One of the questions I get all the time is, what is a normal period?
Women hear me talking about symptoms not being normal, even if they’re common. Or about how to reduce their period pain. But a lot of women don’t know what is actually normal when it comes to their menstrual cycle.
Menstruating women hear all the time about what’s common – period cramps, mood swings, and more – we’re told that everyone has that, that it’s just part of being a woman who has a period. But we also know that “common” doesn’t mean “normal”.
When you learn how to listen to our natural cycle, we are less likely to ignore symptoms, avoid the doctor (or not advocate for your health when you do go to the doctor), and understand how to adjust to your cycle throughout the month as your hormones fluctuate.
What’s NOT a normal period?
Despite what you’ve been told, a lot of this list is actually not normal and a sign that something is going on underneath the surface that needs to be addressed.
- Heavy periods
- Super light periods
- No periods
- Short periods
- Long periods
- Painful cramps
- Blood clots
- Acne breakouts
- Mood swings
Many of these symptoms can be reversed and managed through a focus on your nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle. However, it’s worth going to the doctor to get checked out to make sure you don’t have any of the follow:
- Amennorrea
- Endometriosis
- PCOS
- Adenomyosis
- Thyroid disorders
- Fibroids
- Uterine polyps
- PMDD
- Ovarian cancer
- And more
So, what IS a normal period?
Though you’ve likely heard that your period should be a certain way, we all have what’s normal for our body – the sweet spot for the length in our cycle, how long your actual period lasts, and so on. As long as you aren’t experiencing symptoms (like above), the rest will be unique to you.
A normal period looks like …
- A cycle that’s between 22 and 35 days. Though yours should be pretty consistent with the number of days.
- When you are bleeding (period), it’s lasting 3 to 8 days. Again, this should be pretty consistent every month.
- You’ll lose between 20 and 80 mL of blood during your period. This equals up to 16 fully soaked regular sized tampons.
- And the color should be bright red (not pink, not dark brown, but red! Though it could be darker towards the end of your cycle) with a watery consistency (and no clots).
And there are symptoms to be aware with that are also normal with your period
For example, your body temperature rises as you prepare to shed your uterine lining. It’s normal to feel a bit warmer.
Or, your metabolism increases by 200 to 300 calories per day during your luteal phase to give you energy to shed your lining, so you will be more hungry. The cravings and feeling like a bottomless pit are just signs of what your body needs (chocolate is magnesium, salt and carbs is more calories in general).
Or, how you feel a bit more tired or your workouts feel more weak. This is also normal as your hormones – specifically your estrogen and progesterone – begin to dip. But through practicing self-care, adjusting your workouts, and not pushing yourself to the point of depletion, you will start to honor your natural energy fluctuations.
Though it’s normal for everyone to complain about their period, learning what’s normal (symptom-wise) vs not and what’s normal for you with your cycle in general is one of the first steps for you to unlock your full potential through your hormones.
When we understand our symptoms, we can use our nutrition, movement, and lifestyle to reverse those symptoms, manage those symptoms, and feel amazing in our skin.
Say goodbye to the one to two weeks a month of feeling like hot garbage when you lean into what a normal period should look like vs brushing symptoms off as common.
Curious where to start on biohacking your cycle to optimize your hormones? Here are a few places to start:
From Painful to Pain Free Periods
This free ebook details normal periods, what’s behind your period symptoms, and gives you tips to reduce your symptoms.
SHECycle
This do-it-yourself monthly membership helps you use your natural cycle to unlock endless energy, reverse hormonal symptoms, and allows you to feel amazing in your skin. Try it for free for a week!
Hormone Analysis Call
Looking for a more customized approach to your hormonal and physique journey? Let’s set up a Hormone Analysis call to dive into your current symptoms and how they’re holding you back from your goals.
