5 Signs That you Have a Normal Period

It’s that time of the month….

How do you know if anything is wrong if you don’t know what is normal? Today, I’m going to give you a quick run through of what a normal period should look like. Some of these things you may have thought of and others you may have not. But fair warning – we’re going to get up close and personal, so skirmish stomachs beware.

Is this normal?

Yes – The average number of cycle days is 28 counting from the first day of bleeding to the start of the next cycle of bleeding. This number can vary from 25 to 35 days, but any less than 25 days is too short and any more than 35 days is too long (depending on the source). Most importantly, your period should be consistent and predictable for you.

Yes – Once you get your period – the average number of days of bleeding lasts anywhere from 4 to 6 days. There shouldn’t be bleeding or “spotting” once you start the next phase of your menstrual cycle. Fibroids commonly cause bleeding in between periods and should be ruled out if this happens for you consistently.

Yes – The colour of your menstrual blood can tell more than you think. Menstrual blood should be a cherry to dark red. However, in Chinese Medicine if your menstrual blood is pale this means there could be a deficiency. If your menstrual blood is dark brown/purple, this tells us the menstrual blood is having a hard time flowing freely.

Fun Fact: Your menstrual blood contains endometrial tissue (the innermost layer of your uterus), red blood cells, inflammatory markers and enzymes (our bodies reacting to part of itself dying and sloughing off).

Yes – Flow should be consistent and clot free. Clots signify that blood cannot be expelled fast enough and commonly shows up with heavier flows.

Yes – A blood loss over the course of an entire period should be about 30-40 ml. To help you estimate how much you are bleeding: a regular diva cup holds about 15 mL of blood, 1 regular tampon holds about 5 mL, or a maxi pad holds about 10 mL. Woman were shown to have decreased iron levels after bleeding only 60 mL during their period, causing fatigue and weakness.

If you noticed this list did NOT include mucous, cramps (especially debilitating ones), mood-swings, acne, cravings, etc. These are on the not normal/abnormal list and don’t let anyone tell you differently! These are all signs of imbalances in the body and can be approached holistically so that you don’t have to suffer every.single.month.

Try paying a little more attention to your period this month – yes even look at it. Track it using an app on your phone, such as Flo Period Tracker or Period tracker, to help you get a better idea of whether you have a normal period. #girlpower

*Disclaimer - this information is for education purposes only and not meant to supplement as medical advice. Please see your health care provider if you are concerned about your period.