Is my teen’s period normal?

Teen periods are famously unpredictable. One month it’s light and short, the next it’s a full-on horror movie scene. That’s because most cycles take a few years to even out. During that time, irregularity is common. But even though it’s common, it doesn’t mean everything should be ignored.

A typical menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days. Bleeding usually goes on for 2 to 7 days. If your teen is within those ranges, you’re probably fine. But there are a few signs that it’s time to look more closely. If your teen regularly soaks through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, is doubled over in pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter meds, or hasn’t had a period in months, that’s not just teen stuff. That’s a call for care.

The same goes for periods that start before age 8 or don’t start by 15. Early or delayed puberty can be signs of underlying hormonal issues or other health conditions. It’s not about panicking. It’s about staying curious and proactive.

Sometimes irregular periods are just the body adjusting. But other times, they can be linked to conditions like PCOS, which affects how the ovaries function, or PMDD, a severe form of PMS that can seriously mess with mood and energy. Thyroid disorders can throw cycles off too. And big changes in weight, stress levels, or eating patterns can wreak havoc.

If your teen is complaining about period pain, fatigue, or just wants to know why their body feels out of whack, don’t brush it off. That frustration can turn into shame or avoidance. It’s worth giving them the language and support to understand what’s happening.

At Dahlia, we help teens make sense of all this. They can ask questions anonymously or chat with a Bloom Buddy. We take periods seriously — not because they’re scary, but because they’re information. They tell us something about what’s going on inside.

The earlier you get answers, the sooner your teen can feel better. And isn’t that kind of the whole point?