What Is a Normal Period?
A normal period (or normal menstruation) is different for everyone who menstruates. It also changes at different times of your life. For example, as you near menopause, your periods may be more irregular. Also, things such as stress, illness, certain medications, and more can affect how regularly you get your period, how long your period lasts, and whether your period is light or heavy.
Normal Period Cycle
Every month, your body prepares to get pregnant. Your ovaries release an egg. Hormones rise and fall. This is your menstrual cycle. It starts on the first day of your last period and ends on the first day of your next period. Though the average cycle is 28 days long, anything between 21 and 34 days is considered normal. Periods normally last from two to seven days.
For the first year or two after menstruation begins, teens tend to have longer cycles that don't start at the same time every month. Adults assigned female at birth often have more consistent cycles. Then, as they near menopause, their cycles often get more irregular again.
If you're on birth control pills or have an IUD, it can change the timing of your period. Ask your doctor what's normal for your form of contraception.
Normal Period Flow
The amount of blood that comes out of your body during your period is called your menstrual flow. It can be light, moderate, or heavy. It may start out heavy and become lighter as the days pass. Typically, the total amount of blood you lose each month is about 2 ounces. Anything over 2.7 ounces is considered a heavy flow.
Normal Period Symptoms
Menstrual symptoms vary from person to person. Some people have very few symptoms, while others may have a lot of discomfort.
Normal menstruation symptoms include:
- Acne
- Cramping in the lower abdomen and back
- Feeling hungrier than normal
- Sleep issues
- Mood swings
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Feeling more tired than normal
Not every period is the same, though. Most of the time, an irregular or abnormal period isn’t serious. But you should call the doctor if:
Irregular Periods
Some signs that you may have an irregular period include:
- Going less than 21 or more than 35 days between periods
- Not having a period for three months or longer
- Needing to use one or more pads or tampons in one hour
- Having much heavier or lighter bleeding than normal
- A period that lasts longer than seven days
- Having a cycle that varies widely from one month to the next
- Having severe pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting during your period
- Having bleeding or spotting in between periods
If you notice any of these, make an appointment to speak with your doctor.
Causes of Irregular Periods
Many things can cause your period to be irregular, such as:
Puberty. During puberty, it can take some time for your menstrual cycle to become consistent.
Menopause. As you near menopause, your hormone levels fluctuate, leading to irregular periods.
Pregnancy. A missed period is often an early sign of pregnancy.
Hormonal birth control. Some forms of birth control can cause irregular bleeding.
Weight changes. Losing or gaining a lot of weight can disrupt your menstrual cycle.
Stress and anxiety. Emotional stress can affect hormone levels and menstrual regularity.
Excessive exercise. Overtraining can interfere with the menstrual cycle. This is more common in athletes.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This condition causes hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular periods.
Thyroid disorders. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect your menstrual cycle. These two conditions cause your thyroid gland to produce too much (hyper) or too little (hypo) thyroid hormone.
Uterine fibroids. Noncancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavy bleeding or irregular periods.
Endometriosis. This condition involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which can cause pain and irregular bleeding.
How to Track Your Period
In just three months, you can get a picture of what’s normal for you by tracking your periods. Keep a record of:
- When your period starts and when it stops
- How light or heavy your flow is
- Whether or not you passed any blood clots
- How frequently you change pads or tampons
- How severe your cramps are
- Changes in mood
- Spotting between periods
You can use a paper or digital calendar. You can also use one of many apps made for tracking your period.
Takeaways
Normal periods differ from person to person. In general, a normal cycle ranges from 21 to 34 days, and the average period lasts two to seven days. Irregularities can be caused by many things, from hormonal conditions to weight changes. In many cases, your period will go back to normal, but it's a good idea to see your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions.
Normal Period FAQs
What is considered an irregular period?
A period that happens more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days is considered irregular. If your cycle varies widely from month to month, that's also considered irregular. Other signs of an irregular period include unusually light or heavy bleeding, painful cramping, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
What is normal period blood like?
Normal period blood ranges in color from bright red to brown. It may change color as your period progresses. It may be smooth or it may contain bits of tissue or small blood clots.
Can you still have normal periods and be pregnant?
You can't get your period while you're pregnant. But you may have some spotting or bleeding that appears like your period.
