A normal menstrual cycle length typically ranges from 21 to 35 days, measured from the first day of one period to the first day of the next.
📆 What's Considered Normal?
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Cycle length: 21–35 days
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Bleeding duration: 2–7 days
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Flow amount: Light to heavy (but manageable without soaking through protection every hour)
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Consistency: Some variation is normal, especially during puberty, after childbirth, or approaching menopause
🔄 Common Variations
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Teens: May have irregular or longer cycles (up to 45 days is common early on)
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Adults: Most settle into a fairly regular pattern
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Perimenopause: Cycles may become shorter, longer, or less predictable
⚠️ When to Talk to a Doctor
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Cycles shorter than 21 or longer than 35 days regularly
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Missed periods for several months (not due to pregnancy)
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Very heavy bleeding (e.g., soaking through pads/tampons every hour)
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Bleeding between periods
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Severe cramps or symptoms disrupting daily life
✅ Bonus Tip:
Tracking your cycle with an app or calendar can help you spot patterns and notice changes early.