What Does Your Period Say About You?

Your menstrual cycle is more than just a monthly inconvenience—it’s a measure of your overall health. From the color of your blood to the length and regularity of your cycle, your period offers insight into your hormonal balance, reproductive health, and even stress levels.

“Think of it as your body’s monthly status report,” says Jill Skoczylas, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Atlantic Health. “Since every woman is different, periods can be variable and there’s a wide range of ‘normal’ for a healthy reproductive system.”

What is considered “normal?”

Menstruation varies a lot, but it’s generally considered normal as long as it’s consistent. Dr. Skoczylas explains that a sudden shift in your menstrual cycle could be your body’s way of raising a flag. Here are the general rules for a healthy menstrual cycle:

Flow: a healthy 28-day cycle can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days
Quantity: blood flow should amount to about two to six tablespoons
Duration: a period should last between two to seven days
Color: the blood color should range from bright red to reddish brown

“If your cycle falls within these parameters and is relatively consistent, your hormones are likely balanced with no related health issues,” says Dr. Skoczylas, who also shares what can throw off your periods.

1. Flow

Short cycles (less than 21 days) might suggest low progesterone or even perimenopause if you're over the age of 35. It could also indicate stress or thyroid issues. Long cycles (more than 35 days) could signal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or a thyroid disorder.

A heavy period could indicate fibroids, endometriosis, or a bleeding/clotting disorder. It could also be connected to high estrogen. A light period can mean low estrogen or anemia, especially if it comes with fatigue or mood changes.

2. Color

The color of period blood tells a story. Bright red to reddish brown blood usually signals a healthy, steady flow. Dark brown blood could signal hormonal imbalances, fibroids, or polyps. Pale pink may suggest low estrogen or nutritional deficiencies, especially if you’re an athlete or have low body fat.

3. Pain

Mild to moderate cramps are common, but if you’re doubled over in pain and it’s affecting your daily life, it’s not something to ignore. Severe pain and cramping during menstruation could be a sign of endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

4. Mood

While most people experience some premenstrual symptoms, if you have extreme mood swings, anxiety, or depression, it could point to a severe form of PMS. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone can also impact serotonin levels, which impact mood.

5. Missed Periods

Missing a period can be the first sign of pregnancy, but not always. Stress can also delay ovulation, and so can over-exercising, chronic illness, sudden weight loss or gain, or a lack of nutrition, calories, or sleep.

6. Spotting

A little spotting is common between periods. It often happens during ovulation or is connected to birth control pills, an intrauterine device (IUD), or the patch. But if spotting is persistent or heavy, it could mean fibroids or even an infection.

When to see a doctor

“It’s normal to have some change in your cycle over time—especially during puberty, after pregnancy, or as you approach menopause,” says Dr. Skoczylas. “But if you're inconsistent or your period is negatively impacting your life, it just might be your body telling you something bigger is going on.”

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Published: May 09, 2025

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What does your period say about you?