Periods and cycles: a plain guide

Your cycle, in plain words

Day 1 is the first day of a period. A cycle runs from that day to the day before the next period. During a period, the lining of the uterus sheds.

Periods usually last 3 to 7 days, and cycles often fall between 21 and 35 days. These are general ranges, not a grade for your body. Your own pattern can change.

• healthdirect Australia: Menstruation

Why dates can change

Stress, weight changes, medicines and health conditions can affect when a period arrives. A calendar cannot tell which explanation applies to you.

Keeping start dates and noting changes can make a conversation with a doctor easier. If periods become irregular or a change worries you, ask for advice rather than relying on the next expected date.

• healthdirect Australia: Irregular periods

Making period pain easier

Some things that may help:

• A heat pack or hot water bottle, used safely.
• Gentle exercise, if it feels comfortable.
• Relaxation, such as yoga or meditation.

A pharmacist or doctor can advise on pain relief that suits you. If pain stops you doing your usual activities, see a doctor. You do not have to put up with it.

• healthdirect Australia: Managing period pain

When bleeding feels heavy

Heavy bleeding is about its effect on your life, not just a number. Signs include changing a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, bleeding through clothes, needing changes overnight, or bleeding for more than 8 days.

Heavy periods can leave you tired or pale. Tell a doctor if bleeding is heavy or gets in the way of daily life. Treatment is available.

• healthdirect Australia: Heavy periods

Getting support

Speak to a doctor about periods that are unusually heavy, irregular or painful, or changes that concern you. Bring your dates and describe how symptoms affect your day.

If you feel seriously unwell or think it is an emergency, seek urgent medical help. In Australia, call 000 in an emergency. Elsewhere, use your local emergency number.

• healthdirect Australia: Menstruation
• healthdirect Australia: Managing period pain
• healthdirect Australia: Heavy periods

What tracking can tell you

Your logs show what you recorded. A day with no entry is unknown. Expected period dates are estimates based on previous cycles, not a promise.

Dates alone cannot show hormone levels, confirm ovulation or explain a change. CycleSync does not diagnose conditions and should not be used for contraception.