What Should a Normal Period Look Like?

If like me, when your period started, you were told that painful or problematic periods were just part of life and it was something you had to accept in being a woman.

But did you know your period should be pain-free and shouldn’t take over your life?

It should not be a monthly occurrence of living with debilitating cramps and backache, surviving only with painkillers, taking days of work or feeling like you just can’t function.

In this short post, I’d like to explain in an ideal world what a “normal” period is supposed to look like when hormones are in rhythm throughout your cycle. Bear in mind that “normal” is different for everyone and there will be variations for each woman.

When your hormones are in rhythm throughout your cycle

• Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of your bleed.
• Your period should be regular and the average menstrual cycle length is 28 days. (can range from 25-35 days).
• The bleed should last approximately 4-6 days (can vary from 3-7 days) and the blood should be a vibrant and healthy red, not black.
• The amount of blood loss should be approximately an egg cup full. There should be no flooding or profuse bleeding that requires you to change your sanitary wear every hour for days on end.
• There should be little to no clots but specifically no large clots.
• As you period commences you may feel an awareness of change occurring with some fullness and perhaps mild cramping for 1-2 hours but it should arrive quietly and non-eventfully. There should be no vomiting, nausea, fainting, back pain, debilitating cramps, headaches or migraines.
• While you may well feel a desire to rest because your body is in activity, it should not be a state of collapse or exhaustion. Nor should you feel like an anti-christ, depressed, anxious or an emotional wreck before or during your period.
• In puberty, periods should be regularised after 2-3 periods.



Normal is different for everyone

It’s important to work out what’s normal for you as normal differs for everyone. If your menstrual cycle is regular and falls within an average range then there should be no cause for concern. For example, the average cycle length is 28 days but this only applies to 10-15% of women and it can vary from 25-35 days.

It’s were irregularities are the norm that you need to explore why. If your periods are painful, last too long, are too short, are heavy with excessive bleeding, irregular, late, missing, or you have no idea when they might arrive then do get checked out by your doctor so you can understand what’s going on.

So how can Homeopathy help with period problems?

Homeopathy has a wealth of support to offer women struggling with period problems whether physical or emotional and can help regulate your cycle and balance your hormones naturally.

As part of the process in selecting a homeopathic remedy specific to your needs, a homeopath looks not only the details of your cycle but also your general health, family history, previous illnesses and more (you can find out what the first consultation entails here). A similar remedy is then prescribed to help restore your natural rhythm and balance your hormones naturally. 

While there are hundreds of possible remedies that could be used for problematic periods, below are 3 remedies I have selected to explain why they might be used. Please note only a small picture of the remedy is included here and for effective results, it is best to work with a homeopath to find a remedy specific to your needs.

Pulsatilla

This remedy is often used for menstrual irregularities such as late periods, light periods, changeable periods or painful periods. Pains will be cramping in nature and can be accompanied by fainting, nausea, tender breasts, backache, swollen ankles and feet, bloating and a bearing down sensation. The blood may start as light coloured but become dark and clotty. There may be headaches before and during the period. The woman needing this remedy is very emotional and sensitive and feels like she can’t stop crying. She feels better for a hug or reassurance, in the fresh air and worse in a stuffy room.

Nux Vomica

This remedy may be used for a woman whose period is too early, lasts too long and is painful.  The pain is aching or cramping and may extend to the lower back to the rectum or just above the tailbone. The woman feels impatient and irritable with the pain. She suffers from constipation with a constant urge for a stool but is unable to go. The pain threshold is very low and she can vomit. Stimulants, alcohol and stress make her feel worse and she feels better for warmth and rest.

Sepia

This remedy may be indicated for a woman struggling with painful periods, late periods, scanty or irregular periods. She described the pain as a strong bearing down sensation as if her womb is going to fall out through her vulva. There is lower back pain and the pelvic floor feels weak and over-relaxed. Pains are described as sharp or like violent stitches felt upward in the vagina. The woman feels irritable, angry, and drained like she is dragging herself around. She feels indifferent to her family and loved ones temporarily and wants to be left alone. Being overburdened, she feels unable to cope with all the responsibilities placed on her. She is exhausted and everything is draining! Warmth and exercise, particularity dancing enliven her and give her a boost of energy, removing the feeling of stasis.

Would you like to improve your periods?

If you are struggling with your periods either physically or emotionally and would like to improve your cycle and balance your hormones naturally, you can book an appointment by emailing me or give me a call on +353 (0) 86 089 1037.