How to know if you’re period cycle is normal by tracking it and when your cycle should be a cause for concern?

Most women wonder whether their period cycle is normal at some stage in their life, and especially if they notice a change. The reality is that period cycles vary from person to person and can be affected by a multitude of health and lifestyle factors.

The average menstrual cycle is approximately 28 days, but it can be as a short as 21 and as long as 35 days. When you get your period, its normal to bleed anywhere from three to five days, but this length of time can also be longer. It’s important to know your own period cycle to help you monitor your health and fertility, but how do you establish what is normal for you?

• There are numerous apps available for this purpose, but it can also be done by simply taking notes or marking the dates on a calendar. Start by noting the day each month that your period begins and also the day it ends. Also record how long it lasts.
  
  
• Count the days from the first day of your last period to the first day of your next to establish your typical menstrual cycle. After a few months of taking note, you’ll begin to see a pattern.
  
  
• Through establishing a pattern, you can estimate the date of your next period, but note that this is not an exact science, and it will only ever be a guess.
  
  
• It’s also helpful to take note of how heavy your bleed is, how you’re feeling both physically and emotionally in the lead up to and during your period, and any changes to your body, like bloating or changes in discharge. Also note the days you’ve had sex or took emergency contraception.
  
  

All of this information helps to establish a picture of how normal your period is. Be aware that each period may vary a little in terms of length and dates, and factors such a stress, illness, or even a change in routine can affect the length and dates of your period. In order to maintain a healthy cycle, practice a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips:

1. Drink adequate amounts of water. A minimum of eight glasses of water a day is necessary to keep you hydrated.

2. Eat a balanced diet as it’s essential that your body stays receives the right amount of nutrition in order to menstruate each month. If you are concerned about your nutrition consider taking a nutritional supplement. Cleanmarine PeriodPlan, an all-in-one Omega 3, Phytonutrient and Vitamin blend, is designed to offer nutritional support for women of menstruating age and contains vitamin B6 which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity. 

3. Get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep can affect the menstrual cycle. Aim for eight hours a night.

4. Exercise regularly to release positive endorphins, relax muscles and help reduce tension in the body.

Major changes to your period could be a sign of something else. If you’re period is more than a week late or a week early; if you miss a period, experience heavy bleeding or painful period pains, or if you have spotting or bleeding in between periods, then you need to see a doctor.