Is My Period Normal?
Girl, Let’s Find Out.
If you've ever thought, “Is this normal?” while tracking your period or digging through your stash of heating pads and chocolate — you’re not alone. Menstrual cycles are unique to each person, but there are some patterns and symptoms that can help you better understand what’s typical, and when it might be time to dig deeper.
At Lunakit, we believe your period shouldn’t feel like a mystery. So let’s talk about what a “normal” period might look like, what changes to watch for, and how to take care of yourself when things feel out of sync.
What Does a “Normal” Period Look Like?
There’s a wide range of what’s medically considered “normal” — so don't stress if your cycle doesn’t match someone else’s. Here’s what doctors generally look for:
Cycle Length: Anywhere from 21 to 35 days between periods is normal. The key is consistency — if your cycle is usually 28 days but suddenly jumps to 40, take note.
Duration: Periods typically last between 2 and 7 days. Some people have light bleeding the whole time, while others have a mix of light and heavy days.
Flow: Light to moderate bleeding is common. If you're soaking through a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours for several hours straight, that might be considered heavy bleeding.
Symptoms: Cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, and fatigue are common. These should be manageable — not debilitating.
When to Pay Attention to Period Changes
Some shifts are totally normal (hello, stress!), but others may be your body’s way of asking for attention:
Irregular Timing: If your cycle suddenly becomes unpredictable — skipping months, coming every two weeks, or being wildly different each time — it’s worth noting.
Heavy Bleeding: Needing to change your pad, tampon, or cup every hour or passing clots larger than a quarter may be a sign of fibroids or hormonal imbalance.
Severe Cramping: Some cramping is expected, but if you’re curled up in bed missing work or school every month, check in with a provider — it could be endometriosis or something similar.
Spotting Between Periods: Light bleeding mid-cycle or after sex may be harmless, but persistent spotting could be a sign of hormonal imbalance or an infection.
Missed Periods: If you’re not pregnant and your period is consistently missing, it could be due to stress, under-eating, over-exercising, or conditions like PCOS.
Mood Swings or Intense PMS: If your pre-period emotions feel overwhelming, it could be more than PMS — like PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), which is very real and treatable.
Is It My Period — or Something Else?
Because periods affect so many systems in the body, it's easy to chalk all symptoms up to menstruation. But some signs could point to something else:
Persistent fatigue, even outside your period
Digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, bloating) that don’t follow a pattern
Acne, hair thinning, or excessive facial/body hair
Sudden weight gain or loss
Ongoing pelvic pain not linked to menstruation
If you're noticing patterns that don’t quite align with your cycle — or feel like your symptoms are disrupting your daily life — talk to a healthcare provider for a deeper look.
Your Cycle, Our Care — How Lunakit Supports You
At Lunakit, we’re here to support you through every stage of your cycle. Our mission is to make period care accessible, fast, and personal — so we created Lunakits: thoughtfully curated care packages filled with products tailored to your needs, symptoms, and preferences.
From period essentials to comfort items, we do our best to customize each kit based on what you tell us — because no two cycles (or people!) are exactly the same. Whether you're managing cramps, mood swings, or just need a little more comfort, Lunakit is here to help you feel prepared, supported, and cared for.
Check out our Lunakits and find the one that feels right for you.
Always Check In With Your Health Provider
Your period is more than a monthly visitor — it’s an important signal of your overall health. If anything feels off, don’t wait. Regular checkups with your healthcare provider can help you get to the root of symptoms, understand your unique cycle, and ensure you're getting the care you deserve.