Did you know that your period can be a great indicator of your health? For example, irregularities in the length of your period can be a symptom of too much stress or major health conditions. This is why it is important to understand your menstrual cycle and period. So, how long do periods last and what does the time frame mean for YOUR health?

What does a typical menstrual cycle look like?

Your menstrual cycle is a complex interplay of hormones and bodily functions. On average, a menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days but can range from 21 to 35 days. The first day of your period is considered day one of your cycle. During this time, the lining of your uterus sheds and causes bleeding. This typically lasts for about three to seven days.

Following this, your body begins preparing for ovulation, when an egg is released from the ovaries. This usually occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle. After ovulation, the egg travels through the fallopian tube and into the uterus where it waits to be fertilized by sperm. If fertilization does not occur, your body will shed its uterine lining again, starting a new menstrual cycle.

When it comes to “normal,” you should pay more attention to what is regular for your cycle, rather than compare yourself to other women. Every woman’s body is unique and may have different menstrual cycle characteristics.

What can change the length of your period?

Many factors can affect the length of your period. These include stress, weight changes, diet, lifestyle, and certain medications. Stress can cause hormonal imbalances in the body which can lead to irregular periods. Similarly, sudden or drastic weight changes can disrupt hormonal balance and affect the length of your cycle.

Your diet and lifestyle can often play a role in the length of your period. A balanced and nutritious diet can help regulate hormone levels, while excessive alcohol consumption or smoking can hurt your menstrual cycle. Certain medications, such as birth control and steroids, also cause changes in the duration of your period.

Additional factors that can influence the duration of your menstrual cycle include:

• Age: As you approach menopause, your periods may become either longer or shorter and you may not have a period every month.
• Exercise: Extreme exercise can cause changes in menstrual cycles.
• Underlying medical conditions: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, uterine fibroids, or thyroid disorders can affect the length of your period.
• Sleep patterns: Lack of adequate sleep can disrupt your hormonal balance and affect your menstrual cycle.
• Illness: Being sick around the time of ovulation can delay or disrupt the process.
• Breastfeeding: Women who are breastfeeding often experience irregular periods or no periods at all.

What does the length of your period mean for your health?

The length of your period can provide insight into your overall health and potential underlying conditions. For example, consistently short or light periods may indicate an issue with ovulation or a hormonal imbalance. On the other hand, heavy and prolonged periods may be a sign of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or other health conditions.

It is essential to pay attention to any changes in your menstrual cycle and discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment if needed. The best way to be familiar with your period is to track your entire cycle.

Tracking your cycle and period

Tracking your menstrual cycle and period can help you identify any patterns or changes that may indicate a health issue. Many apps are available for this purpose, making it easy to log and monitor the length of your cycle, symptoms, and any other relevant information including the following.

• Flow
• Pain levels
• Fatigue
• Start date and end date
• Changes in discharge
• Mood changes

There are some changes that can be worse than others, so knowing your regular cycle can help you notice these. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following.

• Bleeding between your periods
• Severe pain or cramping during your period
• Heavy bleeding that requires changing pads/tampons frequently
• Bleeding for more than seven days
• Missing periods altogether, especially for 90 or more days if you are not pregnant
• Menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days

Ways to help regulate your period

If you experience any irregularities in the length of your period, there are steps you can take to help regulate it. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and lifestyle before making any changes.

• Reduce stress: Engage in relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Make sure to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Eat a nutritious diet: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking: These can disrupt hormonal balance and affect the length of your period.
• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to maintain hormonal balance.
• Discuss any medications with your doctor: If you’re taking any medications that may affect your cycle, discuss alternatives with your doctor.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help maintain hormonal balance and regulate your menstrual cycle.

Exceptional healthcare at WHA

At Women’s Healthcare Associates in Amarillo, our mission is to provide you with the best experience in women’s healthcare. Our Staff offers personal care that focuses on the health and well-being of each patient as an individual. Our Services include prenatal care, digital mammography, bone density screening, ultrasounds, lab work, contraception, menopause treatments, and much more. To learn more about how our comprehensive women’s healthcare can help you, please give us a call at (806) 355-6330!