It is important to pay attention to your menstrual cycle (period) because your cycle and any deviations from usual patterns can signal changes in your body and help you understand where you are in your gynecological journey.

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This is also an easy area to become complacent about. After all, most of us have our period nearly every month, for many years (unless we’re on contraception that suppresses a period or are pregnant). 

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What is a normal menstrual cycle?

There are guidelines for what’s normal in terms of frequency and duration, but “normal” is also relative. The most important thing is to determine what’s normal for your own body and to discuss that with your provider. 

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Recent research suggests that menstrual cycles can vary by age, weight, race, and ethnicity. Generally, however, a “normal” menstrual cycle occurs every 21 to 35 days, and bleeding lasts between three to seven days. Women also experience pain, cramping, and other premenstrual symptoms (PMS) differently. Other factors like diet and exercise can also impact both your cycle and symptoms.

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Are you experiencing changes to your menstrual cycle? 

Changes to your body’s menstrual patterns may indicate that something else is going on:

• Could signal cancer or pre-cancer 
• Physical changes like polyps or fibroids, a shift in hormone balance, alongside metabolic changes, or even infections 
• Ongoing heavy or prolonged periods can also deplete iron in your body and lead to anemia 

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By openly discussing your menstrual patterns and pain levels, your provider can listen for red flags and recommend further testing. 

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Pain levels should not be downplayed

Research has proven over and over that there is a gender bias when it comes to women’s pain, and that our symptoms and complaints are not always taken seriously – sometimes to devastating effect. If pain levels are interfering with other activities and require medication, please tell your provider.

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Before your well woman visit, track your menstrual cycle

In preparing for your annual exam or well woman visit, it is great to have insight into the following questions:

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• How many days pass between your periods?
• How many days does your period last?
• How heavy is your period? For example, how many tampons or pads do you use in an hour, or over the course of a day?
• How painful are your cramps or other symptoms? Do they interfere with other activities? Do you take medication for the pain? What do you take, and how much?
• What PMS symptoms do you regularly experience leading into your period?
• Do you experience spotting (or other symptoms) between periods?

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There are multiple apps that can help you track your menstrual cycle and premenstrual (PMS) symptoms, including the Health app on the Apple iPhone. 

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Contraceptive advice can be a part of menstrual management 

Women may seek or may already be on birth control to prevent pregnancy. Women may also seek medical intervention to lighten or suppress their periods, which birth control can also help accomplish. Your provider can discuss these options with you. If your birth control method prevents a period, it’s still a good idea to track things like spotting or any other PMS symptoms you continue to experience throughout the month.

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