Menstrual Cycle
Evidence-based answers to the most common questions about periods, cycle phases, fertility, and hormonal health.
Is It Normal for My Period to Not Come?
A missed or late period has many possible causes beyond pregnancy — including stress, weight changes, overexercise, thyroid disorders, and PCOS. A period is considered late at 5+ days past the expected date. If you've missed 3 or more cycles and aren't pregnant, see your doctor.
7 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Blood Clots During Your Period — When to Worry
Small blood clots (smaller than a quarter) during your period are normal, especially on heavy days. They form when blood pools in the uterus before being expelled. Consistently large clots, soaking through a pad every hour, or periods lasting more than 7 days warrant a doctor's visit.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Your Period Has 4 Phases and You're Only Tracking 1
Your menstrual cycle has four distinct phases — menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal — each driven by different hormones that affect everything from energy to mood. Tracking all four phases, not just your period, gives you a complete picture of your health and lets you work with your body instead of against it.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
PMS or PMDD? Here's How to Tell the Difference
PMS affects up to 75% of menstruating women and involves manageable bloating, mood swings, and fatigue before your period. PMDD affects 3–8% of women and causes severe depression, rage, or hopelessness during the luteal phase that significantly disrupts daily life — and it requires medical treatment.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Can You Actually Get Pregnant on Your Period?
You can get pregnant from sex during your period, especially if you have a shorter cycle (21–24 days) because ovulation may occur soon after bleeding stops and sperm can survive up to 5 days inside the reproductive tract. The only truly "safe" days would require precise ovulation tracking — calendar math alone isn't reliable.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Is My Period Pain Normal? When Cramps Cross the Line
Mild to moderate menstrual cramps are normal and caused by prostaglandins that help your uterus shed its lining. But pain that disrupts your daily life, doesn't respond to OTC painkillers, or gets worse over time is not something you should push through — it may indicate endometriosis, fibroids, or another condition that deserves medical attention.
7 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Period Bloating, Digestion Changes, and Water Retention
Hormonal shifts during your cycle directly affect your gut. Prostaglandins cause diarrhea and cramping, progesterone slows digestion and causes constipation and bloating, and estrogen fluctuations drive water retention. These symptoms are common but manageable with dietary adjustments, hydration, and timing strategies.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
PCOS Complete Guide — Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
PCOS affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is the leading cause of irregular periods and anovulatory infertility. Diagnosis requires meeting 2 of 3 criteria (irregular cycles, excess androgens, polycystic ovaries). While there's no cure, PCOS is highly manageable with lifestyle changes, medication, and ongoing monitoring.
7 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Endometriosis — Symptoms, Daily Management, and Treatment Options
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing chronic inflammation, pain, and sometimes infertility. It affects roughly 1 in 10 women but takes an average of 7–10 years to diagnose. Treatment ranges from hormonal management and pain strategies to surgery, and the right approach depends on your symptoms and goals.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Fibroids and Adenomyosis — Heavy Periods Explained
Fibroids are noncancerous uterine growths affecting up to 80% of women by age 50, while adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the uterine muscle wall. Both cause heavy periods, pain, and pressure symptoms. Treatment ranges from medication and minimally invasive procedures to surgery, depending on symptom severity and fertility goals.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Ovarian Cysts and Pelvic Health
Most ovarian cysts are functional, form naturally during ovulation, and resolve on their own within 1–3 months. However, persistent, large, or complex cysts may need monitoring or treatment. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and STIs can also affect pelvic health and fertility — early detection and treatment are key.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Fertility, Ovulation, and Your Fertile Window — The Complete Guide
Your fertile window spans roughly 6 days each cycle — the 5 days before ovulation and ovulation day itself. Tracking ovulation through cervical mucus, BBT, and LH tests gives you the best chance of conceiving (or avoiding pregnancy). Understanding your body's fertility signals puts you in control of your reproductive timeline.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Birth Control and Your Cycle — A Complete Guide
Birth control methods affect your cycle in different ways — from eliminating periods entirely to having no hormonal impact at all. Understanding how each method works helps you make an informed choice that aligns with your health needs, lifestyle, and reproductive goals. No single method is best for everyone.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Period Self-Care — Exercise, Sleep, Supplements, and Pain Relief
Period self-care isn't about pushing through or shutting down — it's about working with your body's needs. Gentle exercise, prioritized sleep, evidence-backed supplements like magnesium and omega-3s, and strategic pain relief timing can meaningfully reduce discomfort and help you maintain your quality of life throughout your cycle.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Sexual Health and Your Menstrual Cycle
Your menstrual cycle creates predictable fluctuations in libido, arousal, vaginal lubrication, and comfort during sex — all driven by estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. Understanding these patterns helps you work with your body, communicate with your partner, and know when changes signal something worth investigating.
6 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16
Period Red Flags — When to See a Doctor and When to Go to the ER
Most menstrual symptoms are manageable, but certain signs demand medical attention — and some require emergency care. Knowing the difference between "call your doctor Monday" and "go to the ER now" could save your life. Trust your instincts: if something feels significantly wrong, it's always better to be evaluated and reassured than to wait.
7 questions answered · Updated 2026-02-16