What is normal for your period? This is a question that a lot of women ask, especially when they experience changes in their menstrual cycle. It can be hard to know what is and isn’t normal, since periods can vary from woman to woman. In this blog post, we will discuss the different symptoms and changes that can occur during your period, as well as what is considered normal and not normal. We hope this information will help you better understand your body and seek treatment if necessary!
What’s Normal
The menstrual cycle is the natural process that occurs each month in order to prepare the body for pregnancy. It typically lasts about 28 days, although it can vary from woman to woman. Here are some things that can vary between women, but are still considered normal:
Irregular periods:
An irregular period is a menstrual cycle that doesn’t follow the typical 28-day pattern. It can be lighter or heavier than normal, last for a shorter or longer time, and occur more or less often than usual. Irregular periods can be caused by a variety of things, such as stress, diet, exercise, and hormonal changes. It’s normal for your period to be somewhat irregular, especially in the first few years after you start getting it. Your body is still adjusting to the hormonal changes that occur during puberty. You may also notice an irregular period after starting or stopping birth control. Still, it is important to be aware of your “irregularities” and mention them to your doctor if anything starts to change.
Cycles change in length:
The length of your menstrual cycle can also vary from month to month. It’s not unusual for it to be shorter or longer than the average 28 days. In fact, it can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days. During your cycle, menstrual flow can last anywhere between 2-7 days and this can change with age. For example, younger women tend to experience longer cycles, and these cycles tend to shorten with age.
Symptoms:
Some women experience symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and mood swings during their period. These are all normal and can vary in intensity from woman to woman. While it is normal to experience symptoms associated with your period, intense symptoms should be mentioned to your doctor.
What’s Not Normal
There are some changes in your menstrual cycle that can indicate a problem such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or other health problems. If you experience any of the following, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause:
Skipped periods:
If you miss your period for three months in a row, this is considered abnormal and could be a sign of an underlying health condition. While pregnancy is the most common cause of a skipped period, there are other things that can cause you to skip a period.
Heavy bleeding:
If you have to change your pad or tampon every hour or more, this is considered heavy bleeding. Heavy bleeding can also cause anemia and fatigue. It can be a sign of an underlying health condition and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Intense cramps:
If you have pain that interferes with your daily activities or requires medication to manage, this is considered abnormal. It could be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as fibroids, endometriosis, or adenomyosis to name a few, and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Spotting between periods:
If you have bleeding or spotting that occurs outside of your normal menstrual cycle, this is considered abnormal and should be evaluated by a doctor. The exception to this is if you are currently starting a new form of birth control.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed what is and isn’t normal when it comes to your period. It’s important to be aware of the changes in your body and know when to seek medical attention. Changes in your period are often normal, but there are some changes that can indicate an underlying health condition. If you experience any of the changes that are not normal, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Thanks for reading! We hope this information was helpful!
