Understanding Your Cycle
Wondering if your cycle is typical?
There is no “typical” cycle; cycles differ from person to person, as the length of the cycle, symptoms, and heaviness depends on the individual. It is best to keep track of your cycle to know what is typical for you. A typical cycle ranges from 21-35 days, with many having a 28-day cycle. Periods usually last between 3-7 days. The average female starts getting their period by the age of 12, while some can start as early as 8-years old, and as late as 16-years old.
The menstrual cycle is the female body preparing for pregnancy, there are four phases the body goes through every cycle. Below is the phase of an average 28-day cycle.
- Menstrual (Days 1-7): The first day of getting flow marks the shedding of the lining on the uterus, which is not needed.
- Follicular (Days 8-14): Starts once the flow ends, the body prepares for pregnancy by developing the egg in the ovaries. Estrogen and other hormones are released to help the development of the egg.
- Ovulation (Days 14-21): Other hormones are released to help the egg move from the ovaries to the uterus.
- Luteal (Days 22-28): The egg makes its way to the uterus. If the body does not get pregnant, the menstruation phase begins by the uterus shedding the thick lining and the egg breaking.
- This is the phase where symptoms like mood changes, sleep issues, headaches, food cravings, chest tenderness, and bloating occur.
Signs of an Irregular Cycle
- Less than 21 days or more than 35 days in-between period flow.
- Not having a period for more than 90 days.
- When the flow is lighter or heavier than usual.
- Flow is more than 7 days.
- Severe symptoms of pain, cramping, nausea, or vomiting.
- Bleeding or spotting in-between cycles.
- Not getting your cycle by 16 years old.
Irregular cycles can be caused by many factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, eating disorders, extreme weight loss, exercising too much or hormonal conditions and/or illness . If you are experiencing any of the signs, please talk to a healthcare professional for advice on how to get your cycle back what is typical for you.
