Know All About Signs Like Duration, Smell, Colour and Flow:
World Menstrual Hygiene Day, celebrated every year on May 28, is a global day to raise awareness about periods and menstrual health. In 2025, the theme continues to focus on breaking the silence, ending the shame, and making sure every girl and woman understands her body better.
One important question many girls and women have is:
“How do I know if my period is healthy?”
Let’s learn how to understand the signs of a healthy period by looking at simple things like duration, colour, smell, and flow.
Duration – How long your period lasts
A normal period usually lasts 3 to 7 days.
It may start with light bleeding, get heavier in the middle, and become lighter before stopping.
If your period lasts less than 2 days or more than 8 days, it could be a sign of a problem like a hormone imbalance or other health issue.
Very long or very short periods should be checked by a doctor.
Flow – How much you bleed
On average, people lose about 30 to 80 ml of blood during a period — that’s about 2 to 6 tablespoons.
Changing your pad or tampon every 4–6 hours is normal.
If you’re soaking through a pad every hour or passing large clots, your flow may be too heavy.
A very light flow or sudden change in flow can also mean something is not right.
Colour – What your period blood looks like
Bright red blood means fresh, active bleeding — this is normal.
Dark red or brown blood may appear at the beginning or end of your period — this is also normal.
Pink or watery blood might mean low iron or hormone problems.
Grey or yellowish blood could mean an infection and should be checked by a doctor.
Smell – What your period smells like
Period blood has a natural, slightly metallic smell due to iron. This is normal.
A strong, bad, or fishy smell is not normal and could be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis.
Always keep good hygiene during your period — change pads often and wash the vaginal area gently with clean water.
Other things to know
Regular periods (every 21 to 35 days) are a sign of good reproductive health.
Severe pain, missed periods, or bleeding between periods should be discussed with a doctor.
Overview
A healthy period is different for every person, but knowing what is normal for your body is the key. Good hygiene, a healthy diet, and tracking your cycle can help you stay informed and confident.
This World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, let’s talk openly, learn together, and support each other.
Healthy periods mean a healthy you!
Read more about India’s Gut Health Obsession: Wellness Revolution or Risky Trend?
THANK YOU.