Key Takeaways Period pain is common, but it should not regularly stop you from going to school, work or doing normal day-to-day activities. Severe pain on the first day of your period can happen with primary dysmenorrhoea, but new pain that is worsening or different to what you’re normally used to should be checked. Severe pain dysmenorrhea can be primary or secondary. Secondary dysmenorrhoea means there may be another condition causing the pain. Possible causes include endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease. Seek urgent help if pelvic pain or period pain is severe or worse than usual, and painkillers have not helped. If you could be pregnant and have one-sided lower tummy pain, unusual bleeding, shoulder tip pain, dizziness or fainting, seek medical advice urgently. Period pain is common, but severe pain on period days should not be dismissed as just cramps if it stops you from doing normal activities, gets worse over time, or comes with other symptoms. Dysmenorrhoea is the medical term for painful periods. Primary dysmenorrhoea usually starts from the first few periods and is not caused by another condition. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is period pain linked to an underlying issue, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease. As discussed in our Period Pain Tablets Guide, primary dysmenorrhoea is period pain without a known cause, while secondary dysmenorrhoea can be linked to reproductive disorders. In this guide, we’ll explain what severe period pain can mean, when severe menstrual cramps may need medical advice, what symptoms to track, and which Healthwords treatments are available for period pain relief. What Is Dysmenorrhoea? Dysmenorrhoea means painful periods. The pain is usually felt as cramps or an aching pain in the lower tummy, but it can also spread to the lower back or the tops of the legs. Some people also feel tired, bloated, sick, headachy or have diarrhoea during their period. NHS Inform explains that primary dysmenorrhoea is period pain that is not caused by another health condition, and the pain usually starts when your period comes or slightly before. Primary dysmenorrhoea is often linked to prostaglandins. These are natural chemicals involved in inflammation and womb contractions. When levels are high, the womb may contract more strongly, causing cramping pain. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is different. It is period pain caused by another health condition. NHS dysmenorrhoea guidance explains that some women start to experience more painful periods after years of normal period pain, and symptoms can include a change in pain pattern, pain lasting longer, heaviness in the tummy, back pain, pain outside the period, heavy periods, irregular periods, bleeding between periods, unusual discharge, painful sex or bleeding after sex.  Severe Pain On Period: When Is It More Than Normal Cramps? Severe pain on period days should be taken seriously if it affects your ability to function. Period pain should not be severe. We advise speaking to a doctor if pain affects your day-to-day life, such as not being able to go to work or carry out low-physical-demand activities. You should also seek advice if your periods become more painful, heavier or irregular, or if your period pain stops you from doing your usual daily activities. The NHS advises seeing a GP if you have pain during sex, pain when peeing or pooing, bleeding between periods, changes in how much you pee or poo, a swollen tummy, loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss. A useful rule is this: if your period pain feels different for you, is getting worse, is not helped by usual pain relief, or is disrupting your life month after month, it is worth getting checked, as there is likely a treatment you were unaware of that you can be prescribed to make your periods more manageable.

Key Takeaways Difficulty speaking can be caused by problems with the muscles used for speech, the brain and nerves, the voice box, breathing, anxiety, infections or medication side effects. Sudden slurred speech, confusion, face drooping or arm weakness can be signs of a stroke. Call 999 straight away. Breathing difficulty while speaking can be a red flag, especially if you cannot get words out, you are gasping, choking, wheezing, blue/grey around the lips, or confused. Difficulty speaking clearly may be linked to dysarthria, where the muscles used for speech become weak or hard to control. Difficulty in talking with word-finding problems, understanding speech, reading or writing may be linked to aphasia. If your speech problem is new, worsening, recurring, or affecting daily life, arrange medical advice even if it is not an emergency. Difficulty speaking can feel frightening, especially if it comes on suddenly or you cannot explain why it is happening. Some people describe it as slurred speech, difficulty in talking, trouble finding words, a weak or hoarse voice, or not being able to speak clearly at all. There are many possible causes. Some are short-lived, such as losing your voice with laryngitis or struggling to talk because you are very breathless. Others can point to a more serious problem, especially if symptoms appear suddenly, affect one side of the body, or come with confusion, weakness, chest pain or breathing difficulty. This guide explains what difficulty speaking can mean, which symptoms need urgent help, and what a clinician may check. What Does Difficulty Speaking Mean? Difficulty speaking is a symptom, not a diagnosis on its own.  It can describe several different problems, including: Slurred or unclear speech. Speaking very slowly or in short bursts. Trouble controlling voice volume. A weak, hoarse, nasal, strained or monotone voice. Trouble moving the lips, tongue or mouth. Difficulty finding the right words. Trouble understanding what other people are saying. Breathing difficulty while speaking. Pain, swelling or tightness in the throat that makes talking difficult. One important distinction is whether the problem is mainly with speech production or language. Speech production problems can happen when the muscles used to speak are weak, stiff or hard to control. This is often called dysarthria. The NHS describes dysarthria as difficulty speaking because the muscles used for speech are weak, and says it can be caused by conditions affecting the brain, nerves or certain medicines. Language problems are different. Aphasia, also called dysphasia, can make it hard to speak, read, write or understand others, and is often caused by a stroke or brain injury. Common Causes of Difficulty Speaking Difficulty speaking can come from different parts of the body, including the brain, nerves, throat, chest and voice box. The pattern of symptoms often gives useful clues. Dysarthria As laid out in official NHS guidance, Dysarthria can cause difficulty speaking clearly. Your speech may sound slurred, slow, quiet, too loud, nasal, strained or monotone. You may also find it harder to move your lips, mouth or tongue. The NHS lists common causes of dysarthria, including stroke, severe head injury, brain tumours, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, cerebral palsy and Down’s syndrome. It can also be a side effect of certain medicines, such as some epilepsy medicines. Aphasia Aphasia affects communication and language. A person may know what they want to say but struggle to find the right words. They may speak in short or incomplete sentences, repeat or mix up words, make up words or sounds, or struggle to understand others. Because aphasia is often linked to stroke or brain injury, sudden symptoms should never be ignored. Laryngitis And Voice Problems Not all difficulty in talking comes from the brain or nerves. Sometimes it is caused by inflammation around the voice box. Laryngitis can cause a hoarse voice, temporary voice loss, a sore throat, cough and a constant need to clear your throat. The NHS says laryngitis often improves on its own within 1 to 2 weeks, and self-care includes speaking as little as possible and drinking fluids. A hoarse voice that lasts longer than expected, keeps coming back, or comes with swallowing problems, unexplained weight loss, a neck lump or coughing blood should be checked by a doctor. Throat Infections or Swelling A severe sore throat can sometimes make speaking painful or difficult.  Our medical experts have already covered related throat problems, such as Sore Throat Triggers & Treatments, Strep Throat, and Quinsy :::youtube {src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZsaM-0leP0" width="640" height="480" start="0"} ::: Quinsy can cause difficulty swallowing, drooling, ear pain and speaking at a low volume or with minimal mouth movement. A rare but serious cause is epiglottitis, where swelling can block the windpipe and make breathing difficult. The NHS describes epiglottitis as a medical emergency that needs hospital treatment straight away. Breathing Conditions If you are short of breath, talking can become difficult because speech depends on controlled breathing. Asthma, COPD, pneumonia, chest infections, panic attacks and severe allergic reactions can all make it harder to speak in full sentences. Useful related reads: Breathlessness: Causes and Treatments Asthma Attack: Learn the Steps for Emergency Care COPD: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Key Takeaways Slurred speech can happen when the muscles used for speech are weak, poorly coordinated or affected by the brain, nerves, medicines, alcohol or illness. Sudden slurred speech can be a stroke warning sign. Use FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 999. If slurred speech comes with face drooping, arm weakness, confusion, severe headache, vision changes, collapse, chest pain or breathing difficulty, seek emergency help. Slurred speech and migraines can sometimes be linked, especially with migraine aura, but new or unusual speech symptoms should still be treated carefully. Progressive or worsening slurred speech should be checked by a GP or referred for specialist assessment. Healthwords has useful migraine, headache and stroke-related resources and medication for managing migraines, but sudden slurred speech should not be managed with online treatment. Call 999. Slurred speech can be worrying, especially if it comes on suddenly or sounds very different from your normal speech. Some people describe it as mumbling, speaking slowly, sounding drunk, not being able to pronounce words clearly, or struggling to move the mouth, tongue or lips properly. There are many possible slurred speech causes. Some are short-lived, such as tiredness, alcohol, migraine, low blood sugar or certain medicines. Others can be serious and need urgent medical help, especially stroke, transient ischaemic attack, head injury, severe infection or neurological conditions. This guide explains what slurred speech can mean, the key stroke warning signs, when to call 999, and what Healthwords resources may help if your symptoms are linked to migraine, headache or another non-emergency concern. What Is Slurred Speech? Slurred speech is when words sound unclear, slow, mumbled, distorted or difficult to understand. It can happen because the muscles involved in speech are not working normally, or because the brain and nerves controlling speech are affected. The NHS describes dysarthria as difficulty speaking caused by weakness in the muscles used for speech. It can make speech sound slurred, slow, quiet, too loud, nasal, strained or monotone, and it may be harder to move the lips, tongue or mouth. Common causes include stroke, severe head injury, brain tumours, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, cerebral palsy and Down’s syndrome. It can also be a side effect of some medicines, including some epilepsy medicines. Slurred speech is slightly different from struggling to find the right words. Word-finding problems or difficulty understanding speech can be linked to language difficulties, such as aphasia, while slurring is more about how speech sounds. In real life, these symptoms can overlap, especially during a stroke or neurological event. Slurred Speech Causes: Why It Can Happen Slurred speech causes can range from temporary and treatable to urgent and life-threatening. The context matters. For example, slurred speech after alcohol may have an obvious explanation, but sudden slurred speech with weakness or confusion should be treated as an emergency. Common causes can include: A stroke or transient ischaemic attack, also called a TIA or mini-stroke. Migraine aura. Low blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes. Alcohol or recreational drugs. Side effects from medicines. Head injury or concussion. Infections or fever. Neurological conditions affecting muscles, nerves or brain function. Severe tiredness, dehydration or illness. Problems affecting the mouth, tongue, throat or voice. Low blood sugar can cause symptoms such as shaking, sweating, a fast heartbeat and confusion. The NHS advises calling 999 if someone has very low blood sugar and is not responding normally or is unconscious, especially if glucagon is not available, you do not know how to use it, or they do not recover after glucagon. Head injury is another important cause to consider. The NHS advises calling 999 after a head injury if someone has problems with vision, hearing, walking, balance, understanding, speaking or writing, or has numbness or weakness in part of the body.

Here’s why you should use healthwords.ai as your go-to platform for booking video consultations. Who we work with healthwords.ai connects you to doctors based at CQC-registered (Care Quality Commission) medical practices. This means the clinics we work with meet strict UK healthcare standards set by an independent government body that regularly inspects and monitors quality of care, safety, and cleanliness. This is the same level of oversight you’d expect from an in-person GP surgery. GMC-Registered UK Doctors – specialists you can rely on   Every doctor available through healthwords.ai is: GMC-registered (General Medical Council), which means they are legally licensed and professionally accountable in the UK. UK-qualified – trained and educated within the UK’s respected medical system. Specialists in their field – from general practitioners to experienced clinicians in specific areas like dermatology, women’s health, mental health, and more. They’ve all worked within the UK healthcare system and bring years of hands-on experience, so you’re not just seeing any doctor – you’re seeing a trusted UK professional who knows their field inside and out.

Many factors affect fertility, and everyday lifestyle choices play an important role. What you eat, how active you are, how well you sleep, and how you manage stress can all influence reproductive health. While no lifestyle change can guarantee pregnancy, healthy habits can help support hormone balance and create better conditions for conception. This article explains how nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and daily habits support fertility in both women and men. The information is evidence-based and written in clear, practical language to help you make informed choices.

Introduction Ovulation is an important part of the menstrual cycle and is needed for pregnancy to happen. During ovulation, a mature egg leaves the ovary and moves into the fallopian tube. There, it might meet sperm and become fertilised. Pregnancy is only possible when an egg is present, so knowing about ovulation is important for anyone trying to get pregnant. Ovulation happens naturally, but the timing is different for everyone. Tracking ovulation helps people learn about their bodies and can increase the chance of pregnancy. This guide explains how ovulation works, how to find your fertile window, and simple, evidence-based ways to support fertility.

What Does Conception Mean? Conception is when a sperm meets an egg, starting a pregnancy. While it may seem simple, several factors need to align. Some people get pregnant quickly, while for others, it may take longer. To conceive, these things are needed: A healthy egg Healthy sperm The right timing A supportive environment in the body Everyone’s body is different. Health, age, and lifestyle can all affect how long it takes to conceive.

Understanding Medication Side Effects: Common Reactions and When to Seek Help Introduction Medicines are used to treat illness, reduce pain, and help people feel better. While most medicines are safe and effective when used correctly, they can sometimes cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected reaction that happens alongside the medicine’s intended effect. Side effects are very common. They can happen with prescription medicines, over-the-counter painkillers, vitamins, and even herbal remedies. Most side effects are mild and temporary, but some may be uncomfortable or need medical attention. Knowing about medication side effects helps people use medicines safely. This article covers what side effects are, why they happen, common types to look out for, who is most at risk, and when to get help. The advice is based on trusted UK health organisations like the NHS, NICE, and the MHRA. What Are Medication Side Effects? Medication side effects are reactions that are not the main purpose of the medicine. They happen because medicines affect the body in complex ways. While a drug targets one problem, it can also affect other systems in the body. Side effects can vary depending on: The type of medicine The dose taken How long the medicine has been used A person’s age, health, and genetics Some people experience no side effects at all, while others may notice changes soon after starting a new medicine or after a dose change. Many side effects improve as the body adjusts, but some may continue and need medical advice.​

What is the low-FODMAP diet? The low-FODMAP diet is a structured eating plan that helps people with digestive issues like bloating, gas, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. It limits certain short-chain carbohydrates, known as FODMAPs, which some people have trouble absorbing. Monash University researchers identified these carbohydrates and created the food lists used by clinicians today. monashfodmap.com How does the diet work? The diet has three stages. First is the elimination phase, which lasts about 4 to 6 weeks and removes most high-FODMAP foods to check if symptoms get better. Next is the reintroduction phase, where you add back one FODMAP group at a time to see which foods cause issues. The final stage is personalisation, where you create a balanced long-term diet that includes as many foods as you can tolerate, only avoiding those that trigger symptoms. Working with a dietitian during these stages helps improve results and keeps you safe. nhs.uk.

What Is the FODMAP Diet? The FODMAP diet is a structured eating plan designed to help individuals who experience digestive discomfort after meals. Common symptoms include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea. This diet is particularly beneficial for individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a common condition characterized by increased sensitivity in the digestive tract. The goal of the FODMAP diet is not long-term restriction, but to identify which foods trigger symptoms and which are well-tolerated. What Does “FODMAP” Mean? FODMAP is an acronym for specific types of carbohydrates that can be difficult for some individuals to digest. FODMAP stands for: Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides And Polyols When these carbohydrates are not properly digested, they can produce gas and draw excess water into the intestines, leading to bloating, cramps, pain, and diarrhoea.

What Is Baby Brain? Baby brain, also called pregnancy brain, is when someone who is pregnant feels more forgetful or has trouble focusing. You might lose track of where you put things, forget small tasks, or feel a bit mentally foggy. Baby brain is a normal part of pregnancy. Your body and brain change a lot during this time. Hormones change, sleep can be harder, and your mind is busy getting ready for the baby. This can make your thinking and memory feel different for a while. For most people, the symptoms are mild and resolve on their own. Common Signs of Baby Brain Everyone experiences baby brain a little differently. Some common signs are: Forgetting small tasks or appointments Misplacing items like keys or phones Trouble focusing on one task Feeling mentally tired or foggy Having a harder time planning or doing more than one thing at once It’s normal for some days to feel better than others.

What Is Brain Fog? Brain fog means your mind feels cloudy or slow. You might notice: Forget names, dates, or small details. Have trouble focusing on tasks. Feel mentally sluggish or find your thoughts are mixed up. Brain fog isn’t a disease on its own. It’s a sign that your body or mind might be stressed, tired, or going through changes like menopause. Both kids and adults can feel foggy at times, but if it sticks around, it can make school, work, or daily life harder. Signs of Brain Fog Brain fog can feel different for each person, but common signs are: Trouble concentrating or staying focused. Forgetting names, dates, or things you just learned. Feeling mentally tired even after you’ve rested. Having trouble organising your thoughts or saying what you mean clearly. If these signs last for weeks or start to affect your daily life, try keeping track of them and talk to a doctor.