Your period shouldn’t feel like a mystery
Cramps, mood swings, cravings, spotting — periods can show up in all kinds of ways. But how do you know if what you’re experiencing is normal, or something you should worry about?
Let’s break it down: the good, the uncomfortable, and the “hmm, maybe I should ask someone”
First things first: What’s a “normal” period anyway?
There’s a wide range of normal when it comes to menstruation. Every woman’s cycle is different, but here are a few healthy guidelines:
🩸 Cycle length: 21–35 days from the start of one period to the next
🩸 Bleeding time: 2–7 days
🩸 Flow: Starts light, gets heavier, then tapers off
🩸 Colour: Bright red to dark brown is common
🩸 Symptoms: Mild to moderate cramps, mood changes, breast tenderness
Common period issues — and what they might mean
🔴 Heavy periods (changing pads/tampons every hour)
- Could mean: Hormonal imbalance, fibroids, or bleeding disorders
- Check in if your period regularly soaks through pads or includes large clots.
🔴 Very light or missed periods (and you’re not pregnant)
- Could mean: Stress, weight changes, thyroid issues, or PCOS
- Skipping a period once in a while can be okay, but if it happens often, it’s worth looking into.
🔴 Severe cramps that stop you from doing daily tasks
- Could mean: Endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammation
- Some cramping is normal — being in bed all day, every month, isn’t.
🔴 Spotting between periods
- Could mean: Hormonal imbalance, contraceptive side effects, infection
- Especially worth checking if you’re not on birth control.
🔴 Very irregular cycles (comes whenever it wants)
- Could mean: PCOS, perimenopause, stress
- Track your period — if it’s unpredictable for 3+ months, let a nurse check your hormone balance.
You know your body best — trust it
Sometimes we get so used to the pain, fatigue, or mess that we forget periods don’t have to be that hard. If your cycle is affecting your quality of life — that’s reason enough to talk to a professional.
Tips for tracking your period (and spotting patterns)
🗓️ Use an app like Clue, Flo, or even a notes app
💬 Track: start and end dates, flow level, mood, symptoms
🧐 This helps you see what’s normal for you — and makes your appointment smoother if you need help.
Let’s make period talk normal
Your menstrual health is just as important as your blood pressure or eyesight. You don’t have to “just deal with it” — you can ask questions, get answers, and feel better.
Your cycle is part of your health story — keep reading it.
How Netclinic can help
Our nurses and GPs are trained to deal with:
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Painful cramps
- Hormonal health concerns
- Family planning & contraceptive advice
🩺 Book a Women’s Health Check-Up
