Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Your menstrual cycle is one of your body’s most reliable messengers — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. At Be. Women’s Health in Frisco, TX, we help you decode what’s normal, what’s not, and when to check in with a provider.

A typical cycle runs 21–35 days
This includes your period, ovulation, and the hormonal shifts in between. Your cycle doesn’t have to be 28 days — that’s a myth — but it should be fairly consistent for you.

Normal symptoms include:
✔ Mild cramping
✔ Bloating
✔ Mood fluctuations
✔ Light breast tenderness
✔ Small clots (dime-size or smaller)

Signs your cycle may need a closer look:
• Periods shorter than 21 days or longer than 35
• Missing periods for 3+ months (and not pregnant)
• Extremely heavy bleeding
• “Flooding” or soaking through pads every 1–2 hours
• Severe cramps that interrupt daily activities
• Bleeding after sex
• Sudden, dramatic changes in your cycle
• Signs of PCOS or thyroid issues

Your cycle is a vital sign — just like blood pressure or heart rate. If something feels off, it’s worth checking in.

Book a cycle health visit at Be. Women’s Health in Frisco, TX.