9 Signs Show Your Period Is Not Normal!

By- Shreya Sharma

We bleed from our vagina once in a month for a week, and that is pretty normal and nothing new. In the initial days, when we just got our first period, there were many things that made us rush to our mother or Google to know if that is all fine or not. It is totally normal to bleed for five to seven days and feel mood swings and craving for your favorite food. We all have our own version of normal. Periods are weird and confusing, even though this is something every woman goes with and has a version of her normal period. But if we all have our definition of normal then how would we know what is wrong and right. Here are 9 signs that show your period is not normal.

1. Change in color

If you notice that your period blood has changed color, consistency or smells odd, it could be the sign that you have STI. You can still get tested for STI while you are on your period. Visit your gynecologist if you think something is not right with your period.

2. Tons of blood clot

It is normal to have blood clots that are quite too solid than liquid during periods. Having tons of clots or large ones could be a sign that your uterine lining is not shedding at the normal rate and it can be either due to hormonal imbalance or fibroids. This can even be a sign of miscarriage. Period blood should more or less look like blood. If it is all clots, then something is wrong.

3. Irregular time

If you are never sure about your period date then there could be troubles. If it shows up two weeks after your last period and then six weeks and then you do not know when, then track your period with a calendar or period app, so that you can give your specific detail to your doctor and they can know how to treat you. It could be a hormonal imbalance or something else. It could be because you are young, but if you are used to this, then it is not normal.

4. Skipping cycle

It just does not mean that you are pregnant; it can also be because of new exercise routine, a low BMI or stress. If you get your period every month and then suddenly you skip your cycle, then it could be a sign of amenorrhea, which is an abnormal absence of your period. If you are not on any kind of birth control pills, then you should be getting your period once a month and not be skipping the cycle.

5. Spotting between periods

Spotting is normal for girls with IUDs or who take low-dose birth control. Spotting is when you bleed for one or two days in between your periods. Women who are pregnant can spot as a sign that something is implanted in her uterus. So if you are not pregnant or taking birth control pills or are on period, you should not be spotting. It can be a sign of reproductive health that you should take care of.

6. A very long or very short period

If your period is too short, it could be a sign that you have low estrogen level, which is not okay in long run. Periods that last over seven days categorize as abnormally long, which could be due to medical trauma, stress or even iron deficiency. The average period lasts around five days, but everyone’s cycle is different. If things are not fine, consult your doctor.

7. Extreme pain

Cramps suck but if you feel the extreme pain that sometimes you cannot even stand up straight, it can be a sign of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or some other period complications. These pains, if left untreated can lead to infertility. If your painkiller is not enough to eliminate your pain, then you need to consult your doctor. If your pain level is extreme high that it is difficult for you to get with your lifestyle, it is the time you visit a doctor.

8. Extra super heavy flow

If you’re soaking clear through a tampon or pad in under two hours, that’s an example of a flow that’s too heavy. If it persists for too long, it could cause anemia. The average period consists of two to three tablespoons of blood loss in total, track how many tampons or pads you use. If it’s more than around five per day, that’s not normal. You could have pelvic inflammatory disease, a hormonal imbalance, or another condition that needs treating because your body is definitely trying to tell you something here.

9. Intense depression or agitation

No one feels better in periods. If you feel severe depression, anxiety or intense anger, then it could be a sign of Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder. If you notice these extreme changes in your mood during your period, it can be because of PMDD. It can be treated through hormonal medication or anti-depressant, but if it still effects, consult your doctor.