5 Signs Of A Healthy Menstrual Cycle

While every woman is unique and in the real world, there is no such thing as textbook perfect periods, these five factors are strong indicators that you have a health menstrual cycle.

1. Your menstrual cycle is between 26-35 days.

Ideally your menstrual cycle should be between 26-35 days long and about the same length every month. The total length of the cycle is counted from the first day of proper flow of your period to the last day before your next period. Cycles that are irregular in length by more than 5 days or shorter or longer than 26-35 days can be an indication that your hormones are out of whack.

2. Your period is pain free

Yes, that’s right! A healthy menstrual cycle should be pain free. A slight feeling of discomfort and distention in the lower abdomen is okay, but if you are experiencing painful cramping in the abdomen, back and/or legs, this is your body’s way of telling you that something’s Not Quite Right.

3. You only bleed during the days you have your period

A healthy period starts with 3-7 days of solid flow, followed by a couple of days of lighter bleeding. There should be no bleeding at any other time of the cycle. Prolonged or heavy bleeding (filling a tampon, cup or pad in under 2 hours), a really light period (1-2 days of flow and/or barely needing to change your tampon, cup or pad) or spotting at other times during the cycle may indicate low progesterone, iron deficiency and other internal imbalances.

4. The blood is a healthy red colour

Menstrual blood that is a crimson red colour without the presence of clots or mucus occurs when there is adequate blood flow within the uterus. Dark, purple or brown blood and the presence of clots indicates poor uterine circulation. Blood stagnation in the uterus causes pain and can lead to other complications.

5. You don’t experience Pre-menstrual tension (PMT)

If your period comes and goes without PMT taking over your body and throwing a party, it’s a sign that your hormones are happy!

It may seem like most of the women you know (yourself included) experience tender breasts, headaches, food cravings, bloating, changes in your bowels and feeling overly emotional in the days or weeks leading up to their period but this is not the norm! If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms its your hormones screaming out for attention and some serious TLC!

It is so important to take the time to check in with your body as your menstrual cycle is a direct indicator of your overall health. I recommend using a period tracking app (my favourite is fertility friend) to keep track of your cycles and any symptoms you experience.

If your menstrual cycle needs a health check up, or you’d like some help to regulate your cycle naturally, contact the team at NFG.