Let me introduce myselves:
My name is Isa Houtbeckers and I'm 27 years old. I've been a Sensiplan consultant for a few years now. Sensiplan is a method that allows you to reliably determine your fertile and infertile days in your cycle. I also work in an organic store, where I also delve into nutrition and health. Today, I'll tell you a little more about menstruation.
My first period
I think many women still remember: their first period. I was 11 and thankfully at home, in our own bathroom. Surprised, I looked at the blood in my underwear and called Mom. She was thrilled; this was reason for ice cream! I wasn't so thrilled; having my period was no fun at all. Several years of irregular bleeding followed, lasting about seven days, and I was in a lot of pain.
At 15, I started taking the pill, and when I stopped taking it at 22, I was worried my periods would be just as heavy again. Luckily, that wasn't too bad; the pain was much less than before. It did take a year or two for my cycle to become somewhat regular again. My body needed to regain its balance. I also delved deeply into the effects of diet and lifestyle on my hormones. Now, five years after stopping the pill, I have a light period with a few hours of discomfort.
Facts and figures about menstruation
During menstruation, the uterine lining that has built up over the course of the cycle is broken down. The unfertilized egg is not excreted, as it has already been absorbed into the body.
The average menstrual period lasts 2-8 days. The amount of blood loss can vary considerably from woman to woman. This can make it difficult to know what's normal. Thuisarts.nl lists some symptoms of heavy bleeding. I've summarized them briefly:
- You should change your menstrual product often, even at night.
- Your menstrual product is always full or leaking.
- You may be using multiple menstrual products at once for extra protection.
- When changing your menstrual product, you lose a lot of blood.
- You may lose large amounts of blood.
More information about heavy menstrual bleeding can be found here: (link taboo on heavy periods).
Period Pain: 'What's Normal?'
Heavy bleeding can be accompanied by severe menstrual pain, but that's not always the case. And of course, there are also women who don't bleed heavily but do experience significant discomfort during their periods. But what is actually normal? That question is difficult to answer. Pain is different for everyone, and for many women, it's still taboo to talk about their menstrual symptoms. Many women have less energy around their period, both physically and mentally. It's normal to be a bit more emotional, even in the lead-up to menstruation. Getting more rest is therefore beneficial. Lying down with a hot water bottle under a blanket is always a good idea. Other complaints include abdominal cramps, backache, and headaches. It's normal to experience some discomfort as long as you can continue with your daily routine.
If the pain during your period becomes so severe that you have to cancel appointments, miss work, or can't perform your daily tasks, you should definitely raise the alarm. Are you so depressed and/or emotional around your period that you can't do or cope with everyday activities? That's also a reason to ask for help.
You don't have to suffer in silence because you think it's normal. See your doctor or gynecologist and/or find a specialist who can teach you more about your hormones.
Severe symptoms (physical or mental) may indicate a medical condition, so don't just ignore them. You can read more about this in blogs about PMDD and endometriosis.
Tip: For me, menstrual products that require insertion (e.g., tampons or cups) cause additional period pain. Since I started wearing period underwear, my symptoms have significantly decreased. Definitely worth a try! (Note: this is a personal experience, so it might not be the same for everyone.)
The Pill: A Magic Cure?
When I started taking the pill at 15, I was told it would help with my menstrual problems. They didn't tell me I wouldn't actually have a period anymore. The bleeding you experience during the week off the pill is called withdrawal bleeding. Because no ovulation has occurred, there's no normal menstruation. The uterine lining doesn't build up as thickly as in a cycle with ovulation, which also makes the bleeding lighter.
The pill is the most commonly used contraceptive method and is often recommended for heavy periods. For some women and girls, it can be a helpful solution.
About half of women ovulate immediately after stopping the pill; for others, it takes a little longer. With a few exceptions, you can assume that everyone's cycle will be completely normal after nine months. You can't really predict how things will go for you, so keep that in mind if you're trying to get pregnant.
Want to start using a (different) contraceptive method? Get well-informed about all your options so you can find the method that's right for you.
Are you looking for a reliable family planning method that doesn't affect your hormones?
Sensiplan is a godsend. The method requires a three-cycle learning period with a Sensiplan consultant, so it's an investment. After that, it's effortless and highly beneficial. You'll have a clear understanding of your own cycle and when you ovulate. Curious? Check out the website: https://www.sensiplan.nl/
Your cycle in different stages of life
In the first few years, we often see a lot of irregularity, heavy bleeding, and a lot of pain. Over time, your cycle (usually) becomes more regular, with the most stability between the ages of 25 and 40. If you get pregnant, you naturally don't have a cycle for a while. Because the egg has been fertilized (mission accomplished!), you don't get a period. Some women bleed during pregnancy, but that's never a period. Once the egg has implanted, the uterine lining stops breaking down. After giving birth, it takes a while for your cycle to return to a regular cycle. How quickly that happens depends on several factors, including whether or not you breastfeed. Your fertile period also comes to an end. Menopause normally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. Ovarian function gradually declines. In premenopause, we often see cycles initially become shorter. Later, cycles can become longer again, or alternate between short and long. You may experience heavy bleeding, and sometimes ovulation doesn't occur.
On average, a woman has her last menstrual period around age 52, but the ages vary considerably. The entire process we call menopause takes 10 to 15 years. The moment of your last menstrual period is called menopause. You're essentially no longer fertile for about 10 years before menopause. Of course, you don't know at the time that it's already happening. So you can only determine that afterward. If you haven't had a period for a year, you've had menopause, your very last period.
Your period is a natural part of your life, but it shouldn't rule it. By better understanding your body and cycle, you can make more informed choices that are right for you. Talk about it, ask questions, seek help when needed, and be kind to yourself—at every stage of your cycle. Because knowing what's normal for you is perhaps the most powerful step toward health and peace.
 This blog post was written by Isa, a consultant at Sensiplan Netherlands. Sensiplan is a sympto-thermal method for natural family planning and contraception that gives women insight into their fertility cycle. The method is scientifically proven and has been used since 1981, originating in Germany. With an interactive course, clear study materials, and personalized guidance from certified consultants, it helps women and couples make informed choices. Safety and health are paramount. |
