Every woman’s period is unique, and yet many are left wondering whether their personal experience is “normal” or not. The menstrual cycle is a powerful reflection of hormonal balance and reproductive health. By understanding what is typical — and what may be concerning — women can gain confidence and clarity regarding their bodies.
At IVANA MD, we believe knowledge is empowerment. Here is what every woman should know about her cycle.
What Is a Menstrual Cycle?
Your menstrual cycle is the monthly pattern of hormonal and physical changes that prepare your body for a possible pregnancy.
A cycle includes:
- menstrual bleeding (your period)
- egg maturation
- ovulation
- uterine lining thickening
- hormonal fluctuations
One cycle is counted from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period.
What’s Considered Normal?
Cycle Length
- Normal: 21–35 days
- Average: 28 days
- Teen years: may be longer or irregular
- Perimenopause: often variable
Menstrual Flow
- Duration: 3–7 days
- Color:
- bright red
- dark red
- brown at beginning or end
- Amount:
- roughly 3–6 tablespoons of blood total
Light spotting at the start or end is also normal.
Common Normal Variations
Cramps
Mild–moderate cramps are normal, especially during the first 2–3 days.
Breast tenderness
Common before and sometimes during menstruation.
Mood changes
Many women feel irritable or emotional due to hormonal shifts.
Appetite changes
Cravings or changes in appetite are common.
Fatigue
Hormonal fluctuations can cause temporary tiredness.
These are normal biological responses.
Signs That Something May NOT Be Normal
While variations exist, certain symptoms may signal a medical issue.
❗ Extremely heavy periods
If you soak through:
- a pad or tampon every hour
- for multiple hours straight
- or pass large clots
→ This may indicate fibroids, hormonal imbalance, or thyroid issues.
❗ Severe cramps that stop your day
Pain should not be:
- incapacitating
- causing nausea or vomiting
- preventing work or school
- requiring strong pain medication
This may indicate endometriosis or adenomyosis.
❗ Irregular periods
If cycles are:
- shorter than 21 days
- longer than 35 days
- highly unpredictable
→ It may suggest PCOS, thyroid imbalance, or stress-induced cycle disruption.
❗ Missed periods
In a non-pregnant woman, missed periods may be caused by:
- stress
- low body weight
- over-exercise
- PCOS
- thyroid dysfunction
- hormonal imbalance
- perimenopause
You should not ignore absent periods.
❗ Persistent brown or gray discharge
This may signal infection or hormonal changes requiring evaluation.
❗ Painful intercourse or unusual bleeding afterward
This may indicate cervical or vaginal irritation, infection, or structural causes.
❗ Unexpected spotting
Mid-cycle spotting can sometimes be normal during ovulation — but frequent spotting may require medical evaluation.
Understanding Hormones in Your Cycle
Your cycle is managed by hormones:
- Estrogen – builds uterine lining
- Progesterone – stabilizes it
- FSH & LH – regulate ovulation
- Testosterone (yes, women have some!) – impacts libido and energy
These hormones create predictable patterns — and when they are out of balance, symptoms appear.
Tracking Your Cycle
Apps and journals can help track:
- length
- flow
- cramps
- mood changes
- spotting
- patterns
Popular tracking apps include:
- Flo
- Clue
- Natural Cycles
- Period Calendar
Tracking gives your gynecologist valuable diagnostic information — especially if you experience irregularities.
How Birth Control Affects Periods
Hormonal birth control can:
- lighten periods
- shorten periods
- stop periods entirely
- reduce cramps
- regulate cycles
Some women on an IUD or pill may have:
- very light bleeding
- occasional spotting
- no period at all
This can be normal — and your gynecologist can confirm whether your reaction is expected.
The Role of Stress, Diet, and Lifestyle
Life affects your cycle more than most women realize.
Stress can delay ovulation.
Sleep changes affect hormonal balance.
Significant weight loss or gain can shift the cycle.
Intense exercise can suppress it.
Your body is sensitive — it responds to life events.
When to Seek Medical Help
You should schedule a gynecology visit if you experience:
- intense menstrual pain
- heavy bleeding
- missed periods
- bleeding between periods
- unexplained spotting
- irregular cycles
- discharge changes
- pain during sex
These may be signs of:
- PCOS
- fibroids
- endometriosis
- adenomyosis
- ovarian cysts
- infection
- perimenopause
Your symptoms are real and deserve attention.
How IVANA MD Supports Cycle Health
We offer:
- personalized assessments
- hormone testing
- pelvic exams
- ultrasound evaluation
- treatment for PCOS & endometriosis
- cycle regulation strategies
- birth control consultation
- lifestyle recommendations
Our care is compassionate, thorough, and patient-centered.
Final Thoughts
Your menstrual cycle is a vital sign. Just like heart rate or blood pressure, it provides insight into your health. The more you understand it — the more empowered you become in caring for your body.
Ready to better understand your cycle?
We are here to help.
Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX.
Call 346 585 4077
4220 Cartwright Road Suite 201
Missouri City, Texas 77459
