Cycle
When should I see a doctor about my cycle?
Quick answer
A lot of cycle-related changes (mood, breakouts, bloating, foggy days) are common and settle on their own. Some patterns, though, are worth getting checked.
Consider seeing a doctor if your periods become very irregular, unusually heavy or painful; if premenstrual mood or brain fog is severe enough to affect your work, relationships or wellbeing; or if symptoms don't ease once your period starts. Intense premenstrual mood symptoms can point to PMDD, which is treatable.
If you're over 40, or your cycles are changing alongside new symptoms like sleep disruption, hot flushes or worsening fog, it's worth asking about perimenopause. Persistent fog with fatigue or feeling cold can also be worth a thyroid and iron check.
Bring your tracking with you: when symptoms start and stop, where they sit in your cycle, and what you've already tried. A clear pattern helps a clinician far more than trying to recall it on the spot.
When to get support
Very heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, or severe pain that stops you doing everyday things are reasons to see a doctor promptly.