The Menstrual Cycle  

The menstrual cycle is a natural and powerful part of many people’s lives. It is your body’s way of preparing for the possibility of pregnancy—and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Learning how it works helps you understand your health, your emotions, and your body better.

The Menstrual Cycle, Unboxed:

Getting Real About Menstrual Health

Not everyone who menstruates identifies as a woman. No matter your gender identity, you deserve care that respects and reflects who you are.

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Phases Broken Down

Disclaimer: Ovulation can be tricky to track—especially during early adolescence.

Periods often fluctuate due to stress, changes in routine, or natural hormonal shifts. Everyone’s cycle is different, and that is completely normal.

Want to learn more about ovulation? Click here

What is Normal?

Everyone’s cycle is different—and that is normal.

A typical menstrual cycle is 21 to 35 days long, and bleeding usually lasts 2 to 7 days. For some, periods are predictable. For others, they vary each month.

If something feels off, trust your instincts.

You deserve to feel confident in your body.

Do not hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider or OB/GYN if you notice changes or have questions.

It is also common for periods to be irregular during adolescence—especially in the first few years after menstruation begins.

Irregular Periods

Irregular cycles might mean:

  • Skipping a period

  • Having periods too often or far apart

  • Heavier or lighter bleeding than usual

This can happen for many reasons, including:

  • Stress

  • Changes in weight or exercise

  • Birth control use

  • Health conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues

If your cycle is changing a lot or affecting your daily life, it is okay to talk to a healthcare provider. You are not being dramatic—it is your body, and you deserve answers.

When to Seek Help

It is always okay to ask questions about your cycle.

You might want to reach out to a provider if:

  • Period pain regularly interferes with your everyday life

  • Bleeding lasts over 7 days

  • No period for 3+ months

  • Bleeding between periods/after sex

  • Worried or confused about body

You deserve care that listens to your concerns and helps you feel more in control.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to period care. Whether you're new to menstruation or just looking to try something new, this guide can help you figure out which product might match your lifestyle, comfort, and needs.

Let’s break it down:

Which Menstrual Product Is Right for You?

  • Pads

    Best for: Beginners, light to heavy flow, people who prefer not to insert anything
    Pros: Easy to use, come in many sizes and absorbencies, no risk of TSS
    Consider: Can feel bulky or less discreet; needs to be changed every 4–6 hours
    Reusable option: Cloth pads!

  • Tampons

    Best for: Swimming, sports, active days
    Pros: Invisible under clothes, gives more freedom of movement
    Consider: Needs to be changed every 4–8 hours, small risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)
    Tip: Start with a light or regular absorbency if you’re new!

  • Period Underwear

    Best for: Comfortable, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance days
    Pros: Feels like regular underwear, reusable, great for overnight or backup
    Consider: Needs to be washed properly; may need more than one pair per cycle depending on cycle length

  • Menstrual Cup or Disc

    Best for: People who want to save money and reduce waste
    Pros: Can be worn up to 12 hours, can sleep with it in, reusable for years if stored correctly, holds more than tampons
    Consider: Takes practice to insert/remove, may not be for everyone

Find Your Flow Fit

Which period product fits your life best?

This little game is just for fun! It can help you explore different period products based on your comfort, lifestyle, and preferences. You do not have to use what your result says — but if it matches what you already use or want to try, that’s awesome!

Everyone's body and period experience is different, and there is no right or wrong way to manage your flow. Whether you are new to periods or just want to learn more, this can be a helpful place to start.

Now… let’s find your Flow Fit!

Birth Control and Your Period

Birth control can change your cycle—and that is expected!

Everyone’s body reacts differently, so your experience might not be the same as someone else’s. Some people have lighter periods, some stop getting them altogether, and some notice changes like spotting.

These changes are usually normal and nothing to worry about—but if something does not feel right, contact a medical provider you trust.

If you want to learn about different birth control methods, click here.

The Pill, Patch, or Ring

These methods use hormones to prevent pregnancy.

You might:

  • Bleed less or skip your period (especially if you take it continuously)

  • Have more regular cycles

  • Notice spotting between cycles (especially at first)

Here is a general idea of what you might notice with different methods:

The Shot (Depo-Provera)

A shot you get every 3 months.

You might:

  • Stop getting your period after a few months

  • Have irregular bleeding at first

  • Bleed more or less than usual

Hormonal IUD (like Mirena or Liletta)

Placed in the uterus and lasts several years.

You might:

  • Have lighter periods or no period at all over time

  • Spot irregularly at first

  • Feel cramping or notice changes as your body adjusts

Non-Hormonal IUD (Paragard)

This one has no hormones—just copper.

You might:

  • Still get your period monthly

  • Have heavier bleeding or more cramping at first

  • Adjust after a few months

The Implant (Nexplanon)

A small rod placed under your skin.

You might:

  • Bleed less, more, or not at all

  • Notice spotting, especially in the first 6–12 months

  • Have unpredictable periods