What is an unhealthy period flow?

How to Tell If Your Period Is Telling You Something More Serious

Periods are natural — but not all period flows are healthy. While it's normal for some people to have heavier or lighter flows than others, there are signs that your period might be more than just a monthly nuisance. It could be a warning light on your body’s dashboard.

In this blog, we’ll break down what an unhealthy period flow looks like, what causes it, and when to seek help. Plus, we’ll use visuals to help make it crystal clear.

✅ First, What Is a Normal Period Flow?

A healthy period flow typically:

  • Lasts between 3 to 7 days

  • Has a total blood loss of 30 to 80ml (2 to 6 tablespoons)

  • Starts with brighter red blood, turning darker over time

  • May contain small clots (smaller than a quarter)

  • Comes with mild to moderate cramping

🖼️ Suggested Visual:

  • A simple chart comparing "Normal Flow" vs "Unhealthy Flow" (I can generate this as an infographic)

❌ What Is Considered an Unhealthy Period Flow?

1. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)

If your period soaks through a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours, that’s too much.

🚩 Red Flags:

  • Changing protection every hour

  • Needing to double up pads

  • Period lasting longer than 7 days

  • Blood clots larger than a quarter (2.5cm)

📷 Suggested Visual:
Comparison of normal clot size vs concerning clot size
Label: “If clots are larger than a coin, speak to your doctor.”

2. Very Light or Spotting-Only Periods

Not everyone bleeds heavily — and some light periods are normal, especially with hormonal birth control. But if your flow becomes extremely light or irregular without reason, it could mean:

🔍 Possible Causes:

  • Hormonal imbalance (low estrogen)

  • Thyroid problems

  • Stress or under-eating

  • PCOS

📷 Suggested Visual:
Flow tracker showing only occasional spotting over several months
Label: “Missed or very light periods can be a hormone signal.”

3. Irregular or Unpredictable Flow

If your periods show up whenever they want — or disappear entirely — it’s time to investigate.

✅ A healthy cycle is 21–35 days apart.
❌ If you go months without a period, or bleed twice a month, that’s a concern.

📷 Suggested Visual:
Calendar mockup of regular vs irregular cycles
Color-coded dots (green = healthy, red = irregular)

4. Pain That Disrupts Your Life

Cramps are expected. But debilitating pain is not normal.

🚨 Unhealthy signs:

  • Pain wakes you up at night

  • You faint, vomit, or miss work/school

  • Pain lasts beyond the first few days

  • Pain meds don’t help

🩺 Could indicate:

  • Endometriosis

  • Fibroids

  • Adenomyosis

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

📷 Suggested Visual:
Pain level scale (1–10) with “seek medical help if above level 7 consistently” indicator

5. Strange Colors or Smells

While some color variation is normal, watch for:

❌ Gray discharge → infection
❌ Foul-smelling blood → infection
❌ Bright red throughout → could mean excessive bleeding
❌ Black blood → old blood, okay unless with pain or odor

📷 Suggested Visual:
Color swatch chart labeled:

  • Pink = light flow or low estrogen

  • Red = healthy

  • Brown = old blood

  • Gray = possible infection

🌈 Summary: When to See a Doctor

👉 Call your doctor if:

  • You soak a pad or tampon every hour

  • You pass large clots often

  • Your periods last more than 7 days

  • You miss periods for months

  • You experience extreme pain, fatigue, or dizziness

  • Your flow suddenly changes

💬 Final Thought: Your Period Is Your Body Talking

Painful, heavy, or irregular periods aren’t just “part of being a woman.” They’re signs your body needs attention. Don’t ignore them — and don’t let anyone brush them off.

Taking control of your cycle is taking control of your health.

🛒 Need soothing tools during your period?

Browse cozy lamps, aromatherapy, and wellness products at
👉NYXCOLLECTION — free shipping always.

 

Вернуться к блогу