how your period works
the cycle that runs your body every month
phase 01
menstruation
Days 1–5
tap any phase — the cycle flows clockwise from day 1
phase 01 of 4 · rest & restore
menstruation
Days 1–5- The lining that built up inside your uterus all month breaks down and leaves your body, which you experience as your period
- The two main hormones that drive your cycle (estrogen and progesterone) are both at their lowest point
- Cramping happens because your uterus is contracting to push the lining out, exactly what it's meant to do
Energy is naturally low here. Rest isn't laziness. It's what your body is actually asking for.
hormones right now
tap a hormone to learn what its level means
what's normal
"Normal" covers a surprisingly wide range. Here's what the research shows.
cycle length
21–35 days (average is 28)
period length
2–7 days
Some variation (a few days earlier or later each month) is completely normal. Cycles can also shift due to stress, illness, travel, or major life changes.
common normal symptoms
What counts as "normal" varies person to person. What matters most is knowing your normal, so you can notice when something changes.
period pain
Period pain (dysmenorrhea) is extremely common, but the cause and severity vary widely. It's important to distinguish between pain that's a normal part of menstruation and pain that could signal an underlying condition.
Primary pain
normal processCaused by prostaglandins, natural chemicals that make your womb muscle squeeze. A normal hormonal response.
Usually worst on day 1 or 2, then eases off within a few days.
Heat, rest, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief like ibuprofen or naproxen usually help.
Secondary pain
needs attentionCaused by an underlying condition, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis.
Often gets worse over time, not better with age.
Needs a doctor to look into it. Don't normalise pain that's getting worse.