Many women wonder if their periods are “normal” and what it might mean if their menstrual experience is different from that of close friends and family members. Marsha E. Gorens, MD, is an outstanding women’s health practitioner who views her role as your partner in enhancing all aspects of your reproductive health.
We’re happy to shed some light on what is considered to be a “normal” period and how you can find guidance and support through our practice in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.
There is no such thing as an absolutely “normal” period. Every woman has a unique experience with menstruation, and your periods can often shift and change from one month to the next. It can be helpful, however, to know the range of circumstances that are considered part of a “normal” menstrual cycle.
Generally, menstruation typically begins around the age of 12 and ends around the age of 51. But it isn’t uncommon for girls to start their periods earlier or later, and for women to stop bleeding earlier or later.
Your periods should last between 2 and 7 days, and there should be a break of between 21 and 35 days between periods. Here again, these ranges can change over time or due to specific circumstances.
Some women experience issues like cramping, bloating, and mood swings during their periods or in the days leading up to monthly bleeding. However, others don’t notice much, if anything, changing before or during their periods.
The quantity of blood shed during your period is far more challenging to measure. Medical professionals assert that women should shed between 2 and 3 tablespoons of blood each cycle, but tracking just how much you’re bleeding isn’t easy.
While your period might not be your favorite experience in any given month, it shouldn’t be a significant source of dread. If you find yourself with severe cramping during your periods, you should consider coming in for a diagnostic work-up.
Heavy bleeding can also be a sign of a more serious condition. If you’re bleeding through a pad or tampon every hour or two, that’s considered heavy bleeding. Periods that last for longer than a week can also be a sign of a gynecological condition like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or uterine fibroids.
No one knows your body better than you do, so pay close attention to the messages your body is sending. If your periods have become difficult to manage, Dr. Gorens can provide the necessary screenings to help determine if there's an issue.
There are also treatments for periods that are heavier than usual, even if there is no gynecologic problem causing heavy bleeding. Dr. Gorens is happy to discuss your options and help you find a treatment that works for your lifestyle.
Your age plays a significant role in determining your menstrual cycle. Many girls do not have regular, predictable monthly bleeding once they get their first period. They might experience very minimal bleeding one month, then a heavier period a couple of months later.
Girls and young women who engage in elite athletics or fitness pursuits can have delayed menstrual bleeding and might not start their periods until years after most of their peers. There are also a range of health conditions and genetic issues that can affect menstruation.
As you go through middle age, your periods are likely to change. Menopause is defined as the point at which you’ve gone one year without a period, and most often occurs in the early 50s. But many women begin to experience changes in menstrual bleeding many years before menopause.
If you’re concerned about your period, the best course of action is to schedule a time to meet with Marsha E. Gorens, MD. Booking a face-to-face visit takes just a few moments, whether you choose to connect with us online or by phone.
