Question

How do I know if my period is considered 'normal'?

Answer

A normal period starts (menarche) between the ages of 9 and 17, and comes every 21 to 40 days. Only 15% of women actually get periods exactly every 28 days.

There is a wide range of normal, and consistency within your own cycle is most important. If you always get a period every 24 days, for years and years, and then all of a sudden they start to come every 38 days, this is a significant change for you, and you should bring this to the attention of your gyn. If however, you always get a period every 38 days, then this is normal for you.

On average, normal menses last between 3 and 8 days, and should not be excessively heavy.

Helpful Tools: Menstrual Cycle Lengths Chart provides a comprehensive graph of your cycles and period lengths, showing if any deviate from average cycle length. Cycle Lengths and Period Lengths reports group together cycles and periods by shortest or longest lengths.


Wendy Fried, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is an OB/Gyn with Northern Obstetrics and Gynecology, PC in North Hills, New York

Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Only your own physician knows all the important details of your specific medical and personal history and should be the only one to give you advice regarding your own medical care. You should never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice or treatment because of something you have read herein. If you have any questions whatsoever about your medical health or believe you have a medical problem or disease, you should contact your medical doctor or healthcare provider.