Your period: what’s normal and what’s not
Having your menstrual period is a
normal part of a healthy life. But sometimes, things can go awry.
What’s normal?
If you are not on birth control pills,
you should have:
- menstrual
(vaginal) bleeding every 21 to 42 days
- heavy (eight
to ten pads or tampons per day) to light (one to two pads or tampons
per day) bleeding, often starting heavy and tapering off toward the
end
- bright red
to dark red to pink blood
- possible
mild cramping, bloating, and breast tenderness
If you are on hormonal birth control:
- menstrual
bleeding will usually occur every fourth week
- your periods
might be lighter than before or you may stop bleeding
completely—this is not a problem
- bleeding may
be pink to dark red
- you should
have less cramping
What’s not normal?
If you experience any of these symptoms
of an abnormal period, see your health care provider:
- cycles that
are less than 21 days or more than 40 days
- cycles that
stop for three to six months at a time (and pregnancy has been ruled
out)
- bleeding in
the middle of your cycle
- bleeding
that lasts more than 10 days per month
- excessively
heavy bleeding (soaking a pad or tampon in an hour for more than two
hours)
- cramping or
pelvic pain so severe that you miss work or school
What can cause changes in your period?
These things can cause your period to
change:
- hormonal
birth control
- hormonal
imbalances
- other
medications
- illness
- excessive
weight loss or gain
- intense
exercise
- pregnancy
- poor
nutrition
- stress
- travel