Diana 19 July, 2023
Is my period normal?
My period is several days late this time, is that okay?
Why has it come so soon again?!
When will my period finally come?!
This is a long-standing question for many women, especially when the interval between two periods varies.
What is considered a normal menstrual cycle?
Before judging whether your menstrual cycle is normal, we first need to understand what a menstrual cycle is.
Is it the period of bleeding? Is it the interval between two bleeding episodes?
Neither of the above is correct. The correct menstrual cycle refers to the period from the first day of one menstruation to the first day of the next menstruation. Everyone's cycle is different, generally between 21 to 35 days. As long as it falls within this time frame, it is considered normal, and there's no need to worry or feel anxious if the time varies by several days from one cycle to the next.
Image source 1: Dingxiang Doctor | Menstrual cycle, how many days is considered normal?
Additionally, when a woman has her first period, it is normal for the cycle to be longer or for the flow to be heavier. Young people may need up to three years after the start of menstruation to have a regular cycle.
Once women reach their twenties, menstrual cycles tend to become more consistent and regular. As your body transitions into menopause, your menstruation will change again, becoming more irregular.
Here are our answers to some specific questions.
Q: Is it possible for it to be normal to have a particularly short (every 20 days) / long (every 40 days) cycle?
A: The menstrual cycle is mainly influenced by hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. There are individual differences in endocrine levels, and age, marital and childbearing status, exercise, and weight can also affect the length of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, whether it's approximately every 20 days or every 40 days, if it maintains such regularity, it is also considered normal. In previous articles, we have also introduced the concept of "seasonal menstruation" (menstruation every three months).
Q: Is it normal for the cycle to fluctuate (such as 21 days for the last and 35 days for this time)? What kind of fluctuation is normal?
A: It is normal if the interval between two menstruations advances or delays by no more than a week.
When should you go to the hospital?
Although inconsistencies within the normal range of menstrual cycle lengths generally don't pose a problem, it's best to visit a hospital for an examination and professional advice from a doctor if the following situations occur.
—Abnormal situations to be aware of—
If your period is more than a week late compared to your usual cycle, and you are not pregnant
If your menstrual cycle suddenly significantly lengthens or shortens, fluctuating more than 7 days multiple times
If your period has not returned within three months of stopping birth control, and you are not pregnant
If you are not pregnant, but have fewer than 9 menstrual periods a year, or each cycle is more than 35 days, or you have a cycle less than 21 days for three consecutive months
Bleeding between periods
Resource
[1]https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186
[2]https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle
[3] Official Account: Dingxiang Doctor "4 Standards to Determine If Your Menstrual Cycle Is Healthy! Are You 'Normal'?"
