kateandlisaSometimes your period can be unpredictable. Some month’s it’s light, others it’s super heavy and you may have spotting in between. How can you know what is normal and when you should be concerned?
A “normal” period usually lasts between 3-7 days and comes roughly every 24 – 35 days. It has a consistent flow pattern (starting heavier and tapering off). Abnormal bleeding includes periods that are excessively heavy (soaking through a pad or tampon every 1-2 hours), last longer than 7 days, are very irregular or come with spotting between cycles. If your bleeding is making you feel weak, dizzy or interfering with daily life, it is worth digging deeper into possible causes.
Our periods are an indicator of our overall health and changes in bleeding patterns can be a sign of hormonal shifts, nutrient deficiencies or underlying conditions. Here are some things to watch for:
Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)
- Bleeding through a tampon or pad every 1-2 hours for mutiple hours
- Passing blood clots larger than a quarter
- Possible causes: Estrogen dominance, fibroids, thyroid imbalances, clotting disorders or perimenopause
Spotting Between Cycles
- Light bleeding that isn’t part of your normal period
- Can happen before ovulation, after ovulation or randomly
- Possible causes: Low progesterone, stress, uterine polyps, implantation bleeding (if TTC) or changes in birth control
Irregular or Unpredictable Cycles
- Cycles that vary by more than a week month to month
- Periods that skip for months or come twice in one month
- Possible causes: PCOS, stress, thyroid dysfunction, perimenopause or post-birth control hormone imbalances
When to Check in With a Provider
- If you experience sudden, extreme changes in your cycle
- If your periods are painfully heavy or leave you feeling drained
- If you have spotting after sex or random mid-cycle bleeding
How the Color and Consistency Can Give You Clues About Your Hormone Levels
Your body is talking to you all the time through all sorts of different signs and symptoms. Have you ever thought about your period color and what it could be telling you?
BRIGHT OR DARK RED: this is what you want, with minimal clots, and a maple syrup-like consistency – this is a sign of a healthy period
PURPLISH/BLUE: this color plus clotting or looking like crushed blueberries can be a sign of estrogen dominance (either high estrogen and low progesterone, high estrogen and normal progesterone, or normal estrogen and low progesterone)
LIGHT PINK: this coupled with a cycle of 3 or less days can be a sign of low estrogen
BROWN: blood turns brown due to oxidation (or exposure to oxygen), this can be old blood that did not leave from your previous cycle or could indicate low progesterone levels
Orange: could be a sign of possible bacterial vaginosis and should be evaluated by your doctor
CLEAR/CREAMY/WATERY: can be a sign of nutrient deficiency, check for other signs/symptoms and may need to check in with your doctor; cervical fluid that is creamy/egg white consistence during the middle of your cycle is a healthy sign of ovulation
Your period is like a check engine light and monthly report card for your overall health. Symptoms are a signal from your body to dig deeper and uncover the root cause. If your period is off, know that you are not alone. Irregular bleeding is common but not something you have to “just deal with.”
If you would like support to heal your period symptoms, and/or get your body ready for a healthy pregnancy, let’s set up a complimentary discovery session right here! We can dive in and see what the root causes could be and how to get your questions answered and your cycle, along with your health, healthy!
