Your menstrual cycle is a vital indicator of your reproductive and overall health. Yet many women and menstruating individuals don’t realize what a "normal" cycle looks like—or when it might be time to speak with a healthcare provider.

What Is a Menstrual Cycle?

The menstrual cycle is the monthly hormonal cycle a woman’s body goes through to prepare for pregnancy. The average cycle lasts about 28 days, though anywhere from 21 to 35 days is considered normal for adults.

Each cycle includes several phases:

- Menstrual Phase: Bleeding phase (your period)
- Follicular Phase: Prepares the body for ovulation
- Ovulation Phase: When the ovary releases an egg
- Luteal Phase: Prepares the body for a possible pregnancy

What’s Considered Normal?

🩸 Flow: Light to moderate bleeding lasting 2 to 7 days
📆 Cycle Length: Regular patterns every 21 to 35 days
😌 Mild Cramping: Some discomfort is normal, especially during menstruation
📉 Symptoms: Mood changes, fatigue, and bloating are common due to hormonal shifts

When to Be Concerned

⚠️ Irregular Periods: Consistently short, long, or missed cycles
⚠️ Heavy Bleeding: Soaking through pads or tampons every hour for several hours
⚠️ Severe Pain: Cramping that interferes with daily activities
⚠️ Spotting Between Periods: Especially if frequent or unexplained

If you experience any of the above, it may be time to speak with a gynecologist or healthcare professional to rule out conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, or thyroid imbalances.

Trusted Resources for Menstrual Health

- Office on Women's Health (U.S. Dept. of Health)
- CDC – Reproductive Health
- Mayo Clinic – Menstrual Cycle: What's Normal?

Understanding your period empowers you to recognize what’s healthy and when to seek support. No one should feel in the dark about their cycle—it’s part of your body’s story.

💜 Click Here to Donate and support menstrual education and period poverty initiatives through the Naturalena Foundation.

#PeriodCare #MenstrualHealth #KnowYourCycle #WomensHealth #PeriodTalk #CycleAwareness #EndPeriodPoverty