There are approximately 15 million women in the U.K. of childbearing years. Many of them worry about their periods at some point, and the pattern of menstruation may well change at certain times, for instance after childbirth or in the run up to the menopause. So when should you worry and what are the treatments? The good news is that today there is more understanding of period problems than ever before, and a far better range of treatments. Whereas in the past women were often expected - and often expected themselves - to 'put up with it', they now have an array of medical, surgical and lifestyle options which can help improve the quality of their lives.