Bloody periods go with the flow
4th Dec 2018
Periods: what is normal and what to look out for?
For us ladies, menstruation can sometimes be painful. Period.
Well, this article is going to make life a little easier by providing you with information that will answer your queries.
Missed period: “I am late, why am I late? Does this mean that I am pregnant?”
Unpredictable menstrual bleeding: “What’s wrong? Why am I bleeding so much?”
Extended period: “How much more am I going to bleed? Why am I bleeding so much?”
We get it, with periods, the flow of questions can sometimes be quite heavy.
This is normal
In this case, the phrase “normal” covers up a wide spectrum. What is considered “normal” depends on individuals and their bodies.
For most women, the average menstrual cycle lasts for approximately 28 days, but it can vary from 24 to 35 days. The bleeding usually lasts for 5 days, but again, it can vary from 2 to 7 days.
Menstrual cycles tend to become more regular with age.
It could feel like someone is stabbing your stomach and twisting the knife, or it could be pain-free. You could feel like a human waterfall or your period could be light. It could go on for a week or only for a couple of days. It could be either of these things, and still be considered “normal”.
Bear in mind that using contraception including Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and extended-cycle birth control pills will very likely affect your periods.
Things to look out for
If you are a little confused, or perhaps even concerned with what your ovaries are up to, you are at the right place. Even though in most cases, menstrual cycle irregularities are not considered a serious matter, in some cases, they can signal health problems. We have listed some of the things that you should look out for when it comes to periods.
Some examples of irregular menstrual cycles include:
- Infrequent menstrual periods – if the cycle length exceeds 35 days
- Frequent periods occurring less than 21 days apart
- Excessive bleeding
- Prolonged menstrual bleeding – bleeding exceeding 8 days
- Shortened menstrual bleeding – bleeding for less than 2 days
- Spotting – bleeding between periods
There are multiple reasons that could lead to irregularities in periods, we have listed some of the common causes. So, if any of these apply to you and you are facing period irregularities, you now know why.
Potential causes of irregular periods:
- A change in birth control method
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pregnancy
- Breast feeding
- Endurance exercises
- Extreme weight loss or extreme weight gain
Consult a doctor if:
- Your bleeding exceeds 7 days
- You experience heavy bleeding till the point of soaking through more than one pad or tampon every two hours or less
- There is spotting
- You develop a fever after using tampons
- It has been three months without your period and you are not pregnant
- You experience infrequent menstrual periods
- You experience frequent periods occurring less than 21 days apart
Periods can be both normal and strange, irregularities in periods is not as uncommon as you might think, don’t stress out too much if you are! If you still have questions, talk to us on Facebook or Instagram.