What do you mean by a normal period?
On an average, a normal period is one that appears every 24 to 38 days and usually lasts about 2 to 8 days.
An irregular period can be classified as such if –
- The time between each period starts to change
- More or less blood flow during the period than normal
- Variation in number of days the period lasts
There are many reasons for irregular periods –
- Changes in the body hormones (estrogen and progesterone) can cause irregular periods. So women going through puberty and menopause where there is a fluctuation in amount of hormones in the body can cause irregular periods
- Stress, too much exercise, starvation or extreme weight gain
- IUD
- Starting or stopping of birth control pills
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Thyroid problems
- Uterine fibroids
- PCOD
When to see a doctor?
- If you miss 3 or more periods in a year (with a negative pregnancy test)
- If your period lasts for more than 7 days
- If you get your period more often than every 21 days
- If you get your period less often than every 35 days
- If you’re bleeding between your periods
- If you’re bleeding more or less heavily than normal during your period
- If you have more pain than you normally do during your period