We’ve all met those women – the ones that are quick to tell everyone that their period is totally light, quick, pain and problem-free! Like those women in the commercials, running around playing tennis and horseback riding, as if nothing were happening down there.
We tend to think those women are just plain lucky, that it’s a happy accident of fate whether you experience an easy period or a hard period. We assume something goes on in that mysterious process that either delivers you with a life of period positivity or a life of hating your period. We think: “Maybe it’s in the genes?”
And, if that lady isn’t you – if you do suffer every month with heavy bleeding, cramps, periods that go on forever, horrible PMS symptoms like moodiness and cravings…well then it can be really annoying to hear about someone else’s great period! You might even be in the situation where you have to explain your problem periods to your boss or co-workers, friends and family, because you just can’t carry on with life when you’re bleeding.
I have a confession to make, though, I am one of those women with a great period that causes me no problems! I even went on the Dr. Oz show to tell him about how great my period is!
But, I didn’t used to be one of those women. Before I developed the Flo Living protocol my periods were a real pain in the ass. So, I get where you’re coming from.
I want to tell you what my period is like NOW, only so that you know what a normal, healthy period SHOULD be like. There is absolutely no reason you should suffer on your period. It is not necessary, inevitable, fated, or unavoidable that you currently have cramps, heavy bleeding, clots, long periods, irregular periods, or terrible PMS issues. It is not some cross women have to bear, this problem period situation. It can be fixed.
What is a normal, perfect, healthy, period?
- Your cycle should last 26-32 days – anywhere in between is fine as long as it is regular and consistent for you.
- Your bleed should be the color of cranberry juice from start to finish, with no clots. A nice, strong, flow that isn’t inconveniently heavy and has you running to the bathroom every hour. Your period should really start first thing in the morning, without any brown stains leading up to the appearance of that cranberry red. And it should last 4-7 days, not longer or shorter.
- You should be able to feel your uterus in action with some slight sensations or warm feelings, but there should not be any kind of pain that might have you reaching for drugs or hot water bottles.
- After your period, leading up to ovulation, you should see the development of cervical fluid, which is an indicator of healthy fertility and necessary for getting pregnant. You might see this in your underwear or when you wipe after using the bathroom.
- Rather than PMS, you should notice an increase in upbeat, social energy towards the middle of your cycle, that’s post-period, and then, in the second half of your cycle, a more focused, determined energy to get things accomplished.
If you experience a period that is the opposite of this – that is “un-perfect” shall we say? – check out my guide to interpreting and treating your period – this is where I provide specific protocols for each potential period problem you might be facing at this time whether that be clots, extremely light periods, brown staining, super short cycles, cramps, or PMS.
It pains me to see the descriptions sent out with the #livetweetyourperiod hashtag on Twitter, so many of them are utterly heart-wrenchingly negative, because women are suffering. Even the founder of the campaign, Tracy Clayton from Buzzfeed, seems to have extremely problematic periods. And so many women seem to feel they have to accept it as their lot in life.
I want to shout it from the rooftops: You can have the perfect period!
It’s totally achievable. You can even have a better period by next month, and a period just like mine within 3 months. I’ve seen it happen time and time again with the women I’ve worked with through Flo Living. I think every woman deserves the kind of period they can truly brag about.
Always remember, that once you have the right information about how your body really works, you can start making health choices that finally start to work for you! You can do this – the science of your body is on your side!
to your FLO,
Alisa
Good things come in threes:
I want to hear from you!
First, what color is your flow?
Second, is your period problematic, how so?
Third, what’s the most misbehaved period moment you’ve had?
Need more Period Help?
If you’re period is in need of some upgrading, it’s time you started you looking into what’s going on with your hormones.
I’ve designed a 4 day hormone detox and evaluation to help you understand exactly what’s out of whack and how you can start getting back to balance so that your hormones no longer have to suffer.
Click here to get your FREE detox and evaluation!
I used to have a perfect period (I detoxes at 28 and have never had a problem since then)…..I am now 39. After 2 failed cycles of IVF this year my period is too short now and not responding to my efforts to normalise it. The blood comes out in clots and only when when I urinate. There’s hardly any normal flow at all – improves if I exercise. There’s brown blood at the end and it struggles to get out. I have a daughter aged 4.5 conceived naturally. Prior to that I had an extremely rare ‘molar pregnancy’ (luckily cancer free). Took 5 months to conceive my daughter and it worked after one great shot of acupuncture. Now I’ve been trying for a 2nd child for 3.5 years and it’s a long catalogue of heartache and failure. I conceived naturally once despite blocked Fallopian tubes (cause by c-section)…but there was no heartbeat by 8 weeks. That natural miracle conception was after intense detox, acupuncture, Mayan Arvigo massage and intense energy work with a Plexus Institue healer. I am attracted to Flo Living and bought the book for myself and my energy healer but I am not quite sure how this could work when so much has failed! Have you treated a case like me before? My fertility history is unusual….heartfelt thanks in advance for taking time to consider my case, Neda
I’m in the same boat as you its heartbreaking;(
Your free download to “detox and evaluation” comes up with “page not available”
Please contact info@floliving.com if you are having issues with the download!
Alisa
I started going to acupuncture 8 months ago for heavy bleeding/clots. It has changed my life. I now have perfect periods, good skin, less cramps and I feel like I got myself back again (mood, creativity, just me). Every cycle is getting better.
I did have one bad period this month. I’m really sad about it because I was doing so well. It led me to this website and your book. I soaked a tampon in 15 minutes and all of them were coming out with clots as big as the tampon. I went to the Dr and found out I have small (less than 2cm) fibroids. They are unsure if they caused the bleeding because they are so small. I am not anemic. Not pregnant. Don’t have an STD. No visible cysts on the ultrasound.
I have a history of endometriosis and had a 14cm cyst removed 6 years ago. I never went on the crazy hormones that were recommended, but have been experimenting with diet and eventually tried acupuncture. I am excited to read your book and learn some new things that will hopefully help me even more.
I’m hoping this was just a fluke month.
Hi Jan,
I am so glad you happened on this article! Do read the book, there is so much you can do to keep your hormones imbalance so that the endo and fibroids don’t continue to grow. Hang in there, and let us know how we can support you!
Alisa
My flow is usually a normal blood red. Not too brown, not too bright. About what I would expect from a cut. Compared to how it was a few years ago, back when I used hbc and disposables it is so light. But there are “heavier” days for my normal.
I have no cramping, but sometimes there is a slight uncomfortableness in my labial area, like a bruise or weight is there.
The most problematic my period ever has been is when I used to have headaches on either the first or last day of my cycle. The headaches were so bad that I was unable to function and would not find relief until vomiting, usually 8-12 hours after onset. Thankfully I think that I have almost gotten rid of that symptom, but I was surprised this month when a similar phenomenon happened mid cycle.
That same exact thing happened to me before i started acupuncture and in the middle of a period during acupuncture. Fortunately it is either not noticeable or gone now but unfortunately i have weird brown bleeding and then super heavy periods. Still doing acupuncture to try to fix that.
Alisa, I think the article about the perfect period is great and you’re fantastic but the claim you’re making that I can have a perfect, painless, PMS-less, period is pretty bold!
I’m 41 now and have suffered with PMDD and excruciating cramps since I was 25 or so. I have many food sensitivities so I don’t see how eating right for my FLO will actually work.
After so many years of suffering it would be nothing short of a miracle to have a perfect period, especially just by changing my food. I honestly do not believe it is possible!
Do you have a money back guarantee or anything on your program?! Lol. I would be willing to pay three times the amount if finally I don’t have to hide for two weeks out of every month if what you offer works. 🙂
Hi Maia,
Thanks for writing in!!! So, one thing to look at for you is digestion – especially if the food sensitivities are something that developed over time. In other words, you were not born with these food sensitivities. If your digestion is compromised, this will create inflammation and nutrient malabsorption, which contribute to hormonal imbalance.
There is nothing ‘normal’ about PMS or PMDD – there are reasons behind your symptoms. The key is to understand what is happening, and start to reverse the issues. We do not offer money back guarantees, but we do offer a free consult where you can speak with on of my counselors and get more info on how this protocol works and how it could impact you. You can go to this link if you are interested in this offer: http://bit.ly/12Xruvm
Let us know how we can support you!
Alisa
Im with Alissa…it is possible to have a no fuss cycle! What ive discovered recently though , is its not enough to detox your food and activity levels and lifestyle. When i had a lot of relationship stress and tons of travel, PMS got me! Physical symptoms abounded as did withdrawal. So ive learnt that it takes persistent curiosity. Life/stress detox is all covered in Alissas book.
Now I am curious as to WHY it my flow should always appear in the morning? And what if I lived most my life in the other hemisphere. Should I expect my body to correct for that as well (seasons and time zones?). Thank you, great work 🙂
I hope you can help me…I’ve bought your book, but given it to someone else (I suppose I should get another copy). I have PCOS and last week a cyst ruptured in my ovary. The pain was excruciating, and I wanted to die. I take Metformin and my diet is pretty good for someone living in deep poverty, but it’s really hard for me to stick to very involved regimens due to my financial limitations. I can’t really afford acupuncture, despite hearing good things. Conventional doctor wants me to consider a progesterone-only pill. Years ago, as a teen, I was put on BC for regulation of cycles (wasn’t having sex) and needed emergency gallbladder surgery. I really don’t want to do hormones again. What’s the minimum I can do as someone with limited resources (sorry to be repetitive on that, but).
Thank you.
Hi,
If low progesterone is the issue, do everything you can to support the adrenals: manage blood sugar, cut sugar and caffeine, and destress in the way you can: get plenty of sleep, and eat whole foods as much as possible!
Alisa
I should say I have no desire to get pregnant or have children, have other musculoskeletal pain/other health issues, and my periods have always been very heavy, lots of bleeding, lots of pain, large clots–and conventional doctors and gynos always tell me this is “normal” and to deal with it. I can’t go through the pain of another possible rupture again. I literally wanted to die, could not walk, vomited, went to the ER, needed morphine and something else, and even that wasn’t sufficient, and they think I’m at risk of “intermittent torsion.” Any help at all, truly appreciated. Located in NYC, where everything is available, but everything’s a luxury.
I have finally started digging deeper for answers after watching your ted talk about 50 times and being blown away by how much I relate. My periods have never been normal, alway short, heavy and extremely painful. I am 33 now and still suffer with acne and random unwanted facial hair. I am overweight, tired, depressed. The thing is, I’ve been trying to treat my issues as a mental illness for over 15 years- targeting depression which I now believe to be the symptom of a hormonal imbalance rather than the main issue. But with this revelation I am at the tip of the iceberg so to speak and I am serious about turning my health around. I do not love my body as it deserves, and I need to learn how as soon as possible. Thanks for your work I look forward to learning from you.
My flo is generally dark burgundy or brown rust color. It’s very light now, I started taking a birth control pill about a year ago and since then my flo is light, dark in color and some months doesn’t even come. Prior to that, I had painful periods with about 2 days of intense, heavy flow and 2 days of lighter flo. The blood would clot and be thick and the cramps I had went into my lower back and legs.
Hi! I have recently discovered your website and videos. I have really been enjoying listening to them.
I also do a type of work that involves helping women improve their cycles and decrease the pain of period cramps but it is more based on the concept that the position of the uterus can contribute to painful cycles and old brown blood from the uterus not completely emptying out if the uterus is flexed or extremely retroverted or anteverted. It is called the Arvigo techniques of Maya Abdominal massage. I came to it after my own periods were becoming increasingly painful in my late 3Os and PMS was ridiculous. In my 20s my periods were mostly great. After taking an initial class, I learned that my uterus was a little low and way to the right in my pelvic bowl, also causing some discomfort down my right leg. In several months of only 1 professional session with another practitioner and being diligent with my self care massage my blood became bright red again the whole ways through and I went back to almost no cramping. I was amazed. I went on to become certified as I had already been a massage therapist for 15 years. I have since also learned that eating certain things can definitely make some pain return too, so I have recently been seeking out more info on how diet impacts our cycles especially since more women with endometriosis have been seeking me out to see if ATMAT will help, as do other women who have been told they have a tilted uterus, prolapse or other potential mal-positioning. I am so happy to be able to find more info on this through your website and have another approach to refer people to. I was also wondering if you have heard of this technique as well as vaginal steams. Our community of practitioners that includes other massage therapists, pelvic PTs, NPs, Chiropractors, Midwives, NDs and so on all love to recommend them as well, to assist with both fertility and with balancing the cycle. If you haven’t heard of ATMAT, my teacher’s website is http://www.arvigotherapy.com
Anyway, just wondering what you think of these things too.
Thanks!
I can’t eat when I get my period. I loose soo much weight and am in pain the whole time. what can i do to stop this
I late my period 3 day and today 18sep i period. But 28august i had unprotected. Could i be might pregnant? Bcoz i got symptom pregnant. I confused its implantation or period.
Hi m Srushti .. Even I have problem with my period.. It was regular like 28 to 31 days but some time it was postpone for week.. Now after marriage its irregular like 2 months once .. Some time monthly .. N I don’t get heavy bleeding .. Its just 3 days bleeding .. That to low bleeding.. What to do??
Hello,
I am a 32 year old woman. About 5 months ago I noticed that my periods become lighter and lighter. The color is cranberry, just last day of the period is a bit darker, like brown. I have always had regular period each 28-29 days. Except of some slight pain, I do not have any history of a bad period. I am really worried, because until now my period was about 5-6 days constant flow. Now, it’s just 3-4 days on top and the flow is not like before. My last period was only 2 days. My period is still always regular but I am concerned why it got shortened so much. I do not have children and I am really worried that this is some sign of approaching menopause years. Please advice.
Hi Svetlana,
It sounds like your periods are reflecting a hormonal shift – it could be stress related, micro nutrient related or other. Take a look back at your life in the last year: what has changed the most, and could this event/food choices/lifestyle/exercise be effecting you.
The good news is that you can work with your body to restore balance! Let my team know if we can help you further in any way!
Alisa
Ever since we didn’t use any protection, I notice that my period are getting irregular. Prior to that it was runs like clock work… Does anyone experienced the same? Or is it just me?
Well..my period usually last for 7 days and i start around the 30th growing up. But now im 26 years old. It change. For example. …in January 30th and lasted for 4 days. In February I started on the 24th and it lasted for 7 days. One month im pmsing, then the next month im not cramping that much. My first two days of my period is heavy flow. Then the 3rd day to the end of my period it gets lighter. Plus how long am I fertiel before, during, and after my period? Im trying to get pregnant!
I started my period at the age of 13. When I was 15 I had terrible cramps, anxiety/panic attacks that caused me to go to emergency room, and heavy flows for 8 days so I tried the pill Lowestrogen24. After one year of taking the medication I experienced headaches every day and veracious veins on the back of my knees so I discontinued taking them. I am now 21 years old and over the years I feel like my periods are getting worse. I mean my cycle is fine, and my period last 4-5 days now, but two days before I want to eat like a pig chocolate chocolate chocolate, and I’m so dizzy. Day 1 of my period I have to take 1 Advil (which I try not to take), 1 Cramp bark supplement from Wholefoods, and 1 tums. I also have to eat and drink water ever 2 hours. If I don’t eat I’ll faint. I also have to take 1 magnesium every night of my period so I can sleep. This is what I’ve done every month to survive. This current period I’ve experienced migraines so bad that I want to throw up. Please help me I really don’t want to take an contraceptive pill.
My period now is less pain than before
I get late periods every months. Its at least three days delay than last month.. Is it ok or is it time for me to consult a doctor?
Hi Roshni,
Some deviation in cycle length can be ok, but if you are having concerns or other symptoms, it’s time to look deeper.
Alisa
Hi
My periods are pretty regular every 28 days and generally pain free. But for as long as I can rembember, several days before my period starts properly I get one small bleed(only notice when I wipe). Then my period will start properly for 4-5 days. Is this normal? Thanks
Hi Jo,
I have the same case with you. I was wondering if that’s normal too.
Hi, my age in 20 and from lat 2-3 months I’m seeing regular bleeding before 28 days and my menstrual cycle is not going as it should be. This time on 17th day I got periods. Why is this happening?
I always thought somethingwas wrong with me because I never had any, and I mean ANY symptoms described by most women. No cramps, no PMS, no cravings, no mood swings, nada. Even looking online it’s hard to find anything for women with “perfect” periods, only the ghastly kind (and I am so sorry for those of you who have to go through that). I legit did not think I was normal, since all we ever hear about is those who go through terrible periods! This was a refreshing read, because it’s hard to know what “normal” is when we all have such different cycles.
i agree Nat. i do have symptoms but i have a friend who does not. she never complains or anything and always thought she was different or something was wrong with her. It’s good to know that other people have “perfect” periods along with my friend 🙂
Hi! Thanks a lot! This article enlightened me. I learned a lot of things. I’m happy to gather ideas about estrogen and progesterone hormones. Now I know which one is good and bad. Credits to the author of this article. I pray every woman could read this and find this article helpful also. To all women out there, it’s time to be aware of our body. Be mindful of the things we add on our meal or diet. Thanks for sharing! Stay healthy everyone! ♥
I got my first period when i was 24 years old and now I’m 17 I’m having regular periods but scanty periods( it appears like spotting) what to do ? Is something series? Should I ho to a gynaecologist? Plzz help me iM scared and this is happening from last month that means approx from 2 months and actually I’m dieting and I’m vaigan from app 2 months
I’m sorry its not 24 its actually 14 .I’m was 14 when I attained puberty stage
I had unprotected sex last april 7, 2018 a week after I had my period that lasted for 7 days. I also had my period last May 20, 2018 which also lasted for 7 days. And then, this month, I had my period last June 23,2018 and it just lasted for 3 days. Can I be pregnant?
Hi Alyy,
I recommend that you go see your obgyn for a test – this will give you peace of mind!
Alisa
Hey , I am 20 years old and my periods lasts only for 2 days and sometimes for 3 days. Is this imperfect? If yes , please tell me what could be the possible reasons for this? And some solution too .
I have a seven day period and I think everything about my period is normal because I’m just 14 but I do have clots and it’s common in my family is it still considered abnormal
Hi I always had stress free periods but the past 3 months I have had pelvic pain constantly and the past 3 months my periods have changed I now get bad cramps and blood clots l..the past couple of months I had biggush clots however this month they are small but they still worry me..i suffwe from stress and anxiety I don’t know if my period change is due to stress or something more severe..i had an internal scan last year as had pelvic pain and all cone back clear and had bloodwork which also come back clear
I am 12 yrs old and i got my first period on October 29 2018 . And I GET SOME CLOTS WHICH IS HUGE AF . BUT I DON’T GET ANY CRAMPS . BUT I FEEL THEM GETTING DOWN SO WARM AND FRESH . I AM STILL IN A DOUBT THAT I REALLY REACHED PUBERTY . BUT MY MOM TOLD I REACHED MY PUBERTY . PLEASE HELP AND GUIDE ME BY A REPLY .
BY –
ONLY ME !!!!!
Hi I’m 33 years old, post baby bearing! I had 3 full term babies in 4 years, am done having kids, and ever since I get awful cramps down my left leg the day before or 1st day of my period, cervix cramps only, no other cramping or pain ever! Interesting because during my pregnancy I always had bulging veins too, I’m wondering if this is hormonal or something only certain months is pushing on my veins/that aids of my body! I had an ultrasound done, it shows nothing, other than reflux in my main veins of that leg! This doesnt happen every month either that this bothers me it is like every couple periods. While I am regular – every 26-28 days exactly, symptoms differ! Every single month. I typically start in the morning, but this last period on the 3rd day I had huge clots coming out a couple times that day. Mine typically are 2 days heavy, 2 days really light, 1 day very light spotting, and done.
So it’s my first time ever having my period and it’s been kind of heavy. My mom asked me if it was heavy and at the time i didn’t know so i said no, but it’s been filling up most of my pad. when i said no my mom said “ok good” and after that i was worried. is it bad if my first couple periods are heavy? or is it normal with a still irregular schedule?
Hi Desi,
Periods early on can be heavy and irregular, but if you feel concerned, please speak with your mom and have her schedule an appointment with your obgyn – you should not be feeling fear about your period!
Alisa
Wow I feel so unhealthy and not normal after reading this thanks
Hi Alisa,
I’m 22 and used to have pretty normal periods, but after not having one for many months I went to the doctor who found many cysts in my ovaries and was diagnosed with PCOS. For the first 7 years of my period I always got my period between 31 and 45 days apart, 6-7 days long at a time, steady flow using 3-4 tampons a day with a bit of brown to start in the morning of the first day. I went on the BC pill for two years and got off last year May. I had my “withdrawal bleed” in May, and periods in June, July, August, and September all like the periods I used to have prior to BC. Then I just didn’t get it again. My OBGYN prescribed me pills to make me have a period so they could test specific hormone levels and that was in February, but I went all of September-January with no period. She found the only hormone that was off was a slightly high androstendione. I again had no period March or April but I just got it this May last week! It was only 4 days, brown two day prior and super light- I could have used one tampon for the day.
The thing is, I’m not overweight at all. My OBGYN told me to cut down my exercise to only 2 days a week since I’m skinny, but before I was on BC, ages 12-19, I exercises rigorously 5-6 days a week and was fine! I eat way healthier now though than I did back then. I cut out all processed foods and eat mostly fruits, vegetables, and beans/legumes, very little sugar red meats and not a whole lot of milk or bread.
I did start my college classes in September and started working full time in October and my job is very stressful working with teens with behavioral problems. I believe my issues are mostly due to life stress. When I just got my period this May I was on vacation! 5 days away from work and school and bam, got my period after not having it since February. But it was still a weird period, so short and light. So I wonder, do you think it’s a combination of life stress and diet or just life stress? Because I do eat very healthy.
Thanks bunches!!
Michelle
Hi Alisa,
Is there any way I can contact you personally like an email ID to discuss about my period problem and take your suggestions.
I am from India.
You can schedule a session with one of my coaches! They are available to speak with you and advise you. Please contact Catherine@Floliving.com for session scheduling.
Alisa