---
title: "What clues is your menstrual cycle providing about your health?"
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---

A common question I ask almost all women during our appointments is to tell me about their period. Whether we’re addressing health concerns related to hormones, blood sugar regulation, or digestion, a women’s menstrual cycle often provides information about her overall health status. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises health practitioners to consider menstrual patterns in girls and adolescents as a “fifth vital sign,” since cycle changes or abnormalities can often be the first symptom of a number of women’s health issues.

It is estimated that as many as 3 out of 4 women experience PMS during their lifetime. It is not surprising, therefore, that when women tell me about their period, symptoms such as pain or heavy bleeding are often brushed off as “normal”. However, these symptoms can indicate an imbalance in the body and warrant further investigation.

What’s normal, what’s not

According to the ACOG, a normal menstrual cycle interval is typically between 24-38 days, with bleeding lasting 8 days or less. A cycle interval lasting more than 3 months or 90 days should be evaluated, as well as a heavy flow that requires changing a pad or tampon every 1-2 hours. Bleeding or spotting between periods, after intercourse, and after menopause is also considered abnormal.

Changes in how a woman feels physically and/or emotionally during the days leading into her period is referred to as PMS. Common symptoms of PMS include:

- Emotional symptoms such as depression, angry outbursts, irritability, crying spells, anxiety, social withdrawal, insomnia and changes in sexual desire
- Physical symptoms such as food cravings, breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, fatigue, digestive symptoms, and abdominal pain
A woman’s PMS symptoms can provide information about her need for certain vitamins and minerals, her metabolic health, and the need for further lab testing. To better understand what your menstrual cycle may be telling you about your health, the ACOG recommends tracking symptoms in relation to where you are in your cycle. Start by keeping a record of your period start and end dates, the heaviness of flow, and any other changes you experience throughout the month. This will provide a baseline pattern of symptoms and help determine what the next best steps are for treatment. In my experience, I have often found that as we work on other aspects of a women’s health (for example, correcting nutrient insufficiencies, balancing blood sugar, and improving digestive function) many of her PMS symptoms drastically improve. If you’re curious about what clues your period may be providing about your health, please ask at your next appointment!

References:

[https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2015/12/menstruation-in-girls-and-adolescents-using-the-menstrual-cycle-as-a-vital-sign](https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2015/12/menstruation-in-girls-and-adolescents-using-the-menstrual-cycle-as-a-vital-sign)

[https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/premenstrual-syndrome](https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/premenstrual-syndrome)

[https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/abnormal-uterine-bleeding](https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/abnormal-uterine-bleeding)

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen. The content shared here is based on the author’s research and personal experiences, and individual results may vary. The author and blog are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed on this site.