Am I normal? People ask this inquiry about mental health, IQ, strength, friendships, relationships, and more. What menstruators often wonder is the question, “Is my period normal?” Let’s dive into the different parts of your menstruation phase and how you can know if your flow is ‘flowing’ just right for you.
What is the length of an average Period?
Periods can last anywhere from 3-7 days on average. However, different periods may be longer or shorter. Depending on if you are using birth control or due to other factors, your period could last up to 10 days. Tracking can help you figure out what your average flow length is like, and knowing your cycle length can also be a good measuring tool to be aware of when your period is coming, and then if you miss it, you’ll be mindful of changes in your normal rhythm.
What color should blood be when you are menstruating?
Period blood changes throughout your time bleeding and can range from a light pink, bright red, to a dark brown. Healthline shares how dark blood can indicate your period is slowing, whereas pink can mean low estrogen, among other things. Color changes are entirely regular for your period, and different factors impact it, from the speed of your flow and the density of the blood to your uterine lining health and hormonal changes.
Do periods usually have clumps?
Yes. Your period blood comes from your uterine lining shedding, so some clots are to be expected. As the blood pools, it can also solidify, causing different types and colors in clumps you may see throughout your menstrual phase. According to Medical News Today, “Menstrual clots are a mixture of blood cells, tissue from the lining of the uterus, and proteins in the blood that help regulate its flow.” If you have painful clots that are often bigger than a half-dollar size, it is worth getting it checked out to see if you may have fibroids or another issue. Read more in this article we wrote about period clumps!
What are cramps like when you bleed?
Cramping (unfortunately) is expected in a period because the uterus contracts itself to shed its lining. Sometimes cramps lead to needing the hot pad, bathtub, or CBD oil. On other days of your period, you may not cramp as often. Spain just became the first country to recognize period leave because sometimes period cramps can make it hard to focus. If your cramps leave you lying in bed for multiple days, unable to move, it is time to get to a doctor. If you have I-hate-the world-and-everything-hurts-cramps, I’m sorry to say, but in many bleeder’s lives, that’s normal for a day or so. Try to take it easy, and if you need something to make it better, this video of watching men try on a TENS unit that shares what period pain feels like (spoiler: brings them to their knees) will make you smile.
Why you shouldn’t always compare your period to other people.
Although looking at other people’s periods and cycle rhythms can help you figure out if you are okay (like that your period has quarter-size clumps on your heaviest bleeding day) or that your blood changes in texture and color throughout, it shouldn’t be the only type of measurement you use for looking at your flow. Tracking will help you discover discrepancies within your cycle and notice if anything is off. If your flow goes from two light days, a medium day, two heavy days, and a light day or two to two medium days and five heavy flow days, you’ll be able to see the difference and catch anything that may change in your body. To track in an easy way, download our Agenda. period tracking App in the Apple Store, or the Google Play Store today!