For many women, heavy periods have been something to quietly put up with. Something to plan around, hide, or be told is “just part of being a woman.”

These are the voices of women who have lived with heavy menstrual bleeding, often for years, before anyone took it seriously. By sharing their experiences, they’re helping other women recognise the signs, feel less alone and know that they deserve answers.

If any of these stories sound familiar, you don’t have to just manage it.