Most women have menstrual periods that last four to seven days. Your period usually occurs every 28 days, but normal menstrual cycles can range from 21 days to 35 days. In fact, the average cycle length is 29 days.

Many things cause irregular periods (or irregular menstruation) such as changes in hormone levels, stress, certain health conditions, medications and more Your period is still considered “regular” even if it varies slightly from cycle to cycle.

Examples of irregular menstruation include periods that occur fewer than 21 days or more than 35 days apart, missing three or more periods in a row, menstrual flow (bleeding) that’s much heavier or lighter than usual, periods that last longer than seven days, length of time between cycles varies by more than nine days.

For example, one cycle is 28 days, the next is 37 days and the next is 29 days, periods that are accompanied by severe pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting, bleeding or spotting that happens between periods, after menopause or after sexual intercourse, soaking through one or more tampons or sanitary pads in an hour.

Your menstrual cycle may not always be predictable and that may be OK. It’s normal to have slight variations in cycle length or have a menstrual period that seems slightly heavier or lighter in flow than your previous period. Menstrual irregularities are fairly common, and you don’t have to be able to predict your cycle to the exact day for it to be considered “normal.” 🌡️💉💊

To Be Continued ….