What Is Normal and What Is Not
Rina experiences cramping while her friend Sithi doesn’t. Sithi tells her that cramping is a normal symptom of a period. Nobody has the same menstrual habits and there is nothing to worry about.
Their friend Fariha hears this and thinks that her cramping is normal too. She has severe cramps before and during her period days. Even her mother said that she faces similar physical pain. One day she fainted because it hurt so bad.
From the two examples above, both Rina and Fariha experience cramps but only one of them faces normal cramping. Fariha’s extreme pain is not normal but she does not know that.
We compare our menstruation experiences with family and friends. It helps us to understand if a habit is normal or not. Sometimes people can panic over small differences that are common. But downplaying certain unique symptoms can result in worse health.
To understand which habits are normal and which are not, it’s essential to have an understanding of one’s body. Learning about periods and related topics can not only help yourself but others as well. Just as Sithi was able to help Rina with her fears.
One of the most important topics all women should know about is the menstrual cycle. You should track your period and keep a list of your symptoms. A mental list will work as well.
What Is Normal In Menstrual Cycle And What Is Not?
Some women have cycles that last for 21 days while for some it lasts for 45 days. Both scenarios are normal. But if your cycle is less than 20 days or more than 50 days, that is not normal. This requires physician consultation.
Your period won’t start on the exact 28th day of your cycle. There will be a 2-7 days disparity. This is normal. However, if it is 10-20 or more days late, that’s a missed period. If you miss periods frequently, that means the ovulation is not happening properly. Erratic periods aren’t normal. This could be a sign of PCOS.
Missed periods can also happen because of pregnancy, excess stress, extreme weight loss or gain.
A huge aspect of menstruation people gloss over is the symptoms. There is this misconception that as a woman, one must bear any pain no matter how difficult it is.
One example of it is cramps during periods. While cramps are normal, extreme cramps to the point, that one can’t move or becomes faint, is not normal. This should never be considered the norm. Similarly, extreme pain in breasts and in other body parts should not be normalised.
If you face these symptoms, painkillers can lessen the discomfort. Lying down on one side can help as well. Moreover, hot water bags near the painful area helps a lot.
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