Hello! We are Midwives Lelystad and understand that menstrual complaints are not something you just talk about. Yet almost everyone with a uterus will have to deal with this at some point. Whether you are struggling with a cycle that goes all over the place, heavy bleeding, cramps that ruin your day, or just want to understand what is going on in your body, we will help you with information and tricks that work.

In this piece, we’ll take you through all things menstrual health. We’ll explain what’s normal, what might not be, and when it’s best to call in an expert. Plus, we’ll give you practical tips to make those days a little easier. Let’s break the silence together and make sure you’re well-informed about your cycle. Will you join us?

What are menstrual complaints and how do you notice them?

Menstrual complaints come in all shapes and sizes, from minor irritations to things that really mess up your day. It's good to know what to look out for. Pain is a common guest – from mild cramps to a nagging feeling that you can't ignore. Other hints include a lot of blood or just almost nothing, a cycle without a pattern, or if your period is absent without you being pregnant.

Your mood or energy can also play a role – think of suddenly feeling grumpy or exhausted. Here’s a table of what you might encounter:

Complaint	Signal
Lots of blood	Excessive bleeding
No menstruation	To be absent without reason
Severe pain	Severe cramps
PMS	Moody, tired, headache

Do you recognize this? Talk to your GP or gynaecologist about it. Taking action quickly can make your life easier and prevent worse. You don't have to keep on worrying - we at Verloskundigen Lelystad are here to help you.

Types of menstrual complaints under the microscope

Your period can bother you in all sorts of ways – from a little inconvenient to really annoying. cramp is a well-known one – often you feel it in your lower abdomen, sometimes up to your back or legs. Headaches also occur, due to those hormonal waves.

Your mood can also be a to be a yo-yo – from irritable to depressed – again due to hormones. And a lot of blood can really mess up your day. Here's what you can try:

A hot water bottle against the pain.
Exercise to relieve cramps.
Eating iron to prevent blood loss.

Sometimes complaints point to something like endometriosis or PCOS – think of extreme pain or a strange cycle. Discuss this with your doctor. At Verloskundigen Lelystad we give you a listening ear and solid advice.

Food and lifestyle: their role in your period

What you eat and how you live affects your cycle more than you think. Good food can reduce pain and make your period more stable. Omega-3, such as in fish or nuts, works against inflammation and cramps. But be careful with trans fats and coffee – they make it worse.

Exercise also helps – yoga or a walk will keep your hormones in balance. And stress? You can tackle that with breathing or a moment of rest. Here is a table with smart and less smart:

Rather not	Do it
Trans fat	Omega-3
Coffee	Magnesium
Stress	To move

Your body is unique – test what works for you and feel the difference.

Tips against menstrual pain

Those nagging cramps can really ruin your day, but there are handy tricks. Heat helps – place a hot water bottle on your stomach to relax your muscles. A gentle walk or yoga can also do wonders.

Food is also important. Drink lots of water to help with cramps, skip coffee and salt to avoid bloating. Magnesium – think spinach or beans – relaxes your muscles. Here are some sources of magnesium:

To eat	Magnesium
Spinach	157 mg per serving
Pumpkin seeds	168 mg per 28 grams
Beans	120 mg per cup

Try what works and if it's too bad, call your doctor.

When to see a doctor?

Sometimes your body screams for help – know when. Visit if you:

Much or little bleeding: Changing every hour or almost nothing is not okay.
Pain ruins your day: If a cramp is stopping your life, it could be something bigger.

A cycle without rhythm or suddenly gone – check it out. And with extreme fatigue or heavy emotions your balance may be off. This is when you take action:

Signal	What to do
Lots of blood	Quickly to the doctor
Little blood	Please mention during inspection
Severe pain	Make an appointment
No regularity	Have it checked

Listen to your body – a doctor can clarify a lot.

Finally

We hope that you now have a better handle on menstrual complaints. You are not alone – many women understand you. Talk about it and seek help if necessary. At Verloskundigen Lelystad in De Koploper we are here for you with answers and support. Feel free to call us – your well-being counts!