A short, accurate record is more useful than trying to remember several months during the appointment. Track enough detail to show patterns without letting tracking create anxiety.
Your preparation checklist
- First and last day of each period
- Very heavy days and approximate pad or tampon changes
- Pain score, location and effect on school, work or sleep
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Acne, excess hair growth or scalp hair changes
- Weight changes, exercise and major stress
- Pregnancy tests, contraception and medicines
- Previous blood tests or ultrasound reports
Questions to discuss
- Could pregnancy, thyroid problems, PCOS, fibroids or another condition explain the pattern?
- Do I need blood tests or pelvic ultrasound?
- How can symptoms be treated while the cause is assessed?
- If pregnancy is a goal, does the plan need to change?
When to seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent care for very heavy bleeding with weakness or fainting, severe sudden pain, a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding, or feeling acutely unwell.
Frequently asked questions
How many cycles should I track?
Bring any information you have. Two or three months can show a pattern, but do not delay care for severe symptoms.
Does irregular menstruation prove PCOS?
No. PCOS is one possible cause and diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical assessment.
Medical information notice: This resource provides general education and cannot diagnose a condition or replace an individual consultation. Emergency symptoms need urgent local medical care.