A woman has to be careful in monitoring her body… most especially body changes. A simple abnormality in a menstrual cycle may indicate problems or health ordeals. Giving close attention to little details such as determining normal menstruation periods can help a lot to know what’s happening inside your body. It may equip you knowledge about pregnancy and hormonal changes.
“How do I know about changes on your menstrual period?” “Is it still normal that I only have spotting for a week time?” Questions like these may occur from time to time. It means that you’re not so sure of labeling your own menstrual cycle. To help you personally determine about your normal menstrual cycle, consider these facts:
Bleeding days and amount of flows:
- Intermittent periods may occur a little after puberty/ teen years or near your menopausal stage.
- In average, a woman may bleed for 3- 5 days, a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 7 days.
- There’s a possibility that your menstrual cycle is also normal when you spot for 7 days.
- If you experience heavy bleeding beyond 7 days, it’s best to consult your physician. It is not normal to bleed heavily beyond a week.
- Normally, women bleed for about 2 tbsp. of blood. 4- 6 tbsp. is still considered normal, though.
- If you find yourself changing pads or tampons frequently within 1-3 hours, it suggests heavy bleeding that needs to be consulted to your doctor right away.
Days between Periods:
- There may be small variations when it comes to length of days between periods. There may be 28 day cycle and 30 day cycle. It still suggests normality.
- A difference of 22 days and 34 days is already abnormal. This suggests irregular periods that can be triggered because of stress or an indication of ailment.
- Not having your period for two months and not being pregnant may mean a problem.
- Experiencing spotting in between cycles is still considered normal, provided that it not on a regular basis. Heavy bleeding (not spotting) isn’t deemed typical as well. Best thing to do is to visit your doctor.
Normal menstrual period symptoms involve:
- food cravings
- sensitivity with emotions, mood swings
- irritableness or touchiness
- light cramping (a day before the period or couple of days during period)
- headaches
- multiplying acne
- breast tenderness
- sleeping troubles
- bloating
Abnormal menstrual period symptoms involve:
- serious depression, manic states and a complete break down
- migraines needed to be asked about to your doctor
- insomnia
- severe cramping in pelvic area whether during or outside period is something to be consulted
What is an irregular period?
Considering that having an interval for more than 28 days as an irregularity in period is a complete MYTH! A 28 day cycle does not completely define perfect fertility or pitch of health. There are causes of irregularity of menstrual flow:
- flu, colds or fever
- high level of stress
- travel which triggers abnormal sleeping pattern
- for mothers, breast-feeding
- rigid exercise (common in athletes)
How do you help yourself in tracking your monthly period?
If you’re a mobile user, calendar applications intended for women are downloadable in sites like Google or android market. Just scan, pick and download the app that appeals to you the most.
If you want it in traditional way, there are desk calendars or wall calendars that you can always mark and put your mark into. You can make use of a diary to track possible problems or abnormalities just in case that you need to consult your doctor.