Heavy bleeding – what it might mean. Flooding, clots larger than a 50 cent coin, soaking through protection every hour: this is not normal. It can signal fibroids, adenomyosis, thyroid dysfunction or oestrogen dominance. It's also one of the leading causes of iron deficiency in women, which is chronically under-tested.

Painful periods – what they might mean. Some cramping is normal. Pain that stops you functioning is not. Severe dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) is associated with endometriosis, adenomyosis and PCOS. If you've been told to just take ibuprofen and get on with it, you deserve a better answer than that.

A very light or short period – what it might mean. A suddenly light flow or a period that lasts only 1 - 2 days can point to low oestrogen, undereating (especially low fat intake), over-exercising, thyroid issues or the early stages of perimenopause. Light doesn't always mean fine.

Brown or dark blood at the start or end – what it might mean. Old blood that's been sitting in the uterus longer than it should. This is often linked to slow uterine clearing, low progesterone or in some cases endometriosis. Occasional spotting is normal. Consistently dark, slow-starting periods are worth discussing with a doctor.

No period at all (and you're not pregnant) – what it might mean. Hypothalamic amenorrhoea - the loss of your period due to stress, underfuelling, or excessive exercise - is your body's most dramatic way of saying: something needs to change. It also means your bone density is at risk. This is not a sign your body is efficient. It's a distress signal.