What are signs of an unhealthy period?

Your period is a monthly report card of your reproductive and overall health. While every woman’s cycle is unique, there are certain signs that may indicate your period is not healthy and could point to an underlying issue.

🚨 Common Signs of an Unhealthy Period

1. Very Heavy Bleeding (Menorrhagia)

  • Soaking through a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours.

  • Passing large clots (bigger than a quarter).

  • Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days.

2. Irregular Cycles

  • Periods coming too often (less than 21 days apart).

  • Very infrequent periods (more than 35–40 days apart).

  • Suddenly missed periods (not due to pregnancy, menopause, or birth control).

3. Extreme Pain (Dysmenorrhea)

  • Severe cramps that interfere with daily life.

  • Pain that doesn’t improve with rest, heat, or pain relief.

  • Pelvic pain even outside your period.

4. Abnormal Discharge or Odor

  • Foul-smelling discharge with bleeding.

  • Brown, gray, or unusual colored blood between cycles.

5. Spotting Between Periods

  • Frequent bleeding between cycles may signal hormonal imbalance, polyps, fibroids, or other uterine issues.

6. Severe PMS or Mood Swings

  • Overwhelming anxiety, depression, or mood changes linked to your cycle may be a sign of PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) or hormonal imbalance.

7. Other Red Flags

  • Periods stopping suddenly without reason.

  • Bleeding after sex.

  • Fatigue, dizziness, or symptoms of low iron during your period.

✅ When to See a Doctor

If you notice any of the above signs regularly, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Many conditions (like fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, or thyroid issues) can affect your cycle, but with proper care, they can often be managed.

✨ Healthy periods should be regular, manageable, and not overly painful. Your body is always giving you signals — the key is learning to listen to them.

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