For many among the menstruating population, the severity of its side-effects is such that life may start revolving around it and not the other way round. You need to make adjustments because of how you experience menstruation – the flow, the duration, regularity, the length, and so many other parametres.
Let’s deep dive into discussing certain evident signs that indicate that your period isn’t normal.
1. Pelvic pain lasts longer than a few days.
Pelvic pain and cramps happen to everyone from the menstruating population, albeit in varying degrees. For some very fortunate ones, they don’t feel cramps at all. It is perfectly normal for cramps to last for a few days. However, if you feel the cramps for more than a few days, you need to consult a doctor.
2. Sudden onset of severe menstrual cramps that require high doses of pain medication
Menstrual cramps often wreak havoc to life as we know it. For a lot of people, it makes life come to a standstill, with the pain being felt in varied degrees of severity. However, you feel a sudden, sharp menstrual cramps that compel you to take pain meditations, it’s time you take note of this and visit a doctor.
3. Painful bowel movements or urination during periods.
In case the pain goes beyond cramps and can be felt during urination and bowel movements too, it may be a cause for concern and you need to bring this to your gynaec’s attention immediately.
4. Heavy bleeding that lasts longer than a week
The menstruating period is the time span between the first day of your period to the time your period stops. On an average, most experience periods between 4 and 5 days. However, menstruation that lasts no more than 8 days is considered to be normal. Anything beyond it warrants a medical intervention.
5. Menstrual cycle shorter than 21 days and longer than 35 days
A menstrual cycle averaging between 21 days and 38 days is considered to be normal. What’s not normal is any time less than 21 days or more than 35 days. Or, no bleeding at all. Menstrual cycle refers to the first day of your period to the first day of your next period.
6. Too heavy or too scanty bleeding
Period isn’t just about the cycle and the number of days for which you experience it, the severity of blood flow is as important. Too heavy blood flow is as worrisome as too little blood flow, and needs to be brought to the attention of your doctor.
7. Missed periods
“Damn you periods” or “You’re back again!” – irrespective of how irritated you feel when the monthly arrival of your periods acts as a dampener for all your exciting plans, you secretly wish it happens on time. Because, otherwise, it indicates something else (you know what!). So, here’s another reason why you need to make a beeline to your gynaec, so your problem does not worsen.
For those of you who aren’t aware, missed periods means exactly as the phrase suggests – complete absence of periods for at least one full month, if not more.
8. Delayed periods
The length of your period should ideally vary between 7 and 9 days. The length is usually 9 days for people within the age group of 18 to 25 and 42 to 45, while it should be 7 days for those between 26 and 41. It is abnormal if the length of your cycle varies by 8 to 10 days. For instance, if your average length of the cycle is 30 days and the next one happens after 35 days, it is alright because there’s a difference of just 5 days.
9. Smelly period blood
It’s normal for period blood to smell a little wonky if it smells stale when you wake up in the morning after sleeping for about 8 hours. But, otherwise, if it gives off any filter odour, it’s worth seeing a doctor. After all, you wouldn’t like to smell bad, especially when you’re in a public setting.
10. Bleeding between periods
If your period is normal, you shouldn’t experience any spotting or bleeding during your periods. Although some notice spotting mid-cycle, around the time of your ovulation or release of an egg, it isn’t considered to be normal. If you experience a situation like this, it’s best to discuss it with a doctor.
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