How Often Should You Get Your Period? Understanding Normal Menstruation
Q: How often should I be getting my period? I’ve heard it’s every 28 days, but my cycle is sometimes longer or shorter. How do I know if my periods are “normal?”
A: The definition of a “normal” period can vary greatly, causing confusion for many individuals. In different populations, the frequency of periods varies significantly. For example, an average Dutch woman may experience around 450 periods in her lifetime, compared to an estimated 100 periods for women in the Dogon tribe in Mali. This difference is thought to be influenced by factors such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, which can suppress menstruation. Additionally, the age at which menarche (the onset of menstruation) occurs has decreased in recent generations.
Understanding what constitutes a normal period can be challenging. However, clinicians often refer to parameters set by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics:
- Normal periods occur between every 24 to 38 days.
- Bleeding doesn’t last longer than eight days.
- They occur with some predictability, with no more than a nine-day variation (for individuals aged 26-41, the variation should be no more than seven days).
- The amount of blood loss should not be excessively heavy or light.
Determining what amount of blood loss is considered “too heavy” can be subjective. However, physicians rely on feedback from patients to assess whether bleeding is bothersome or abnormal. Some indicators of higher-than-usual blood loss include changing pads or tampons every 1-2 hours, frequent overnight pad changes, passing large clots larger than 1 inch, and a diagnosis of anemia. Despite these parameters, what is considered “normal” ultimately depends on the individual.
Managing Period Cramps
If you experience severe cramps during your period, adjusting the timing of your medication may help. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, target prostaglandins that cause painful uterine contractions. However, taking ibuprofen at the onset of pain may not be as effective, as prostaglandin levels are already high. Starting ibuprofen a day or two before cramping begins can provide better pain control.
Not everyone may find relief with NSAIDs, and further discussions with a physician are recommended to explore alternative treatment options and investigate potential underlying causes of painful cramps.
Understanding Fluctuations in Your Period
It is not uncommon for your period to be irregular at times. While this may not necessarily be a cause for concern, it’s crucial to track these fluctuations, as they can indicate certain health conditions. Utilize period-tracking apps, calendars, or other methods to monitor your menstrual cycle.
Some common reasons for irregular periods include pregnancy, endometriosis, stress, extreme exercise, significant weight changes, disordered eating, acute illnesses, and hormonal changes related to puberty, menopause, and breastfeeding.
As we are amidst vaccination efforts, it’s worth noting that some studies have shown a temporary increase in cycle length and a slightly higher risk of heavier periods following COVID-19 vaccination. These changes typically resolve after the first post-vaccination menstrual cycle.
If you experience heavy bleeding or other symptoms that significantly affect your daily life, it is essential to speak with your physician. Normalizing suffering should be avoided, and seeking medical advice can provide reassurance and appropriate management options.
Sources:
- Danazumi Ibrahim, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria.
- Period-Tracker Apps Could Help Further Women’s Health Research
- Periods and Period Problems
