09/28/2025
Let’s talk periooods!
and I recently did our first AMA on menstruation this past week and we did the recon for you. Here are some takeaways:
⏰ Cycle length
What’s normal?
Consistent cycles that range from 21-35 days.
When should I talk to my doctor?
Anything shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days, or sustained shifts of >7 days of your cycles.
🩸 Menstrual flow
What’s normal?
Flow that ranges from 3-7 days and less than 80 ml/cycle — consider that a light tampon/pad holds 3 mls, a regular holds 6 mls, and a super holds 10-12 mls.
When should I talk to my doctor?
Flow longer than a week, or frequent spotting throughout the month, or more than 80 ml of bleeding each cycle.
😓 Pain
What’s normal?
Mild cramping is common because of the inflammatory signals that are released during this the premenstrual and menstrual phase. This kind of cramping should be able to be managed with anti-inflammatories (at worst).
When should I talk to my doctor?
When your pain is debilitating, causes you to miss work or school several days each month, or if anti-inflammatories don’t cut it.
💩 GI symptoms
What’s normal?
Looser stool and bloating are common in the premenstrual and early days of me**es because of those inflammatory signals.
When should I talk to my doctor?
When you have bowel incontinence, blood or mucus in your stool (at any time of the month).
📣 MOST IMPORTANTLY, talk to other people who menstruate! All those “cringey” details are actually essential for yours and others’ healthcare. When we hear each other’s stories, we start to understand what is normal and not normal with our cycles and can help us, and those around us, make empowered choices to pursue help when we need it.
