To understand what is abnormal, we must first know what the norm is before we start to evaluate how much disparity we are from the standard. In fact, in my years of professional clinical practice, I have seen women who have no idea that they are already sick and imbalanced, yet ignorantly still believe that they are healthy and normal.

So here is the checklist for a Normal Period:

1. The normal flow of a normal period lasts anything between 3 to 7 days. This is when the lining of the uterus or endometrium grows in each cycle to support a potential pregnancy shed. Spotting that goes beyond 7 days is not considered normal.

2. The cycle of the period is between 21 to 35 days. Too short or long are all abnormal and diseased state.

3. Light cramping or no pain should be experienced during the period, especially the start of it. This is when the uterus starts to contract to shed the inner lining.

4. The colour of the period flow is cranberry red. The colour of the blood flow of period signifies how good the circulation is within the womb or uterus. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it can also signify the state of energy flow of the organ system connected to the womb and uterus, which is mainly Liver and Gallbladder system.

5. The period flow is smooth and slightly thick. The viscosity of the blood flow of period also signifies the state of circulation in the womb or uterus and the organ system connected in Traditional Chinese Medicine theories. Read how TCM and Acupuncture treat PCOS here.

6. The volume of blood flow during period can be between 5ml to 80ml which is about 6 tablespoons. That translates to about changing a sanitary pad about 3 times for the first few days and lesser times for the subsequent days.

7. Light fatigue can be experienced during period as the body is still considered losing blood and energy, but one should still be functional.

8. Restorative mindset is usually adopted for healthy women during period. They are aware they need to rest and keep the strain to the uterus, pelvic floor and entire body and mind to a minimal level during period flow.

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Anything that deviates from this checklist is considered off balance for the bodily hormones. As menstruation is a sign of hormone status of the women’s bodies, abnormalities displayed in periods can signify deeper health problems that require further attention and treatment.

Sometimes such abnormalities can appear while the blood tests for hormones show within healthy range. This is a sign of functional imbalances and the prelude to physiological imbalances. And this is when Western Medicine has nothing to offer while Traditional Chinese Medicines and Acupuncture can help to rebalance the body before further imbalances are exacerbated. Read more about how TCM and Acupuncture treat PMS here.

Read more on how TCM and Acupuncture treat Infertility, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Recurrent Miscarriage, Menopause., Menopause and Adrenal Fatigue.