Planned Parenthood

Someone asked us:

What does it mean to have a “regular” vs. an “irregular” period?

A regular period means that the number of days between each time you get your period stays pretty much the same. The time between the first day of your period and the first day or your next period is called your menstrual cycle. Most people get their period every 25-30 days, though anywhere between 21-35 days is normal. If you pay attention to when you get your period and can pretty easily predict when it’s going to happen, then you’ve got a “regular” period.

Having an irregular period means it’s harder to predict when you’re going to get your period, because it changes a lot. For example, maybe your period comes 23 days after your last one ends, and then it comes 40 days later, and then 30 days later, etc.

Irregular periods can be annoying, but they aren’t usually a sign that something is wrong. Periods are like people — some people you can always depend on to be on time, and other people are more free-spirited and unpredictable. The important thing is to know what’s normal for you, and to keep your doctor or nurse up to date if your period starts doing something it hasn’t done before.

Want to regulate your irregular periods? Hormonal birth control — the pill, patch, and ring — can help.

Download our Spot On App to get to know your cycle and follow your period.

-Emily at Planned Parenthood