The menstrual cycle is a VITAL SIGN and a great indicator of HEALTH in women. Therefore, the absence and/or alterations in it indicate that something needs to be reviewed.
Every woman is unique and so is every menstrual cycle. But despite these possible differences, there are some parameters that can indicate a healthy menstrual cycle. These are:
- DURATION: 25-35 days.
The duration may vary depending on various factors (for example, cycles may be longer under stress). But a healthy interval could be considered between 25-35 days. Likewise, if you have shorter cycles but the rest of the parameters and criteria are correct, there is probably nothing to worry about. Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the duration, since an insufficient supply of energy and certain nutrients can lengthen the cycles. It is also important to take into account the duration of the luteal phase, which should be greater than 11-12 days.
- TEMPERATURE: +0.5ºC in the luteal phase.
During the luteal phase (after ovulation), there is an increase in progesterone, a thermoregulatory hormone, which is why temperature is a good indicator of progesterone levels. Adequate levels of this hormone are considered when there is an increase of +0.5oC with respect to the luteal phase temperature.
- OVULATION: present and high-quality.
Although it’s not the most visible part of the menstrual cycle, it is the most important event. In fact, without OVULATION there is no MENSTRUATION. We can bleed for various reasons (due to deprivation or saturation) but without ovulation occurring, and then in these cases it would not be called menstruation, but simply bleeding.
- QUANTITY and DURATION: 25-80 mL and a maximum of 7 days.
Changes in quantity and duration may also indicate that the hormonal imbalance is not adequate. Bleeding greater than 80 mL per complete cycle would be considered heavy bleeding, which can be associated with excess estrogen, among other situations. - CLOTS: absent or small.
If you observe clots (larger than a 20-cent coin), it may also indicate a change, as this is not normal if the hormonal balance is normal.
- PMS/PMDD: absence. PMS (premenstrual syndrome) can manifest itself through various symptoms, but it should not be normalized. It may be normal to feel certain discomforts, typical of the process and hormonal dance itself. But they must be far from being disabling, just like pain. In the case of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), the symptoms are more severe and intense, and may even be limiting.
- PAIN: absence of pain.
Menstrual pain is known as dysmenorrhea, and despite being a common and even normal symptom, it is NOT NORMAL. The causes can be diverse, and it is important to identify them in order to work on them. It is important not to normalize PAIN. It is NEVER normal. It is an alarm sign, and indicates that something should be reviewed.
Changes in some of these parameters may be warning us of hormonal problems (excess estrogen, PCOS…), thyroid problems, and others.
If you need help to improve your cycles and hormonal health, you can contact me for an evaluation of your case.
