Your period can be a powerful indicator of your overall health. Think of it as a monthly check-in or “report card” on what’s happening inside your body. A consistent menstrual cycle usually means your body’s systems are working in harmony. But if you notice unusual or uncomfortable symptoms, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
“Your menstrual cycle is a reflection of what you might be going through and can point us toward potential red flags,” says Dr. Nita Desai, an OB-GYN and director of the division of minimally invasive gynecological surgery at Atrium Health Women’s Care Urogynecology & Pelvic Surgery. “We want to make sure we’re not missing anything that might negatively impact your health or plans long-term.”
What is a normal menstrual cycle?
“Women’s reproductive health changes as they age,” says Desai. “Your cycle and goals can look different throughout each decade, particularly as you approach perimenopause and menopause.”
A normal, healthy menstrual cycle can vary from person to person, but generally, it’s considered healthy if your period is consistent each month and you are free from symptoms that impact your quality of life.
“It’s important to look at your regularity,” says Desai. “It’s considered normal to have your period every three to five weeks or about once a month. But it won’t necessarily always start on the fourth Tuesday of every month.”
If your cycle becomes irregular, painful or unusually heavy, it could be an early warning sign of underlying issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, endometriosis, anemia or bleeding disorders and various cancers.
What are signs of an abnormal period?
While not all of these symptoms necessarily mean you have an underlying health issue, they’re worth discussing with your health care provider:
- Passing large clots, specifically clots larger than a quarter, or if it hurts when passing them
- Heavy bleeding where you’re soaking through a pad every hour for more than two to three hours
- Irregular periods or no period
- Pain or cramps that aren’t well-controlled by ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Difficulty performing daily activities
- Missing work or school
“If you have no period, it could be a sign that you’re pregnant or something else might be occurring,” she says. “If your periods are too frequent or you experience heavy bleeding, that could be a sign that something isn’t functioning well. You shouldn’t be soaking through a pad every hour or have to keep a change of clothes in the car.”
How to track your menstrual cycle
Tracking your menstrual cycle can be a powerful way to understand your body and take charge of your health. Desai recommends using ovulation and cycle tracking apps, which can help you spot patterns and monitor changes over time. These tools can reveal insights into your mood, energy levels and physical symptoms, making it easier to anticipate and manage them. They also support better communication with your health care provider, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment of health conditions. If you're focused on fertility awareness, many apps simplify the process and remove the guesswork, making family planning more informed and intentional.
Lifestyle habits to support your menstrual health
There’s a connection between your lifestyle and your menstrual cycle. Desai says the following can help support a healthy period:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Estrogen in fat stores can make it harder for the body to manage bleeding.
- Manage stress: Some women won’t menstruate or will have irregular periods when they are very stressed.
- Eat nourishing foods: Following a well-balanced, nutrient-dense meal plan can help you maintain a healthy weight and give you the nutrients that support all of your body’s functions.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise is a great way to both stay healthy and manage period-related pain. For patients with endometriosis, try high-intensity cardio three to five days per week.
- Prioritize sleep: It can be common to experience sleep problems around your period, so prioritizing good sleep hygiene can help. Going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, avoiding electronic devices an hour before bed, having a calming bedtime routine and sleeping in a cool, dark room can support better sleep.
How to talk to your health care provider about your period
No one knows your body better than you do, so even if it’s nerve-wracking or something seems off, it’s important to talk with your health care provider.
“It can be embarrassing or scary to bring up your period with your doctor, but I encourage my patients to feel empowered to ask questions about their menstrual cycles,” says Desai. “Often, their symptoms are fixable. And our conversations are always private and confidential. I promise that there are great practitioners out there who want to listen and help.”
Learn more about women’s health at Atrium Health.
