Menstrual cycle: When is it normal, when is it abnormal?

Your menstrual cycle can say a lot about your health. When we understand how to start monitoring our menstrual cycle, it will help detect irregularities early for timely treatment.

The menstrual cycle includes a variety of symptoms that change monthly in a woman's body in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg - a process known as ovulation. At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus to be able to become pregnant. If ovulation occurs and the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This is also known as the menstrual period in a woman.
Do you know when your last period started or how long it lasted? If not, it may be time to start paying attention to your menstrual cycle.
Menstrual cycle tracking can help you understand what your cycle is like, when you ovulate and identify important changes - such as missed periods or irregular menstrual bleeding. often . While irregular periods are usually not serious, they can sometimes signal health problems.

The menstrual cycle, which is calculated from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, is not the same for all women. Menstruation may appear every 21 to 35 days and last for two to seven days. During the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common. However, menstrual cycles tend to shorten and become more regular as you get older.
Your menstrual cycle may be regular - the same length every month - or slightly irregular, and your menstrual bleeding may be light or heavy, painful or painless, long or short and still considered normal . Broadly speaking, "normal" is your usual menstrual cycle.
Remember that using some types of birth control, such as extended-cycle birth control pills and an intrauterine device (IUD), will change your menstrual cycle.
As you near menopause, your periods may become irregular. However, because the risk of uterine cancer increases as you age, discuss any unusual bleeding during menopause with your doctor.

To find out if your menstrual cycle is normal, start recording your period on a calendar. Start by tracking your start date monthly for several months in a row to determine the regularity of your periods.

If you are concerned about your period, make a note of the following every month:
The first day of your period. How long does your period usually last? Is it longer or shorter than usual? Menstrual blood volume. Record the amount of bleeding each time you have your period. Does it seem less or more than usual? How often do you need to change your tampon? Did you pass any blood clots? Abnormal bleeding. Do you bleed between periods? Pain. Describe any pain associated with your period. Is the pain worse than usual? Other changes. Have you experienced any changes in mood or behavior? Is there anything new happening around the timing of your period changes?

Irregular menstrual cycles can have many different causes, including:
Pregnancy or breastfeeding. A missed period can be an early sign of pregnancy. Breastfeeding often delays the return of menstruation after pregnancy. Eating disorders, excessive weight loss, or excessive exercise. Eating disorders - such as anorexia nervosa - excessive weight loss and increased physical activity can disrupt menstruation. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with this common endocrine system disorder may have irregular periods as well as enlarged ovaries that contain small fluid - called cysts - in each ovary on ultrasound examination. Premature ovarian failure. Premature ovarian failure is the loss of normal ovarian function before the age of 40. Women with premature ovarian failure – also known as primary ovarian failure – may have irregular or irregular periods for many years. five. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This reproductive organ infection can cause irregular menstrual bleeding. Fibroids . Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus. They can make your period heavier and longer.

For some women, using birth control pills can help regulate the menstrual cycle. Treatment for any underlying problems, such as an eating disorder, can also help. However, some menstrual irregularities cannot be prevented.
Also, consult your doctor if:
Your periods suddenly stop for more than 90 days - and you are not pregnant Your periods become irregular after regularity You have internal bleeding more than seven days You bleed more than usual or soak through multiple pads or tampons every hour or two Your periods are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart You bleed between periods You severe pain during your period You suddenly have a fever and feel nauseous after using a tampon If you have questions or concerns about your menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor for a visit best examination and consultation. To help customers detect gynecological diseases, Vinmec International General Hospital has a basic gynecological examination and screening package, helping customers to detect early infectious diseases for easy treatment. costly. Screening detects gynecological cancer (cervical cancer) early even when there are no symptoms.
Basic gynecological examination and screening package for female customers, has no age limit and may have the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding Having menstrual problems: irregular menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual cycle Irregular vaginal discharge (smell, different color) Vaginal pain and itching Female clients have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, Unsafe sex, abortion,... Female customers have other symptoms such as: Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, pain in the private area, abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Reference source: mayoclinic.org