Menstruation happens when the uterus sheds its lining, causing blood and mucus to flow from the vagina. This typically occurs once a month if you’re not pregnant and lasts around three to five days. Most people begin menstruating between age 11 and 14 and continue until menopause, around age 51.

Understanding your menstrual cycle helps you know your body better, stay informed, and recognize when it’s time to seek medical advice.

1. Different Period Irregularities Exist

A menstrual cycle normally lasts 21 to 35 days. Some people have predictable cycles, while others experience irregular timing and duration.

Common types of irregularities include:

absent periods (amenorrhea)
painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
spotting between periods (intermenstrual bleeding)
heavy bleeding (menorrhagia)
infrequent periods (oligomenorrhea)
frequent periods (polymenorrhea)
prolonged bleeding (more than eight days)
very short bleeding (less than two days)

Talk to a healthcare provider if you have irregular cycles.

2. It’s Usually Safe To Use Birth Control To Skip Your Period

Hormonal birth control can thin the uterine lining, allowing you to skip withdrawal bleeding safely by starting a new pack without taking placebo pills.

Ask your provider whether skipping your period is appropriate for your type of contraception.

3. A Late Period Doesn’t Always Mean Pregnancy

Several factors besides pregnancy can delay a period, such as:

age
breastfeeding
eating disorders
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PCOS
perimenopause
poor sleep
intense exercise
stress
thyroid issues
weight changes

If your period is late and you’re unsure why, check with a healthcare provider.

4. The Pill Isn’t the Only Treatment for Heavy Periods

Heavy bleeding may involve:

periods lasting more than seven days
large blood clots
changing pads or tampons hourly
nighttime leakage
using multiple pads at once

Possible causes include adenomyosis, bleeding disorders, copper IUDs, endometriosis, fibroids, irregular ovulation, medications like blood thinners, PID, and polyps.

Treatment options include hormonal birth control, hormonal IUDs, NSAIDs, progesterone tablets, and tranexamic acid.

5. Menstrual Cups and Period Panties Are Eco-Friendly Options

Menstrual cups collect blood rather than absorb it and can be reused for years.
Period panties also reduce waste, holding up to three times more blood than a tampon.

6. Your Periods May Change During Perimenopause

Perimenopause usually begins in the mid- to late 40s. Hormonal shifts may cause:

irregular cycles
heavier or lighter periods
longer or shorter bleeding
mood changes such as anxiety or depression

Consult your provider if symptoms are bothersome.

7. You Can Get Pregnant During Your Period

It's unlikely but possible. Sperm can live inside the reproductive tract for up to five days. If you ovulate early after period sex, pregnancy may occur.

8. You Likely Lose Less Blood Than You Think

Most people lose only 3–6 tablespoons of blood per cycle. Significantly heavier flow may increase anemia risk and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

9. Sudden Severe Cramps May Signal a Health Issue

If your cramps suddenly worsen, conditions like fibroids or endometriosis may be responsible. Seek medical care if pain becomes intense or rapidly changes.

10. Period-Tracking Apps Can Help Monitor Your Cycle

Apps like Clue or Flo track your cycle, symptoms, and PMS patterns. This helps you understand mood changes, cramps, and predict ovulation or period timing.

11. Period Sex Has Benefits—But Also Risks

Benefits include extra lubrication, reduced cramps, and increased libido.
Risks: higher chance of STI transmission because blood can carry infections.

Using a condom reduces STI risk.

12. PMDD Can Seriously Affect Daily Life

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder affects a small percentage of menstruating people and causes severe symptoms such as:

intense irritability
anxiety
depression
mood swings
fatigue
bloating
changes in appetite
sleep problems

Treatments include lifestyle changes, oral contraceptives, stress management, hormonal therapy, or medications like SSRIs.

13. Spotting Between Periods Isn’t Always a Problem

Light spotting can occur before your period or randomly due to hormonal fluctuations.

Common causes include birth control, stress, sex, pregnancy, perimenopause, and certain medications.

More serious causes include cervical cancer, thyroid issues, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, PCOS, uterine cancer, fibroids, or polyps. Seek medical guidance if spotting is new, frequent, or persistent.