Periods: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Each month, an ovary releases an egg to be fertilized. When that happens, hormone level changes trigger your uterus to get ready for pregnancy. If the egg gets fertilized, you get pregnant. However, if it doesn’t, the lining of your uterus sheds through your vagina, which is known as your period. 

Monthly periods can look different for every single woman, and your periods can also change throughout your life. Because of this, there really is no such thing as a “normal period.” However, there are some things that can indicate a healthy period and some signs that can point to an underlying health issue.

Because periods vary so much from woman to woman, our women’s health team at HealthStone Primary Care Partners in Hollywood, Florida, wants to review what a “normal” period looks like and when to be concerned in this month’s blog. 

Do you have a typical period?

What’s normal for your menstrual cycle might not be normal for someone else. However, as long as your period looks pretty much the same every single month, you shouldn’t have a lot of cause for concern. 

Here are some helpful guidelines on what normal periods can look like:

Timing

Your menstrual cycle lasts from the first day you get your period to the first day of your next period. Although the average cycle is 28 days, anywhere from 21-35 days is considered normal. When you do get your period, it can last a couple of days or a whole week.

Flow

During your period, you can lose an average of 1-6 tablespoons of blood. It can be thin or clumpy and can vary in color from pink to red to brown. Most women have a change in flow throughout their period. However, if you’re soaking through a super tampon or maxi pad every hour, your period might be too heavy.

Symptoms

With all the hormone changes that happen throughout your menstrual cycle, you’re bound to experience some side effects. Normal period symptoms include cramping, mood swings, acne, breast tenderness, and bloating. 

When does your period require professional treatment?

Most of the time, irregular or abnormal periods aren’t a cause for concern. A vast majority of women are going to skip a period or have a heavier-than-usual period from time to time. Sometimes, stress or your choice of birth control can affect the length or flow of your period.

However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, you may need to see our team so we can determine if we need to further evaluate what’s going on:

• Your period is lasting longer than seven days
• You experience severe pain during your period
• You have unexpected bleeding in between periods
• Your periods are keeping you from everyday activities
• Your periods unexpectedly stop
• You feel weak and dizzy during your period

If any sudden changes in your periods are worrying you, our team can discuss your concerns and do any testing that we think is necessary. 

To schedule an appointment for abnormal periods, simply call our office or use our online booking feature today.