How can I tell if my period is normal?
Your menstrual cycle, often referred to simply as your "period," is a natural and essential part of being a woman. It's your body's way of preparing for the possibility of pregnancy each month.
But what is a "normal" period, and how do you know if yours falls within the typical range?
Understanding the signs of a healthy menstrual cycle is not only important for your overall well-being but also for gauging your reproductive health. In this blog post, we'll explore the key indicators of a normal period and provide insights into when you might need to seek medical advice. If you're experiencing period pain, reproductive health concerns, or PMS, we're here to help.
Signs of a Healthy Menstrual Cycle:
Regular Timing: A normal menstrual cycle (period to period) typically lasts between 21 to 35 days. Tracking your cycle over a few months can help you identify patterns.
Moderate Blood Flow: The average woman loses about 25-35 milliliters of blood during her entire period, which is roughly 2 to 3 tablespoons. If you experience heavy bleeding (needing to change full pads or tampons less than 4-6 hourly), can be a sign of menorrhagia and requires skilled medical attention. Your fertility advisor can help with this!
Minimal Clotting: Seeing very small blood clots occasionally is generally normal. Large clots (one inch or 2cm +) or persistent clotting may indicate an issue.
Manageable Pain: Some discomfort is common, but any pain that interferes with daily activities or requires the use of painkillers (even panadol or ibuprofen) may be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids.
Consistent Duration: The typical period lasts between 3 to 7 days. If yours falls outside this range, it's worth discussing with your fertility advisor.
Regular Ovulation: Ovulation, marked by the release of an egg, usually occurs around the middle of your cycle. Even more important that charting your bleeding is charting your fertile signs. Charting your cycle helps confirm if ovulation is happening regularly.
When to Seek Medical Advice:
While some minor variability in your cycle is normal, if you experience any of the following, it's essential to let your fertility advisor know and get connected with a healthcare professional:
Excessive bleeding: If you're changing pads or tampons every hour or have heavy bleeding for an extended period.
Severe pain: Pain that is not alleviated by over-the-counter pain relievers.
Irregular cycles: If your periods are consistently shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.
Missed periods: If you miss periods regularly or for an extended period.
Unusual symptoms: Any other symptoms that seem unusual or concerning.
How Fertility Path Can Help:
If you're dealing with period pain, reproductive health concerns, or PMS, FertilityPath is here to provide guidance and support. Our approach involves using Neo Fertility to accurately chart your menstrual cycle and identify irregularities. We don't just treat symptoms; we aim to uncover and address the underlying causes of menstrual conditions like endometriosis.
Our Neo Fertility course is designed specifically for identifying, treating, and supporting clients with these conditions. We believe in creating a care team for our patients, connecting you with highly trained specialists dedicated to getting to the root cause of the issue.
Remember, if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle, these should be taken seriously. The approach of many doctors is to prescribe the birth control pill to cover up these issues, but it is almost never a treatment for the underlying problem. Birth control usually masks the issue without fixing it, and it may resurface later in life, often when trying to conceive and finding that infertility becomes a challenge.
Conclusion: Understanding what constitutes a normal period can empower you to take charge of your reproductive health. By paying attention to the signs of a healthy menstrual cycle and knowing when to seek medical advice, you can ensure that your periods are not only regular but also indicative of your overall well-being. If you have concerns about your menstrual health, don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and support. Your well-being matters, and taking care of your reproductive health is an essential part of that journey!
If you're experiencing period pain, reproductive health concerns, or PMS, consider exploring our Neo Fertility course and the support FertilityPath offers. We're here to help you on your journey to better menstrual health!
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need support. Your menstrual health matters to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way!
