Is my period normal? A guide for teens

Periods can be seriously confusing. One month it’s NBD, the next it’s a crime scene. Totally normal. Most cycles take a few years to settle into a pattern, and being irregular at first doesn’t always mean something’s wrong. But some signs do mean it’s time to check in.

Here’s the tea:

• A typical cycle lasts 21–35 days.

• Bleeding for 2–7 days? Normal.

• Soaking a pad or tampon every hour for hours? Not normal.

• Bent over in pain even with meds? Not normal.

• No period for months? Not normal.

• Started your period before age 8 or still haven’t by 15? Worth having a chat with your parent and maybe a doctor.

It’s not about freaking out. It’s about understanding your body. Stuff like PCOS, PMDD, or thyroid issues can mess with your cycle, and stress, weight changes, or eating shifts can too.

If your period feels out of control, painful, or just confusing—don’t keep it to yourself. You can talk to us anonymously or chat with a Bloom Buddy who gets it. Your period isn’t just a monthly drama, it’s your body talking. Let’s make sense of it together.