Having a menstrual cycle is often complicated, and sometimes even a little scary. While we have plenty of information on what is considered normal and what isn’t thanks to the help of modern science, there’s still a lot to be answered for. This leaves many people wondering how they could tell if their menstrual cycle is normal, even if “normal” may be different from person to person. If something is amiss, it’s important to contact a health service, just like ours. Here are just a few things that we know about what’s generally considered normal and what isn’t.

Somewhat Regular Frequency

Perhaps the most considered factor of what’s normal would be the frequency of when you start your monthly menstruating. For some people, they have a cycle of 28 days, and for others, they may have a cycle of 35 days. An average cycle is between 21 days and 25 days. Your cycle begins on the first day of your period. What is average varies from person to person, and it’s the consistency that should be looked at. If you experience regular periods, this is a good sign that your menstrual cycle is normal.

Amount and Texture

The amount of blood and the texture of the blood which one expels matters. An average person will expel about 6 to 8 teaspoons of blood per period. The average amount expelled is usually under 16 teaspoons or 80 ml. One should also consider the clumps or pieces of uterine lining that may be passed. Average clots should be smaller than the size of a penny, anything larger may indicate an issue. If you’re bleeding a relatively normal amount, and your clotting is about normal and doesn’t change drastically, your cycle is probably normal.

Severe Pain

There’s usually some amount of pain during a period. This is due to the fact that the uterus is contracting to shed the uterine lining that it had built up in expectation of implantation of an embryo. When your body realizes it’s not pregnant, it sheds this lining and starts building a new lining for the next month. While this process is undoubtedly uncomfortable, it shouldn’t come with severe pain would be pain which is considered to debilitate or prevent normal life and activities. If you do experience severe pain, it’s important to consult a physician as it may be a symptom of something more serious, like endometriosis.

Food Cravings and Fatigue

Bodies work hard to do what they need to do and a menstrual cycle is no exception. During a normal menstrual cycle, you may feel more hungry, experience mood changes, and may feel more fatigued while on your period or slightly before or after. This is normal. If you experience any of these normal in an extreme fashion, you should consult a physician with expertise in menstrual health.

There are plenty of things that are considered normal when it comes to having a menstrual cycle and each body is different. Monitor what is normal for you, and if you feel like something is abnormal, it’s always best to consult a doctor. The only way to really know if your cycle is normal is by getting regular checkups and addressing something that seems wrong. However, slight changes are normal, especially with age. Everyone has their own normal, and what’s normal for someone else may be abnormal for you.

To find out more about what’s normal and what may not be quite so normal, contact us today for comprehensive health expertise and advice.