What are normal and abnormal periods?

The beginning of menstrual cycle is responsible for many changes in woman's body. It is very important to understand that what normal periods actually mean. Every month the uterus prepares itself for the pregnancy but after some time if the body learns that the pregnancy is not going to happen and there is nothing to take care of, the preparation along with the blood and tissues is discarded from the body in the form of menstrual blood flow or the form of menstruation. This also helps in preparing for another cycle in the next month. 

Talking about the menstrual cycle, it is calculated from the first day of one menstrual period to the day of the next menstrual period. The average length is about 28 days, but it can be considered normal if it is within 21 to 35 days. Menstrual periods should be established into a regular pattern after about 3 to 4 years of the beginning of menstruation. A normal menstrual period can last any time between 2 to 7 days. Now the flow is a very subjective symptom. It is very difficult to objectively measure the quality of the flow. 80ml of blood flow which is about  4 to 5 tablespoons of bleeding is normal. Now, if the period pattern is more or less regular the flow is more or less stable and the overall health is absolutely okay then the amount of bleeding doesn't matter. 

Pain during periods can be considered normal :

• If it comes at the start of the period or a few hours before your period.
• If it gets relieved in the next few hours.
• If it gets relieved with simple measures. 
• If it doesn't affect your daily activities, daily work or studies.
• If it is associated with a regular menstrual cycle. 

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When to see a doctor?

• If you haven't started menstruation by the age of 16.
• If your period stopped suddenly.
• If you bleed for more than 7 days.
• If you are bleeding very heavily and accompanied by pain.
• If you think you are pregnant.
• If you have an irregular and unpredictable pattern of periods. 

Some points on Menstrual hygiene:

• Try using biodegradable menstrual sanitary products. It is environmentally friendly and also less irritant to the skin.
• Sanitary products should be changed every 4 to 6 hours even if you are bleeding less.
• Cleaning down there is advised before you change your sanitary products. You can use tissue or a soft dry towel.
• To prevent irritation you can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic cream can be applied on the vulva before wearing a sanitary napkin.
• You should always carry a menstrual kit. 
• Disposal of sanitary products should always be done hygienically.