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What Is a Normal Menstrual Period?

On average, a woman gets her period for 3 to 5 days every 28 to 30 days. There is a much wider range, however, in what is considered normal duration and frequency. After a few years of menstruating, most women tend to settle into their own pattern. While changes in your period may be due to factors such as stress or starting birth control pills, sudden changes can also be a sign of a more serious problem.

  1. Frequency

    • According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 to 30 days. It is normal, however, for your period to come as frequently as every 21 days or as infrequently as every 35 days. Girls who have recently started menstruating often experience erratic periods, but after a few years their menstrual cycles usually settle into predictable patterns.

    Duration

    • As the Cleveland Clinic states, most women's periods last between 3 and 5 days. For many women, though, it is normal to bleed for as little as 2 days or as long as 7 days.

    Amount of Bleeding

    • The amount of blood shed during a period varies from woman to woman. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, during an average period a woman sheds between four and 12 teaspoons of blood. Some women may routinely have heavy periods while others may have much lighter bleeding.

    Cramps

    • As Planned Parenthood states, many women experience menstrual cramps during their period. Most cramps are normal, a result of your uterus contracting to expel its lining. In some cases, severe cramps may be a sign of another problem. See your doctor if you experience severe pain during your period.

    Effect of Birth Control

    • Some forms of birth control can alter your period, as FamilyDoctor.org points out. Combination birth control pills, as well as other birth control methods that contain estrogen (like the patch and the vaginal ring) often cause women to have lighter and more regular periods. In some women, using an IUD causes heavier periods or more severe cramping. Progestin-only birth control options also change some women's periods. In most cases, such changes are normal side effects of your birth control method.

    Your Own Definition

    • While the technical definition of a normal period varies widely in terms of frequency and duration, most women tend to have their own definition of what constitutes a normal period. In some cases, changes in your normal period may signal a problem. As Planned Parenthood points out, your period can be influenced by relatively minor factors such as stress, travel, or illness, but changes in your period can also be the result of a more serious condition, even if your period remains within the range of what is generally considered normal. Talk to your doctor if your period becomes longer, heavier, or suddenly stops appearing on schedule.

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