What is the average period cycle

These methods include progestin-only pills the mini pill , progestin injections the shot , or progestin implants Bleeding can vary a lot on progestin-only contraceptives. Changes in period length and heaviness happen in response to the changes in hormones.

These hormones affect the growing and shedding of your uterine lining. Methods like the contraceptive injection and the implant usually suppress ovulation 14, Some progestin-only pills also suppress ovulation, but it depends on the type Unpredictable bleeding, spotting, and prolonged bleeding are common when using these methods, especially during the first few months These symptoms usually improve with time, but they can continue for some people.

This typically results in lighter or occasionally absent bleeding, especially for people who have been using the hormonal IUD for many months or years Many people experience heavier and longer bleeding while using the copper IUD , especially in the first 6—12 months 13, This may happen due to vascular changes and changes to blood flow in the uterus 18, Bleeding may be accompanied by an increase in large clots and cramping.

Starting a new method of birth control can cause changes the amount of days you bleed. Irregular bleeding is common when starting a new birth control method and usually goes away within three months. Be mindful of how your bleeding days change and how you feel on an new form of birth control. Different brands and types of hormonal birth control contain different levels of reproductive hormones, so some brands or types may be better suited for you than others.

Talk to your healthcare provider about trying another brand if you have continued spotting three months after starting a new method, or if your bleeding has gotten heavier 3. Prolonged bleeding on hormonal birth control can also be caused by underlying health conditions such as uterine fibroids or an untreated infection 3, If you suspect that your period is prolonged or irregular, speak to your healthcare professional. Read more about starting periods. To understand the menstrual cycle, it helps to know about the reproductive organs inside a woman's body.

These are:. The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones. In each cycle, rising levels of the hormone oestrogen cause the ovary to develop and release an egg ovulation. The womb lining also starts to thicken.

In the second half of the cycle, the hormone progesterone helps the womb to prepare for implantation of a developing embryo. The egg travels down the fallopian tubes. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the egg is reabsorbed into the body. Levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall, and the womb lining comes away and leaves the body as a period the menstrual flow.

The time from the release of an egg to the start of a period is around 10 to 16 days. Here is what an average menstrual cycle looks like and some signs you may want to talk to your primary care provider—a virtual visit is an effective, convenient way to get started. Your period should have become regular and predictable by this time.

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days when counting from the first day of one cycle to the first day of the next cycle. Eighty percent of cycles occur within 21 to 45 days.

Typically, cycles will last two to seven days. Bleeding can also be a symptom of infection such as endometritis infection of the inner lining of the uterus or pelvic inflammatory disease. Remember, not all bleeding and irregularity is a cause for concern. For example, it is very common to have irregular bleeding with some contraception methods.

Stress and other issues can also cause changes to your cycle from time to time. After a few months, you can begin to see if your periods are regular or if your cycles are different each month. You can also download apps sometimes for free for your phone to track your periods. Some include features to track your PMS symptoms, energy and activity levels, and more.

The average age for a girl in the United States to get her first period is A girl may start her period anytime between 8 and The first period normally starts about two years after breasts first start to develop and pubic hair begins to grow.

Get more information for girls about getting their period at girlshealth. On average, women get a period for about 40 years of their life.

Perimenopause, or transition to menopause, may take a few years. During this time, your period may not come regularly. Menopause happens when you have not had a period for 12 months in a row. For most women, this happens between the ages of 45 and The average age of menopause in the United States is Your doctor will check for pregnancy or a health problem that can cause periods to stop or become irregular.

The average woman loses about two to three tablespoons of blood during her period. What is normal for you may not be the same for someone else. Also, the flow may be lighter or heavier from month to month. Your periods may also change as you get older. Some women have heavy bleeding during perimenopause, the transition to menopause. Symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding may include:. Follow the instructions that came with your period product. Try to change or rinse your feminine hygiene product before it becomes soaked through or full.

Use a product appropriate in size and absorbency for your menstrual bleeding. The amount of menstrual blood usually changes during a period. Some women use different products on different days of their period, depending on how heavy or light the bleeding is. Toxic shock syndrome TSS is a rare but sometimes deadly condition caused by bacteria that make toxins or poisons. In , 63 women died from TSS. A certain brand of super absorbency tampons was said to be the cause.

These tampons were taken off the market. Today, most cases of TSS are not caused by using tampons. But, you could be at risk for TSS if you use more absorbent tampons than you need for your bleeding or if you do not change your tampon often enough at least every four to eight hours. Menstrual cups, cervical caps, sponges, or diaphragms anything inserted into your vagina may also increase your risk for TSS if they are left in place for too long usually 24 hours. Remove sponges within 30 hours and cervical caps within 48 hours.

If you have any symptoms of TSS, take out the tampon, menstrual cup, sponge, or diaphragm, and call or go to the hospital right away. The changing hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle can also affect other health problems:. Learn more about your menstrual cycle and your health.