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Normal vs Abnormal Menstrual Cycle: Signs and Symptoms

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How do you figure whether you have a normal [menstrual cycle](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/your-menstrual-cycle-phases-a-basic-guide)? What are the criteria that entails a normal period cycle? Well, the answer is there is no clear demarcation when it comes to deciding what a normal menstrual cycle is. Each person has a different body and therefore each person's menstrual cycle is different and what's normal for one woman may not necessarily be the same for another.

-	[What's a normal menstrual cycle?](#link1)
-	[Period tracking](#link2)
-	[Signs of an abnormal or irregular menstrual cycle](#link3)


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What's a normal menstrual cycle?

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A woman's menstrual cycle typically lasts for 28 days. A normal menstrual cycle can last anywhere between 21 to 35 days. However, even though a normal menstrual cycle is a broad term, there are certain factors that can help you figure out what's normal and what's not. Remember, it's important for you to understand this as it'll help you figure out if there's something genuinely wrong.

A woman's menstrual cycle typically lasts for 28 days

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The below points will help you understand what's considered to be a normal menstrual cycle.

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Length and timing of your period

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It is believed that a normal menstrual cycle length lasts between 21 and 35 days.  Keep in mind that various life stages and different factors related to your health can affect your cycle. In the initial years when you begin menstruating, you will notice that you don't start bleeding the same time every month. You will also have long menstrual cycles. As you grow older, your cycles will get shorter and more consistent. Birth control pills and other methods of contraception too affect the timing of your menstrual cycle.

As you grow older, your cycles will get shorter and more consistent

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Flow of your period

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When the egg released from your ovary is not fertilised, your uterus sheds its lining which is the bleeding you experience during your period. You may have light, medium or heavy flow of blood, it is all considered normal as long as it's consistent.

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Signs and symptoms during your period

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It's normal to have certain signs and symptoms when you have your period. And they may not be the same every month. Sometimes, you may have bloating whereas some months you may notice tender breasts. They are normal signs and some more are mentioned below:

<div style="font-size: 19px;">
<span>1)</span> <h4 style="display: inline;font-weight: normal; ">Mood swings</h4><br>
<span>2)</span>	<h4 style="display: inline;font-weight: normal;">Cramps in lower back and abdomen</h4><br>
<span>3)</span>	<h4 style="display: inline;font-weight: normal;">Acne</h4><br>
<span>4)</span>	<h4 style="display: inline;font-weight: normal;">Sleep problems</h4>
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And when you have your period, it's always best to rely on good quality [sanitary pads](/sanitary-pads) to manage your menstrual needs. [The Always Ultra Thin Pads](/sanitary-pads/always-ultra-thin-pads-with-wings) are an excellent option as they come with a super absorbent core and InstantDry System that absorbs menstrual discharge in just a few seconds. Its flexible wings provide stability and ensures your pad doesn't shift as you go about your daily activities and enjoy up to 100% comfortable protection.

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Period tracking

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Tracking your menstrual cycle early on will help you understand your body, your menstrual cycle length and it signs and symptoms. This will enable you to understand what's normal for you. Similarly, if you notice anything unusual or irregular, you will be able to immediately detect the same.

Here's how you can [track your menstrual cycle](/period-calculator):

-	Note down the start and end date of your period 
-	The flow of your period
-	Presence of any blood clots
-	Frequency of pads or tampons changed
-	Whether you had cramps and how painful it was
-	Whether you noticed any spotting between periods.


Signs of an abnormal or irregular menstrual cycle

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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2">Signs of an abnormal or irregular menstrual cycle</h2>

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It is easier to ascertain an abnormal menstrual cycle once you've understood what a normal menstrual cycle is for you. Here are some signs that may indicate that you have an abnormal cycle.

-	If you've missed three or more periods consecutively
-	If you notice your menstrual flow to be heavier or lighter than what you usually have
-	Any sudden change in menstrual cycle length. If the length of your menstrual cycle is less than 21 days or more than 45 days 
-	If the length of your periods is more than seven days
-	If you experience severe pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting when you have your period.
-	Any bleeding or spotting that occurs between periods, after menopause or after sex.

If you notice any of the above signs, you must consult a doctor immediately. Lastly, don't compare your menstrual cycle with anyone else's. By tracking your cycle, you would be able to ascertain what's normal for you and if you find anything amiss within those observations, then you must be alerted.

Read more about [period symptoms](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/period-symptoms-signs-you-are-getting-your-period), [causes of irregular periods](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/what-causes-irregular-periods) and [what causes period pains](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/why-you-may-be-getting-heavy-painful-periods).


Disclaimer

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb">Disclaimer</h2>

Experienced a sudden change in menstrual cycle length? Know the difference between normal & irregular menstrual cycle, and causes of menstrual cycle changes.

Normal vs Abnormal Menstrual Cycle: Signs and Symptoms

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