Women's health · 4 min read · Updated October 2026
Periods: what is normal, what is not, and managing pain
Heavy or painful periods are common but not something you must simply endure. Here is what counts as normal and when to see a doctor.
Clinician review pending This article is awaiting sign-off by a doctor.
A menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Anywhere from 21 to 35 days is normal, with bleeding for 2 to 7 days. Cycles are often irregular in the first years after periods start and in the years before menopause.
Pain
Cramping in the lower belly and back for the first day or two is common. Paracetamol or ibuprofen (taken with food, started as soon as pain begins), a hot water bottle, gentle exercise and rest help most people. Pain that stops you going to school or work, pain that gets worse each year, or pain during sex or when passing stool may be endometriosis or fibroids and deserves assessment, not just more painkillers.
Heavy bleeding
Signs that bleeding is heavier than it should be: soaking through a pad or tampon every hour or two, passing clots larger than a thumbnail, bleeding for more than 7 days, or feeling dizzy, breathless and tired (anaemia). Fibroids are very common in African women and are a frequent cause; thyroid problems and bleeding disorders are others. Treatment ranges from iron and tranexamic acid tablets to hormonal options and, for fibroids, procedures.
Missed or irregular periods
Pregnancy is the first thing to rule out with a test. Stress, weight change, heavy exercise, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems and some medicines also disturb cycles. Missing periods for three months or more (when not pregnant or breastfeeding) should be checked.
Managing periods with dignity
Reusable pads and menstrual cups are safe, cheaper over time and widely available. Change pads every 4 to 6 hours; a cup can stay in up to 12 hours. Wash hands before and after. Tracking your cycle on paper or a phone helps you and your doctor spot patterns.
When to seek help
See a doctor if pain disrupts your life, bleeding is heavy as described above, periods have stopped for three months, you bleed between periods or after sex, or you are over 45 and your pattern has changed. Go to a hospital now if you soak a pad every hour for several hours, faint, or have severe one-sided pain with a possible pregnancy.
Emergency numbers
767 works in Lagos State; 112 is the national number. Numbers change: please check locally. If a number does not connect, go straight to the nearest hospital.
Related doctors
Questions about this? A women's health doctor can help today.