's health assessments, appropriate investigations, and ongoing follow-up to support your reproductive and hormonal health. Appointments are available face-to-face at our Fulwood clinic, by telephone, by secure video consultation, and same-day where available. No registration is required, and you can continue to remain registered with your NHS GP.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534
Causes & symptoms
Menstrual and period problems can affect women at any stage of life and may have a variety of underlying causes. They aren't always a sign of a serious condition, but persistent or significant changes should be medically assessed.
May be associated with
- Hormonal changes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Adenomyosis
- Perimenopause
- Thyroid disorders
- Certain medications
- Pregnancy-related changes
- Other underlying gynaecological or medical conditions
Common symptoms
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Painful periods (period cramps)
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Missed or absent periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Prolonged or unusually short periods
- Pelvic pain during or between periods
- Passing large blood clots
- Symptoms affecting your daily activities or quality of life
Some conditions, including endometriosis and fibroids, are explained in the patient information published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. You can also read the NHS guide to periods. If your symptoms may be related to hormonal changes during your 40s or 50s, you can also explore our menopause & perimenopause care.
When should you seek medical advice?
You should consider seeking medical advice if:
- Your periods become unusually heavy or prolonged
- You experience severe period pain that affects your daily activities
- Your periods become irregular or stop unexpectedly (and you're not pregnant)
- You have bleeding between periods or after sex
- You pass large blood clots during your period
- You experience dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath alongside heavy bleeding
- Your menstrual symptoms are affecting your quality of life or causing concern
Not all menstrual or period problems are caused by the same condition. A thorough assessment helps identify the underlying cause and guide the most appropriate treatment. The NHS also publishes guidance on period pain. If you need to be seen quickly, you may be able to book a same-day appointment, subject to availability.
How we diagnose menstrual & period problems
Diagnosis begins with understanding your symptoms, menstrual history, and overall health. As changes in your menstrual cycle can have many possible causes, a thorough assessment is important before treatment is recommended.
During your consultation, Dr Faizal Secretary will discuss your symptoms, menstrual cycle and medical history, review any medications, contraception or relevant family history, assess how your symptoms are affecting your daily life, perform an examination where clinically appropriate, and recommend blood tests or further investigations where clinically indicated.
If investigations are recommended, they may include:
- Blood tests to assess hormone levels, thyroid function, or iron deficiency where appropriate
- Pregnancy testing where clinically indicated
- Referral for a pelvic ultrasound if further assessment is required
- Referral to a specialist where clinically appropriate
Once your assessment is complete, we explain your diagnosis and discuss the findings, recommend the most appropriate treatment, develop a personalised management plan, and arrange follow-up where appropriate. Our aim is to identify the underlying cause — and if specialist assessment is needed, we can arrange onward referral through our specialist referral service.
Treatment for menstrual & period problems
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms, your menstrual history, and your overall health. Our assessment and management are guided by current evidence-based practice, including relevant NICE guidance on heavy menstrual bleeding. Where clinically appropriate, treatment may include:
Symptom Management Advice
Practical advice on managing menstrual symptoms and improving quality of life.
Medication
Medication to help manage heavy bleeding, pain, or hormonal imbalance, where clinically appropriate.
Contraception Review
Review of your current contraception if it may be contributing to your symptoms — or could help manage them.
Further Investigation
Referral for further investigations or specialist assessment where required.
Ongoing Follow-Up
Monitoring your symptoms and response to treatment over time.
Our aim is to relieve your symptoms, identify any underlying cause, and support your long-term reproductive health and wellbeing. Your current contraception may be reviewed as part of this.
Our menstrual & period problems services
Following your assessment, Dr Faizal Secretary will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and any investigations where clinically appropriate.
Private Women's Health Consultations
Comprehensive assessment to identify the cause of your menstrual or period problems.
Blood Tests
Blood tests where clinically appropriate to investigate hormonal imbalance, iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, or other underlying conditions.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Individual treatment recommendations tailored to your symptoms, diagnosis, and overall health.
Medication Review
Assessment of current medications or contraception where they may be contributing to your symptoms or form part of your management plan.
Ongoing Monitoring & Follow-Up
Regular reviews to monitor your symptoms and response to treatment.
Specialist Referral
Referral for further investigations or specialist gynaecology assessment where clinically appropriate.
What happens during your consultation?
Discussion
We'll discuss your symptoms, menstrual cycle, medical history, current medications, and any concerns about your health.
Assessment
We'll determine whether blood tests, further investigations, or specialist referral are appropriate, and explain your diagnosis and treatment options.
Personalised Treatment Plan
You'll receive a personalised treatment plan based on your individual needs. Where clinically appropriate, this may include medication, review of your contraception, ongoing monitoring, or specialist referral.
Pricing for private menstrual & period problems consultations
There is no registration fee or joining fee, and you'll receive personalised care from the same experienced GP throughout your assessment and treatment.
The cost of any prescribed medication, blood tests, additional investigations, or specialist referrals is payable separately where applicable. Any additional costs will always be discussed with you before proceeding. View the full pricing page →
Why patients choose My Private Clinic for period problems
- Confidential, GP-led care in a professional and supportive environment
- The same doctor every time, ensuring continuity throughout your assessment and treatment
- Longer, unhurried appointments to discuss your symptoms and concerns
- Personalised treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comprehensive investigations where clinically appropriate
- Flexible appointment options — face-to-face, telephone and secure video consultations
- No NHS GP referral required, allowing you to book directly at a time that suits you
From your initial consultation through to ongoing follow-up, our focus is on providing compassionate, evidence-based care that supports your reproductive health and overall wellbeing.
Expert care from Dr Faizal Secretary
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered private GP with extensive experience in NHS general practice and acute medicine. He provides personalised assessment and treatment for menstrual and period problems, tailored to each patient's individual needs. As part of our wider women's health services, Dr Secretary also supports patients with a range of reproductive and hormonal health concerns.
"Every woman deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported through every stage of her health journey."
Dr Faizal Secretary, MBChB MRCGP · Read the full profile →
Menstrual & period problems — FAQs
Are menstrual and period problems common?
Yes. Many women experience changes in their menstrual cycle at some stage of life. While some changes are normal, persistent or significant symptoms should be assessed to identify any underlying cause.
Can hormonal changes affect my periods?
Yes. Hormonal changes can affect the timing, duration, and flow of your periods. This may occur during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, or because of certain medical conditions.
Will I need blood tests?
Not everyone requires blood tests. However, they may be recommended where clinically appropriate to investigate hormonal imbalance, iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, or other underlying conditions.
Will I need a pelvic ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound isn't required for everyone. If clinically appropriate, it may be recommended to investigate conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, or other causes of abnormal bleeding.
Can contraception help manage period problems?
In some cases, yes. Depending on the underlying cause of your symptoms, contraception may be discussed as one of several management options.
Can stress affect my menstrual cycle?
Yes. Stress can sometimes affect hormone levels and contribute to changes in your menstrual cycle, including delayed or missed periods.
Could my symptoms be related to perimenopause?
Yes. If you're in your 40s or 50s, changes in your menstrual cycle may be associated with perimenopause. A medical assessment can help determine the underlying cause.
Do I need an NHS GP referral?
No. You can book directly with My Private Clinic for a confidential consultation without an NHS GP referral.
Can I have a consultation by telephone or video?
Yes. Telephone and secure video consultations are available for many patients. If a face-to-face assessment is clinically required, this will be discussed during your consultation.
When should I be concerned about heavy periods?
You should seek medical advice if your periods become unusually heavy, last longer than usual, contain large blood clots, or affect your daily activities. A medical assessment can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Can irregular periods affect fertility?
Irregular periods may sometimes be associated with conditions that affect ovulation and fertility. If you're concerned about your menstrual cycle or planning a pregnancy, a medical assessment can help determine whether further investigations are needed.
Is it normal to have painful periods?
Mild period discomfort is common, but severe pain that interferes with your daily life isn't considered normal. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed to identify any underlying cause.
Can thyroid problems affect my menstrual cycle?
Yes. An overactive or underactive thyroid can affect hormone levels and lead to irregular, heavy, or absent periods. Blood tests may be recommended where clinically appropriate.
Can polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cause irregular periods?
Yes. PCOS is a common hormonal condition that can cause irregular or absent periods, along with other symptoms such as acne or excessive hair growth. Further assessment may be recommended if PCOS is suspected.
What causes bleeding between periods?
Bleeding between periods can have several causes, including hormonal changes, contraception, infection, or underlying gynaecological conditions. It's important to have unexpected bleeding assessed by a healthcare professional.
Can lifestyle factors affect my menstrual cycle?
Yes. Stress, significant weight changes, excessive exercise, poor nutrition, and certain medications can all affect your menstrual cycle. A medical assessment can help determine whether these or other factors are contributing to your symptoms.
Can menstrual problems be a sign of another health condition?
Yes. Menstrual changes can sometimes be associated with hormonal disorders, thyroid disease, fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, or other medical conditions. Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of your assessment.
Book a private menstrual & period problems consultation in Preston
Whether you're experiencing heavy periods, painful periods, irregular menstrual cycles, or other menstrual concerns, Dr Faizal Secretary provides personalised, GP-led care in a professional and supportive setting. Patients from Preston and across Lancashire can access comprehensive assessment, tailored treatment, and ongoing follow-up — in person, by telephone or video consultation, with evening and Saturday appointments at our Fulwood clinic.