If you are a menstruator, your period is speaking with you! Yup, you heard that right. The menstrual cycle is sometimes called the 5th vital sign because it communicates to us when things are out of balance or need addressing.
A normal period is typically between 26-35 days. With a bleeding from 3-7 days. With minimal PMS and cramping. Ideally, your periods should come and go with little disruption to your life.
Are you in tune with your cycles? Let’s clarify a few common questions or misconceptions I run into in practice.
“I’m on the birth control pill, so my period is regular”
The hormonal birth control pill shuts down your ovulation, so you’re not getting a true period while on the pill. The bleed that is experienced every month is called a withdrawal bleed. This happens when you take the well of “sugar pills” and there are no more hormones present that week. The absence of hormones, causes your lining to shed. This is not considered a true menstrual bleed or period because you did not ovulate. The bleed was drug-induced.
“Yes I have period pain, just like everyone else”
While period pain is a common experience, it’s not something that should be happening. Mild discomfort or bloating is okay, but if you’re in pain or need to take painkillers, this should be worked up. There is support for this.
How do I know if I have heavy periods?
Tracking how many menstrual products use during your cycle can be helpful. Generally speaking, a regular pad or tampon holds 5mL of fluid, and a super pad or tampon holds 10mL of fluid. A menstrual cup usually has markings that indicate the volume. A normal menstrual flow is considered anywhere from 20-80mL for the entirety of your flow. Estimating based on how many menstrual products you saturate over the duration of your period is a helpful marker.
“I was put on the birth control pill to regulate my period”
The hormonal birth control pills don’t regulate your period. As mentioned, it prevents ovulation from occurring so you’re not getting a true menstrual cycle. The bleed that happens every month is a drug-induced withdrawal bleed. Therefore, yes, you get a predictable bleeding pattern, but its now from your body’s own menstrual cycle, it’s from the pill itself. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It may be the best thing for you in that particular moment. However, it’s important to be clear on what the pill is actually doing. Why? Often, when working with people trying to conceive or who what to stop taking hormonal birth control - whatever the reason was for first going on (i.e. irregular periods, painful periods, acne), can often return. Supporting your body through this transition may be something you want to consider.
How do I know when my cycle re-starts? Is it when I start spotting or when I start bleeding?
A new cycle starts on the first day you get a full flow. Spotting leading up to your period is not considered the start of a new cycle. A day or 2 of spotting before your period may be normal for your body, but if it’s new, or if it’s prolonged, you’ll want to get that worked up. I break down different causes of spotting here.
Have specific questions about your period or need support? Book a free discovery call to connect and learn more.
In health,
Dr. Ashley Damm
Naturopathic Doctor - Women's Health & Fertility
Vancouver, BC