Normal and Abnormal Periods

Menstruation, or when you get your period, is one stage of the menstrual cycle. Periods are unique to each person and your own period can even change at different ages. Although periods can vary in terms of timing, duration, and flow, there are some signs that a period may not be normal.

A normal period usually lasts about 4 or 5 days, but a period that lasts 2 to 7 days is still considered normal. If your period is longer than 7 days, than you might be experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Experiencing HMB is one sign of an abnormal period. For women, girls, and those who had or have the potential to menstruate who have bleeding disorders, HMB is a common symptom.

Despite differences in experiences from person to person, there are a few things that make periods normal or abnormal. If you are experiencing symptoms that signal your period might be abnormal, then you may want to talk to a health care provider.

This section about normal and abnormal periods covers the following:

How Do I Know If My Period is Normal?

What’s an Abnormal Period?

Tips for Managing Your Heavy Period

How Do I Know If My Period is Normal?

Here are some facts about ‘normal’ periods^1,2:

• The first menstrual period, called menarche, usually occurs between the ages of 11 and 14 years. However, some people start as early as 8 years old and others as late as 16 years old.
• Children and teens who are just beginning to menstruate often have irregular periods and periods that vary with light, moderate, or heavy flows.
• The days from the start of one period to the day before the start of the next is called the menstrual cycle.
• A child or teen’s period tends to happen every 21 to 45 days and lasts about 4 to 7 days.
• A period usually lasts about 4 or 5 days, but one that lasts anywhere between 2 and 7 days is considered normal.
• A normal period occurs on average about every 28 days. Even if you have 21 to 35 days between periods, it is still considered normal.
• Typically, people lose about 30 mL to 45 mL (about 2 to 3 tablespoons) of blood during a period.
• As people age their periods occur less often until they stop altogether. If a person has not had a period for 12 months, they have reached menopause.

What’s an Abnormal Period?

Periods can sometimes vary, and everyone’s period can be different. Here are some signs that your period may not be normal, and you may want to talk to a health care provider:

• You bleed for more than 7 days (your period lasts longer than 7 days from the time bleeding starts until the time bleeding ends).
• You have a menstrual flow so heavy that it keeps you from doing the things you would do normally, such as going to school or work.
• You use more than one pad or tampon every hour.
• You need to double up by wearing one pad and a tampon because of heavy bleeding.
• Yor need to change pads or tampons more than once during the night.
• Have a menstrual flow that repeatedly contains blood clots the size of a quarter or larger.

If you want more information about abnormal periods, please go to Better You Know.

Tips for Managing Your Heavy Period

Dealing with heavy periods can be hard and can even interfere with activities you enjoy. Below are some tips for coping with a heavy period so it doesn’t impact your quality of life.

Daytime Strategies

• When you are outside the home, it can be helpful to keep an extra bag of:
  • At least 2 extra pairs of underwear
  • A long-sleeved sweater or jacket for you to wrap around your waist in case of leakage
  • Pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, or other period products
  • Period underwear as an extra layer of support against leaks
• You can try reusable menstrual cups. They hold 3 times more blood than a super tampon.
• Avoid wearing lightly colored clothing.
• Pick period products that work best for you. If you are very active, pads sometimes can bunch up or shift. Others do not wish to use tampons or menstrual cups. Choose what works best for your body.
• Notice when you experience more clots during your period. During these times you may need to change the period product you are using more often.

Nighttime Suggestions

• Some people sleep on a doubled-up dark towel or old blanket to absorb any leakage that might happen during the night.
• It can help to switch up period products during the night. Some find that menstrual cups prevent leakage during the night because they can hold more blood. Find what works best for you.
• Wearing period underwear at night (and during the day!) can prevent leaks. Period underwear can also be used as an alternative to other period products.

Coping With Cramps

• Don’t take aspirin or NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory drugs) because they may increase bleeding. If you have cramps or back pain, acetaminophen can be a safer pain relief option. Talk to your health care provider to find a medication that is best for you.
• Lower or avoid salt, caffeine, and alcohol in your diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Try to relax and get the proper amount of sleep.
• Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet may help with cramps.