She Strengthens

The Mysterious World of Menstruation

Understanding Your Period

Your period may seem like a mystery, but it’s a natural part of life. On average, a period lasts between 2 to 7 days, with women losing around 2 to 3 tablespoons of blood. However, some research suggests that this number could be higher, up to 4 tablespoons. But it’s not just blood that’s expelled during your period. A small 1985 study found that blood makes up only about 36% of the total output, with the remaining 64% consisting of tissue, blood clots, mucus, and uterine lining.

What’s Considered Irregular?

Every woman’s period is unique, and what’s normal for one person may not be the same for another. According to the National Institutes of Health, 14 to 25% of women experience irregular cycles. Signs of an irregular menstrual cycle may include:

• A longer or shorter period than usual
• A lighter or heavier flow than usual
• Worse-than-usual cramps
• Spotting or light bleeding between periods
• Other unusual period symptoms

The Science Behind Your Cycle

A typical menstrual cycle can last anywhere from 24 to 38 days. During this time, the lining of your uterus grows thicker and thicker as it prepares to take in and nourish a fertilized egg. When there isn’t a fertilized egg to house, your uterus sheds the built-up tissue and blood, resulting in your period. Fun fact: The endometrial lining sheds at its own pace, which is why some days of your period are lighter and others heavier.

Factors Affecting Your Cycle

Several factors can affect your menstrual cycle, including:

• Stress
• Sudden weight fluctuations
• Poor nutrition
• Illness
• Certain medications
• Hormonal birth control
• Too much exercise

Hormones in a Leading Role

Hormones play a significant role in the ebb and flow of your period. Levels of estrogen and progesterone become low at the start of your period, triggering the endometrium to start shedding. Then, your pituitary gland starts to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which kicks your ovaries into estrogen-making mode. This generally happens in the first 4 to 5 days of your period.

Medical Conditions Affecting Your Cycle

Certain medical conditions can also disrupt your menstrual cycle, including:

• Endometriosis: A chronic condition in which the endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing painful periods and other symptoms.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A condition in which the ovaries produce higher-than-usual levels of male hormones, leading to irregular periods, weight gain, and other symptoms.
• Fibroids: Noncancerous growths that can develop in or on the uterus, causing painful periods, heavy bleeding, and other symptoms.

When to Seek Help

If you experience any of the following during your period, it’s time to call your healthcare provider:

• A period lasting less than 2 days or more than 8 days
• Heavy bleeding
• Severe cramping or other pain
• Periods that are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
• Weird vaginal discharge
• Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
• Sudden, irregular periods after generally having regular cycles
• Anxiety, depression, or other extreme symptoms of PMS
• Bleeding between periods or post-menopause
• Lack of a period for 3+ months when not pregnant
• Nausea, vomiting, or other extreme pain

The Bottom Line

In most cases, a stop-and-go flow is completely normal. Fluctuating hormones, stress, changes in diet or medication, and weight gain are just a few causes of an irregular menstrual cycle. Certain health conditions may also be the culprit. Every woman is unique, and so is every period. You know your body best and can gauge when things seem a bit off. If you start to have irregular-for-you periods on a regular basis, it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine what’s disrupting your cycle and the best way to manage it.