By Dr. Sharon R. Hontiveros
1. Cycle length: What’s normal?
For many adults, cycles last 21 to 35 days, measured from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. If your cycles are consistently outside this range or change significantly, discuss them with your OB-GYN. Patterns can differ during adolescence, around menopause, and with hormonal contraception.
2. Flow: Light, moderate, or heavy?
Periods commonly last 2 to 7 days. Flow varies, and a few small clots can occur. Needing to change a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, passing frequent large clots, leaking onto clothing or bedding, or bleeding that affects daily life can indicate heavy periods.
3. Symptoms: What’s expected?
Mild cramping, bloating, mood changes, and breast tenderness are common. Pain that disrupts daily activities, is severe, or is getting worse deserves assessment. You do not have to simply put up with it.
4. Color: What does it mean?
- Red blood is common when flow is heavier.
- Pink or brown blood can be normal on lighter days; brown blood is often older blood.
Color alone cannot tell you whether your period or overall health is normal. Discuss unusual discharge or other new symptoms with your OB-GYN.
When to see your OB-GYN
- Very irregular cycles, persistent changes, or missed periods.
- Bleeding lasting more than 7 days or affecting your daily life.
- Severe pain, frequent large clots, tiredness, or breathlessness.
- Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause.
If you miss a period and pregnancy is possible, take a pregnancy test.
When bleeding needs urgent care
If you are soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for more than 2 hours, seek prompt medical advice. If this happens with dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, seek emergency care immediately.
Tracking your cycle dates, bleeding, and symptoms can make your consultation more useful. If you notice unusual changes, talk to your OB-GYN for evaluation and guidance.
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