When it comes to periods, every woman has a lot of questions. And one of the most common one is: Are my periods normal?
You may be worried that you have a scanty period or heavy period or the colour is too dark or too light or whether clumpy blood is normal.
Well, there is no definition of a normal period. If you are getting your periods every month and do not suffer from any other symptoms either before, during or after periods, then it is a sign that your periods are normal.
But if you are still not convinced then here are few signs that your periods are normal and there’s nothing to worry.
1. Your periods are regular.
The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. However anything between 21 – 35 days is considered normal. It is calculated from the first day of your last period till the first day of your next period.
However, if you are on birth control pills, then it’s possible to miss your periods. But if you do not get periods for a month or two, then you must consult a doctor.
2. Your periods don’t go on for more than 7 days.
Ideally, periods should last from 3-7 days with blood flow that is not too scanty nor too heavy. But if it is more than 7 days, it could be a sign of an increase in the estrogen levels.
3. Your period lasts only for 2 days.
If your periods are regular, but lasts only for 2 days, it is not a sign to worry. However, if you have irregular periods with a scanty or heavy blood flow and lasts for no more than 2 days, you should consult a doctor.
4. Your blood flow is not heavy.
It is difficult to measure your blood flow during periods. However, if you are using more than six pads in a day or change your pads every two hours, then you should consult a gynecologist to rule out hormonal issues, if any.
5. Your menstrual blood is slightly dark in colour than that seen during cuts or injury.
Unlike bleeding due to cuts, menstrual blood is slightly dark in colour. This is because the blood is mixed with mucous secretions and cells from the endometrial cells. Moreover, it also causes the appearance of lumps and blood clots. But if it suddenly turns to be too dark or brownish in colour, then it is wise to consult a gynecologist.
Signs you should see a doctor
You need to consult a gynecologist or a local doctor if –
-Your periods are heavy, meaning you have to change more than six pads in a day.
– Your periods are scanty such that you hardly have to change a pad in a day.
-Your periods last longer than the usual cycle of 7 days.
-You feel light-headed, dizzy or weakness during periods.
-You have unusual bleeding or spotting between periods.
-Your periods stop or suddenly become irregular.
– You have missed your periods.
-Your period cycle is not 28 days but a 45-days or a 15-days one.
-Your periods or premenstrual symptoms cause so much discomfort that you are not able to perform day to day functions.
– You have severe abdominal cramps during periods.
– You started having heavy flow at night that you need to wake up change pads.
(With inputs from Dr. Nupur Gupta, Gynaecologist, Delhi)
Recommended Reads:
What To Have And What To Avoid During Periods?
Painful Periods? Try These 5 Natural Ways To Fight This Pain!