What is a healthy menstrual cycle?

What does a healthy menstrual cycle even look like?

  • Cycle length between 25 and 35 days long 

    • Follicular phase (day one of bleed): can last anywhere from 7 to 21 days (this accounts for most longer cycle lengths)

    • Ovulation: 1 day

    • Luteal phase: 10 - 16 days (this is the lifespan of the corpus luteum which produces progesterone)

    • The cycle of teenage girls will often be up to 45 days in length, as their follicular phase can be 32 days long

  • Ovulation occurs mid cycle with physical signs:

    • Fertile mucus (clear stretchy and slippery like raw egg white)

    • Temperature rise by about 0.3 degrees after ovulation 

  • Period is predictable and regular, and just arrives with minimal to no: 

    • pain and cramping 

    • breast pain 

    • emotional or mood disturbances

    • spotting prior to menstrual bleed or mid cycle

    • Other PMS type symptoms 

  • Total roughly 50mL of blood loss, which is only two and half tablespoons

    • < 25mL is considered a scanty flow 

    • > than 80mL of blood is indicative of heavy periods

    • This can be measured with a menstrual cup

    • 1 regular pad or tampon = 5ml (1 teaspoon)

    • 1 super tampon = 10ml

  • Blood bright red to slightly dark red in colour 

  • Mostly liquid with no or minimal clots (smaller than a 5c piece)

  • Bleed length of 2 to 7 days (most women report 3-5 days)

So how is your monthly report card looking? If you need help with regulating your hormones and menstrual cycle, get in touch to see how naturopathy can help you. 

Hayley Brass