Women often agonize about their periods being TOO long but there are many of us (myself included at one point) who have periods that are too short. So, how long should your period be?
When I came off the pill in my early 20’s, my period had gone from 5 medium/heavy days to 1 very light day. While on the pill, my diminishing period seemed like the best thing ever but the health consequences of a practically non-existent period soon became glaringly obvious.
Think chronic yeast and urinary tract infections, headaches, constant colds, joint pain, low sex drive, awful stomach problems, skin problems etc etc etc! :-/
I had no idea what was going on in my body but in a nutshell, my sex hormone production was slowly shutting down (thanks to no ovulation) and with every month that I spent on the pill I was producing less and less estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Add to that a high stress college environment, internships and job searching and it was a recipe for disaster.
So I’m going to start with the causes and solutions for short periods but if you’re experiencing long or heavy periods, then you can click here to skip to that section of this post.
So, what are the causes of a short period?
Most of the time, a 1-2 day period is linked to low estrogen. When there isn’t enough estrogen to build the uterine lining, you inevitably end up with periods that are very light, pinkish in color (rather than a vibrant red color) and too short.
If you’ve been following me for even a short time, you know that I am a huge advocate of investigating why certain hormone levels are low. There is always a reason for hormonal imbalance and it’s up to you to figure that out with the help of a trained practitioner (like me or a naturopathic doctor).
If your estrogen is low, it’s likely that there is some kind of breakdown along your hormone superhighway. Usually it has to do with lack of ovulation, but it can be attributed to other things as well. Basically, estrogen is not building high enough to cause the spike in Luteinizing hormone that kicks off ovulation. Oftentimes low estrogen comes packaged with other hormone imbalances too – FSH/LH, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid and cortisol to name a few.
We can develop low levels of estrogen in a number of ways:
- Anovulatory cycles – where you don’t ovulate in a cycle. This can be brought on by everything below as well as PCOS, peri-menopause, and premature ovarian failure. Ovulation is the key here – if you’re not ovulating, you need to look at the reasons why, and address that first.
- Hormonal birth control use (especially the birth control pill) which stops ovulation
-
High levels of stress and cortisol
-
Over-exercising and disordered eating (not enough food)
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Low DHEA – the precursor hormone to estrogen
Additionally, short and light periods are associated with:
- Iron deficiency
- Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Thyroid problems – this can cause lighter periods
To find out which of these could be causing your short period, I recommend getting the following tests done (these can now be done from the comfort of your own home):
Use code Hormones20 to get 20% off all tests at Lets Get Checked
Female Hormone Test
This at home female hormone test will provide a broad picture of your hormonal health.
Biomarkers covered in the test:
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Prolactin
- Oestradiol
Thyroid Plus
This thyroid antibody test will provide a complete picture of how your thyroid is performing.
Biomarkers covered:
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Free Thyroxine (FT4)
- Free Triiodothyronine (FT3)
- Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGAB)
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO/TPEX)
Iron Check
This at home Iron test identifies iron deficiencies in your body, with online results in 5 days.
Biomarkers covered:
- Iron
- Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)
- Ferritin
- Transferrin Saturation
How long should your period be?
In my experience, a 3-day period is the norm for many women. Ideally, I like to see a period that is about 4-5 days long. This signifies that you had adequate estrogen building up your uterine lining earlier in your cycle.
Some women have 6-7 day periods and that is fine too, but a period that is 8 days or longer is too long and can set you up for anemia. Also, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) can cause anemia too – this is bleeding during your cycle when you know you’re not having your period.
Note: Every woman is different. I am not saying you are abnormal if you have a 2 day period, I am just saying that you may want to first confirm that you are ovulating, and then further explore whether there is an underlying hormonal imbalance.
What can you do if your period is too short?
How can you ramp up your flow from mere spotting or 1-2 days? Here are some of my best tips. As I said above, if your estrogen is low it’s likely that your progesterone is not doing too great either. Luckily some of what I offer below will help both hormones. 🙂
PS. Do 1-2 of these at a time to see if they work, otherwise it can get overwhelming!
1. If you’re on hormonal birth control I recommend getting off it. There is no way to improve low levels of estrogen when your body’s hormone levels are constantly being manipulated by synthetic hormones and you are not ovulating. This is a scary prospect for some people, but I have a solution for that with my Fix Your Birth Control Protocol.
2. Add in more iron-rich foods like red meat, beef and chicken liver, lamb, turkey, tuna, eggs and shellfish. Vegetarian sources are squash and pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds, lentils and other beans, oatmeal, barley, spinach and other dark leafy greens.
3. Take an iron supplement – I have found Seeking Health Iron Plus Cofactors and Floradix Liquid Iron & Herbs (sometimes this one is too sweet though) to be very effective for myself and for many of my clients. I also like Megafood Blood Builder too. In my experience, taking either of these supplements for about 8-12 weeks lengthens a period by an average of 1-3 days!
4. Increase vitamin C-rich foods or take a supplement – this super-duper antioxidant helps your body absorb iron from plant-based food sources of iron when eaten together. You might also want to try a supplement, especially since many of us have impaired gut function and might not necessarily be absorbing our nutrients as effectively as we should. My favorite vitamin C supplements are: Livon Labs Lyposomal Vitamin C (highly absorbable) or Seeking Health Optimal Vitamin C Powder. Aim for 1000mg a day. Vitamin C raises progesterone too!
5. Add in some phytoestrogens – these are not true estrogens but the idea is that they exert a weaker estrogenic effect on our cells. These are found in many plant foods, the highest source being isoflavones (soy) and lignans (flax). Add in some fermented organic soy into your diet 1-2 times a week or try 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed or flax seed oil a day.
6. You might also want to try Red Clover tea – this is also an isoflavone and an amazing source of vitamins and minerals crucial to liver and kidney function. It helps improve cervical fluid production, and has been used traditionally to treat irregular periods and infertility. Make sure to get an organic tea like this one, and aim for 1-3 cups of tea a day.
6. Try seed cycling – this is a technique that helps to naturally rebalance estrogen and progesterone levels with the use of various seeds during the two phases of your menstrual cycle. It helps with anovulatory cycles and short, light and irregular periods. Check out my blog post and downloadable handout here.
7. Give your gut a helping hand – remember that you can do all this good stuff, but if your gut isn’t absorbing nutrients properly, it will all be in vain! So at the very minimum, make sure you’re including lots of fermented foods like sauerkraut and kim chi and/or taking a great probiotic like Megaspore Probiotics.
8. Check out maca – this South American root gets a LOT of press, and for good reason. It has been used for centuries to balance sex hormones, raise libido and improve energy and vitality. Honestly, the list of things maca does seems endless but most importantly it does a damn good job of improving symptoms of low estrogen!
You want to make sure you get gelatinized maca which has been cooked – it’s more digestible and better utilized by the body in this form. Cooking also reduces the potential goitrogenic effect of maca*. Plus it’s also never eaten raw in Peru which is a good indicator of how we should eat it. I recommend Navitas Naturals Organic Gelatinized Maca or these Organic Veg Caps. It is potent so I recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon or 2000mg a day to see how it affects you. Remember, not every food or herb is right for everyone so it’s important to pay attention to how you feel when experimenting with something new.
*Goitrogens are compounds that can interfere with thyroid function, especially in people who already have compromised thyroid function.
9. Get weekly acupuncture – honestly this was the catalyst for my hormonal healing! There are numerous studies proving it’s effectiveness at balancing hormones and improving fertility. If you’ve never tried, I HIGHLY recommend it! Or, if you can’t get to an acupuncturist or you don’t like needles, check out Aimee Raupp’s free Fertility Enhancing Acupressure Guide. Aimee is the fertility acupuncturist extraordinaire and this guide includes a worksheet and video discussing location, function and the emotional correlation of each acupressure point and is a great way to regulate your hormones and optimize your fertility from the comfort of your own home.
Alright kids! That sums up some of the best ways to begin addressing the root causes of periods that are too short/light. What do ya think of them? Anything else you’ve done that worked for you? I’d love to know in the comments!
Now we’ll move on to periods that are too heavy/long…
Heavy periods (Menorrhagia)
Menorrhagia. Doesn’t that word sound like some crazy illness or disease? Like, “Whoa, you have menorrhagia, that could be serious girl!” Menorrhagia is in fact, just the fancy term for “heavy periods,” which aren’t exactly life threatening, but can put a serious damper on life activities.
What does a heavy period look like?
Women often describe their “can’t stop, won’t stop” periods as a major disruptor in all areas of their lives. From work to dating to going to the beach and exercising, a heavy flow can feel really unmanageable. Not to mention potentially MORTIFYING. Women complain to me of constantly worrying about revealing leaks or accidents, ruining underwear and favorite outfits, feeling stressed about simply leaving the house or doing normal activities, as well as the full on exhaustion that comes with excessive blood loss.
Here are some physical signs of a heavy period:
- Your period consistently lasts more than seven days.
- You’re changing regular tampons, pads, or period underwear more than every two hours each day or a full 30 mL menstrual cup more than twice a day.
- You need both a pad and tampon to control your menstrual flow.
- You have to get up and change your pads or tampons during the night.
- You have a menstrual flow with blood clots an inch long or longer.
- You experience tiredness, you lack energy, or you are short of breath, or you’ve been diagnosed with anemia.
I used to have horribly heavy periods when I was younger. I remember years ago I was in Grand Central Station in New York, rushing to catch a train. I was using a super tampon and a pad, and within thirty minutes I was flooding through both of them—yup my period had made it past both, and leaked right through my jeans! It was horrific. I ended up missing my train because I spent so much time in the bathroom trying to sort myself out.
And I’ll never forget those days in high school where I literally prayed every month that my period wouldn’t leak through my uniform. I’d wear a tampon, pad, and biker shorts under my dress! It was bananas. I desperately wanted to have a life that wasn’t constantly interrupted by my super heavy flow.
What Is a Heavy Period? Help, I’m drowning in my own period blood!
Normal periods are defined as vaginal bleeding that occurs every 25-35 days, and lasts for three to seven days, with an average blood loss range of 35-50 milliliters or roughly 7-10 teaspoons. Each soaked regular pad or tampon holds roughly 5-12 ml of blood or 1-2 teaspoons, so it’s totally fine to soak 6-10 pads/tampons over the course of each period. You might be thinking this isn’t a lot, but keep in mind most women change their pads and tampons before they’re soaked, so the norm is around 10-20 pads or tampons per cycle.
If your period lasts longer than seven days and you’re losing more than 80 ml of blood per cycle (80 milliliters equals about 16 teaspoons or 2.7 liquid ounces), or you’re soaking more than 16 regular tampons or pads per cycle, then this is a sign that you have a heavier than average flow (menorrhagia). Other signs are flooding (like I described above) and clots that are one inch in diameter or longer. As always, it’s really important for you to determine what is normal for you. All these numbers are merely statistics based on the experiences of a small group of women, and don’t necessarily represent your body’s norm. They should serve as a guideline to help you to see where you fall.
How to calculate how much you are bleeding during your period
One fully soaked regular tampon or pad holds approximately 5 mL or 1 teaspoon of blood and a fully soaked super tampon holds 10 mL. A half soaked regular pad or tampon equals 2.5 mL and a half soaked super tampon holds 5 mL.
Make a note in your period tracking app every time you change your pad or tampon, period underwear or menstrual cup (note how full it is) each day of your period to determine if you have a heavy period. If the number of fully soaked regular pads or tampons is more than 16, you’ve fully soaked “regular flow” period underwear more than three times a day, or you’ve changed a half full 30 mL menstrual cup more than six times in any given menstrual cycle, then you have a heavier than normal flow.
What makes a woman have a heavier period than average?
Heavy bleeding can occur at any age, but it is most common at either end of the reproductive age spectrum, during the teenage years and then again during perimenopause, when estrogen levels tend to be higher in relation to progesterone. These two times of life are characterized by irregular ovulation, and thus sporadic progesterone production.
Adolescents experience heavier periods likely because of the immature endocrine system, in particular, the immature hypothalamus function. (The hypothalamus talks to the pituitary gland, which talks to the ovaries and tells them when to ovulate, so if the hypothalamus is still developing, there are likely to be hiccups in the system). In addition, estrogen receptors are very sensitive to estrogen (because they are still figuring things out) and will become less sensitive over time.
Perimenopausal women experience heavier periods because of waning ovarian function. As the ovary ages, it is less likely to complete the ovulation process. Without consistent ovulation, there will be a lack of adequate progesterone, which is often a cause for heavier periods.
There are three causes of heavy periods and conditions related to heavy periods.
Hormonal imbalances can lead to heavy periods
- A period that is heavy, dark, clotted, clumpy, or looks like frozen crushed up blueberries, is indicative of higher estrogen levels in relation to progesterone. Estrogen is a proliferative hormone, responsible for stimulating the growth of the uterine lining and breast tissue. Breast tenderness, acne, PMS, headaches or migraines are linked to an estrogen dominant situation.
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- You can test your estrogen levels with this Female Hormones At Home test kit (use code Hormones20 to get 20% off all tests at Lets Get Checked).
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- Another imbalance that may contribute to heavier flow is hypothyroidism or low thyroid function. Thyroid hormone and progesterone are intricately connected—if your body is not producing adequate thyroid hormone, your progesterone levels may drop, causing estrogen to become dominant over progesterone. In addition, low thyroid function is linked to poor estrogen detoxification. In other words, hypothyroidism inhibits the gut and liver’s ability to effectively remove excess or used up estrogens from the body.
- This thyroid antibody test will provide a complete picture of how your thyroid is performing (use code Hormones20 to get 20% off all tests at Lets Get Checked).
Uterine problems can cause heavy or long periods
- Endometriosis (see page xx) and Adenomyosis (see page xx)
- Uterine fibroids:Fortunately, the type of fibroids that cause heavy bleeding (submucus fibroids) only account for 5-10 percent of all fibroids. However, fibroids are generally fed by estrogen excess, which can also cause a thickened uterine lining and heavier bleeding.
- Polyps:these can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, but it is not usually heavy. See Spotting or Irregular Bleeding (page xx).
- Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or the postpartum time can all cause heavy bleeding.
Other illnesses, diseases or medications that could be causing your heavy flow
- Medications such as the depo-provera shot, as well as the Paragard (copper) IUD.
- A bleeding disorder called von Willebrand disease: known as a coagulopathy, this condition is associated with problems in how the blood clots. Twenty percent of adolescent girls with severe menorrhagia (heavy periods) have a blood coagulation problem.
- Liver, kidney, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Note: Endometrial cancer may cause abnormal uterine bleeding in the form of spotting or bleeding in between periods, but it rarely causes heavy bleeding.
Testing and recommendations for heavy periods
Please see your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms I described.
- She will want to do a pelvic exam to determine if there are any physical issues. This should also include a pelvic ultrasound to check for fibroids and endometrial thickness.
- I would also recommend a full thyroid panel, a pap smear, a pregnancy test, STI testing, and a complete blood count to determine if you have anemia. You can also do these test from home at Lets Get Checked. Use code Hormones20 to get 20% off all tests.
- There may be a need for other procedures like an endometrial biopsy, to determine the presence of endometrial hyperplasia, uterine cancer or infection. Or a SIS (saline infusion sonohystogram) to get a 3D view of the uterine cavity
The conventional treatments for heavy periods include the birth control pill (I don’t recommend that!), Mirena IUD (progesterone-releasing), D&C (Dilation & Curettage) to remove the uterine lining temporarily, endometrial ablation and hysterectomy (these last two are permanent so if you want kids, they are not for you).
Natural treatments for heavy periods
- Vitamin A – from liver or cod liver oil preferably. I like Rosita Real Food Cod Liver Oil or Cod Liver Oil Capsules. Vitamin A deficiency has been found in women with menorrhagia and vitamin A supplementation has been shown to reduce heavy periods significantly.
- B Complex – The liver does not inactivate estrogen effectively if a woman is deficiency in the B complex of vitamins. This leads to higher estrogen, and heavier periods. Supplementing with the B Complex will help restore the proper metabolism of estrogen. I like Thorne Research Basic B Complex and Seeking Health B Complex.
- Vitamin C – One study found that vitamin C was able to reduce heavy bleeding in 87% of it’s participants. It’s also important in preventing and treating anemia because it helps improve the absorption of iron. I like Livon Labs Lipospheric Vitamin C or Rainbow Light Buffered Vitamin C Powder. 2000-4000mg a day.
70 thoughts on “How long should your period be? 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days?”
I started my period it lasted 3 days what it means
What i dnt get i miss my period last montg and thia month i had one heavey day day two spotting by that evening it stop what is going on
My period stop 2-days in every month and sometimes i feel dizzy,lost of appetite and also feel little pains when I urinate.
Hi Nicole please tell me my periods are stop on 3 days for about an year before it I have a 5 day cycle I was too much worried plx reply
Comment..am praise,I also have a short period of a day-two but just little and brownish,I want to concieve
Hi Nicole. I came off pills few months ago and I noticed that my flow has been light ever since I came off the pill but I still have a regular menstral cycle. What can I do to correct that please?
I am having too short periods 1 to 2 days only but no any kind of pain or anything am i normal? And what should i do to get is normal
U can go for dexorange syrup for 3 months to see changes
So if my periods last for only 1 day but later on i have too much stomacachae and vomiting then i m suffering from any deseases or its normal?
Hi so if my periods last for only 1 day but later on i just have too much of headachae and vomiting what the hell is this ?
An year ago I use to bleed for 3-4 days n now oly 2 days .. y is it so ? Is it dangerous? Can u pls tel me
I start my period on 24 September 2018 last month but stiil I menstruate but know we are on 1 oOctober 2018 still I didn’t stop is there is a problem? Help me.
Hii
My name is Anjali..
I have a period only for two days …
Last month on 11 june my periods started and it long lasted on 12 june..
On 14 june I planned for a baby but unfortunately it was i failed..
I failed to concieve..
I didn’t understand where the problem arises..
Is the plan date is wrong ..
Or any other problem is there related to my period..
If is it so than on what date should I planned..
Please help me…
Please reply
From last 4-5 months i m having my periods for 2-3 days only.. previously it used to last for 4-5 days.. so is it normal??? My flow is good but it had taken pills 2-3 times a year ago..
Please help
Hi. I m 24 years unmarried girl. From few months my period last for only 2 days. Before that it was 4,5 days. Is there any serious problem? Or should I worry about it?
Hi every..i think i have too short period this month..my period begins at april 27 ang lasted april 29..its only 3 days i usually had 5-7 day of period every month…iam a breastfeeding mom and i use to breasfeed my 13 month old daughter..
Does continue breastfeeding affects my period?
Im wondering since i have my periid after giving birth i do have a delayed period.
It sometimes 3-7 days delay..
… ??
HI I AM 24 YEARS OLD UNMARRIED
I HAVE FLOW ONLY FOR 2 DAYS BUT FLOW OF BLOOD IS GOOD I MEAN NOT SMALL IN AMOUNT
IS IT OKEY OR NOT
Hi iam really scared of my 2days period I had the same problem last year October then when I consulted a Dr he told me it was not something to worry a about then the following 4months ihad anormal flow for 5days but out of sudden it changed this month for only two days and heavy flow with much clots so am really worried ? may need your help
Pls I’d like to get a reply asap, I had foreplay with my bf (I’ve never had sex) 2 days after I last saw my period , 15 mins after the foreplay I noticed slight bleeding, Pls wat could this mean ?
Plz,my period is only 2days and I also dnt flow well,I need help.
Hi,
I am 28 years old and I want to get pregnant. We are trying for last 4-5 months but I am not able to conceive. My periods were irregular and lasts for 3 days. The doctor prescribed me to take Dephaston from 16th day of my period. I got regular period for last 2 months but now it lasts only for 2 days.
I have high level of hemoglobin and Prolactin. My ultrasound reports were normal and I don’t have thyroid.
1. What shall I do now? I am in depression for not getting pregnant.. please suggest.
2. Shall I stop taking Dephaston tab?
3. Doctor also suggested me to take folic acid regularly, but I have high hemoglobin, another doctor suggest me to stop taking folic acid. Shall I stop taking it??
Scarlet, I am not sure where you are located but I strongly recommend you read this post: https://nicolejardim.com/mthfr-what-is-it-and-why-you-should-know-for-the-sake-of-your-fertility/
Then, research Dr. Ben Lynch – he is going to give you answers about why your hemoglobin is high and why you should not take folic acid. Further, I cannot answer medical questions on a blog post comment, so you will need to find a new doctor who is going to be able to help you. Look for a naturopathic or functional medicine doctor. Hope this helps.
Hi mam…I ws hating a normal 5 day period when I hit puberty..Dn slowly it reduced to 4 days then 3 n now only 2 days…Dt too light bleeding on 2nd day..M 24 years old n I dnt take ny pills or anything..Plz help me I am tensed
my period is too short upto1to2 days and i tensed too much for pregnancy so what can i do
My period use to say on for three days before I got pregnant my periods use to be very light now that I had got pregnant in end up having a stillbirth my period is very heavy and it’s been on for going on 5 days
Can I stop my periods in 3 days as I am having my pre employment medical test.plzz suggest.
Hi I stopped taking birth control pills in early Aug. August I had a normal 5 day period. But the next 4 have only been 2 days and the last one was only 1 day. I really want to get pregnant. Last time I got pregnant I missed a handful of pills and boom I was pregnant. After I gave birth I went on the deposit shot but was losing my sex drive and I wasn’t ready to be pregnant again so I switched to the pill. How long will it take for my periods to come back to normal? And is affecting why I haven’t gotten pregnant yet? Should I be worried
Hi! I have always had a pretty normal cycle. This past year I developed unexplained food allergies and severe pre menstrual cramps 2 weeks before my period.. They continued on so i visited my gyno to find I had a functional cyst that was 3cm and to wait 6 weeks to see if it dissappeared and or ruptured. Latley I have developed extreme anxiety depression as well,for no apparent reason, as well as hair loss, increasingly bad allergies to almost everything and a burning scalp and puffy face.I have visited every doctor had every test ran, can this all be related to a hormone imbalance and the cyst? This is all i can think as I am an extremly active happy person. Personally i only believe in natural methods, and am highly sensitive to birth control as i have tried before,. Personally what do you think?
Comment…my prior flows heavy and it last for three days is it normall
Hi ma’am Nicole J.. I want your advice, my period is every month, im worried because my period is very slow and only 3days..because before its 7days ….hope you read this..thanks
Hi ma’am Nicole J..I want your advice . I like to know why my period is very slow, my period is 1-3day…before when my first period is until 7day, ….I’m worried because I know its not Norman..
Hello Ms Nicole,my name is Martha. Normally every year I skip one month. And my period only last for 2 days every month. What I don’t understand is now it’s taking more than 8-9 days is this normal?
when i began my menstruation at the age of 14 years, it usually lasted for four days and not painful. now am 21 years old my menstruation at a maximum lasts between 2 to three days and the pain is very severe
Hello everyone I am 40 years of age and I am scared to death my period for this month has been going for 6 days and I never experienced nothing like this before I want to say that it is stress, but who knows I gotta see what is goin on with my body, it is draining like a dark reddish brown sorry if I got to detailed you guys
hi I m 20 year old girl from few months i m facing the problem of. less periods which are only 2 days before that periods were come for 4-5 days. .plz tell me I worried about it
hello. i am 20 year old girl..my period stops at only in 2-3 days…and usually my period occurs before completing a whole months..means my period come before 10-12 days of a month…so please tell me is there any serios problem
hii ..i am 23 years…my periods flow only for 3dys bt last time it was only for 2days is this normal or should I consult to doctor?? at the when I got my 1st period i was 12years..and it was for 5days but day by day it flow less then 5days and nw flow continue for 2days
Before having a baby my period normal last seven days but now 8 to 9 days but I lost the baby I am worried
Hi
am in a 24 year old married,we have been trying to make a baby with my husband but we can’t catch it. Currently I started my period 1st of June 2016 but I use to go till day 4.
Please help me to calculate my ovulation day.
Thank you.
Hi, I’m 27 years old, i have 5days normal menstruation but since April and May I have been experiencing 2days menstruation. Pls what can be the cause?
My wife have a normal flow always but on April and may she had only two days flow. What could be the problem?
Hi! 2 weeks ago I had an intercourse with my partner. And now my period only lasted a day and it’s very light. Maybe only 3 drops. What does this mean? Could I be pregnant?
hi,Am 33 yrs old trying to conceive, i have 3 miscarriage. but now 4days before period i had light period with brownish color last for one day,i havecramp with backache i test for pregnancy is negative what could be a possible cause
Hello
Im a 19yo girl, virgin , only had a bit of foreplay with my bf that doesnt involve semen , we’re always cautious
This time my period came on time but it was light and short ( only about 3 days) normally it taked 4-5 days with a heavy flow
Im really worried about having some problems or even..pregnancy? I have no idea what’s going on. I need advices please.. I’m freaking out
Hi
Did u get any answer for this if so please reply
With my Current periods I’ve not even filled a pad. I just because I have to.
Hey Nicole.
I started my periods on the 22th of April and today is the 3rd of may. Usually I’m a heavy flow type of person. But with my periods sometimes I skip months (two to three months without them. I’m worried about this and also I’m worried that its my 12th day in my periods today..
Help me. I’ve been drinking water, lemon and mint for the last few days. Could that be the problem? I’m also considering going to a gynecologist soon.
hi, Im 23 years old with 8 months baby, my period normally last for 6 days, but this last one last for a week and one day, is it normal that way, please i need a help;
Hi, my last period was only a few days (2 to be exact) and it concerned me a lot. I usually have a regular length period so….I have taken the pill in the past and it had no negative effects and after this short period I decided to go back on it but the period had already stopped early before I did. I have been under a lot of stress lately, is that all it is? Or should I go to the doctor to make sure everything is okay? I’m only 18 and I would like the option of having children when I’m older so this is something I do get easily concerned about. Many thanks
I also have a 3 day period. My April menses was on 15th to 17th. So kindly help me how to calculate the safe and ovulation period. And when is my next period. God bless
Hi niche ,
i suffers from high LH hormone and pcos patient can i take red clover,
Plz help
Regards
Hi Nicole, I’m Natalie.
Whenever I get my period it would last like 3 days and by the 4th day I would bleed lightly with brown discharge. It’s been almost two weeks now and now I’m throwing out white milky things, This happens everyday and I’m frustrated. Do I have an infection?
Hi Natalie. I recommend sharing your story in a group I created on Facebook called Know Your Flow where questions can be asked and experiences shared. I’m sure there are other women in our group who have experienced the kind of discharge you are having who can give you some answers and offer you some advice. I think you’ll find this community to be a great resource so if you’d like to join, just copy and paste this URL in your browser, request to join the group and we’ll get you added: http://bit.ly/1OCXvcq I hope to see you there!
I have a 2 day light period not an any drugs. I do exercise but nothing out of the ordinary. Patiently waiting on the next cycle if I experience same thing. Do you think everything is ok?
Same thing to me my period was 4 days but am on medication due to the present condition of my health of which I can’t stop taking the drugs, am 40 yrs of old child yet but trying to convince plz what could be the problem?
Nicole,
This is the first article I’ve found that gives actual advice! For the last 2 years I’ve had consistent, on time, half a day, no catcher or receiver required, periods. I’m 30. I eat healthy, I’m not overweight and I have a 10yr old.
Everything I find on the internet says “your periods get shorter as you age” …
I will be trying the things you suggested!
Pray for normalcy and good health!
Thanks again, really!
Karen
Hi Nicole, my periods been only lasting for too days, maybe three. They get really heavy. Yes I know people are like go to the doctor. In my case I can’t afford it. I always get my preiods on time.. I had my tubes tied. I have four kids. Am always tired. I know I don’t eat right. I just don’t crave food like normal people. No I don’t starve my self either. I weight 110. That’s a big change for me. I use to be a lot tinyer. So I probably said way to much. I think am always tired. Cause of my kids am not sure. Thank you have a nice day . I use to have a prioed for 5 days till I got my tubes tied.
I have 5days periods but now only 1 or 2 or 3 days remains what should i do?
I have 7 days of cycle but now
Only two days remain what I do to retain my periods
Thanks for the article! Do you have any insight into a stopping/starting period? I am 36 years old and ever since having kids 6 years ago my cycle will be 2 or 3 heavier days than stop completely for about 24 hours and then 2 or 3 more lighter days. thanks!
Hi Lash! I’ll be writing a blog about that and post it this week, so be on the lookout! xoxo, Nicole
Hi Nicole, I’m 45 & have being trying to get pregnant for years “no joy” I have always had a 28 day cycle which is changing to 26, heavy for the first 3days bright red with clots, I’ve been having heavy periods for the last year, i eat healthy & exercise, I weigh 108lbs, I’ve had tests which revealed unexplained infertility, I take maca 3 days a week & chlorella every day, I have raw cacao most days, I eat as organic as possible, and organic meat, can you recommend what else I should do to help with fertility?
Hi Kate, unfortunately I can’t make recommendations without knowing your full history and current health information. I would say a good place to start would be with a holistic health practitioner who can really look closely at all the physical symptoms you’re experiencing. In addition, what I’ve found is that when everything physically is perfect or working well, then it’s time to look a little deeper at the potential emotional causes.
xoxo,
Nicole
Hi there, thanks for your piece. My periods are usually 3 to 4 days i would say but recently i have been detoxing with lemon and parsley in warm water every morning (good for kidneys etc) and i also had a fat freezing treatment (a non invasive way of freezing and killing fat cells and then they are slowly flushed away by body) – and this month i had a very intense period lasting for 2 days but it was so heavy, it felt like everything came out in those two days. Then it was light for the rest of the time. Does anyone have suggestions as to why this may be?
Hi Reena!
Perhaps this was the physiological response to the procedure you had. It might have been very stressful for your body. Pay attention to what happens during your next period and see if it goes back to what you normally experience. 🙂
xoxo
Nicole
Do you think it might also be the parsley? I was drinking it raw and blended in warm lemon juice water for two weeks before! Is parsley known to shorten periods? Otherwise yes that procedure probably was a stress on the body so have been very gentle with myself and eating healthy and doing lots of yoga and resting.
I recently found out that I have endometrial hyperplasia after my period suddenly went from 5 days (normal for me) to 2 very light days about 6 months ago. My doctor said my estrogen levels are good and it appears that I’m building up a lining every month but not shedding it like it should. Now I’m waiting for my gyn appt to see what they say.
It’s also important to know that for some women a 2 or 3 day flow is her normal. I eat the foods you list, and half of my lunch and dinner are brassica veggies and I’ve gone to acupuncture every week for 2 years, take a high quality Vitamin C, eat fermented food etc and my cycle is 2 full days of cranberry red blood and that’s it. It’s been 2 days forever but w the food changes that I started a year ago, I now bleed overnight too. I think it’s more important for women to eat like this and add supplements to find their own “normal” than to just declare that if it’s equal to or less than 3 days of flow it’s not normal.
Hi Rachel, I totally appreciate where you’re coming from and agree that every woman’s body is different. If what you’re doing works for you that’s awesome.
The point of the article is to let women know that if their periods are short and any of the causes I highlighted apply to them, then they should be looking a little deeper. In my professional experience, every woman who has come to me with 2 day periods has an underlying hormonal imbalance that is causing other symptoms like trouble getting pregnant, vaginal dryness, low libido or bone loss to name a few. That’s not to say that’s the case for everyone with 2-day periods but just what I have seen in the last 5 years. 🙂
xo
Nicole