How each phase can feel, and who can help.
Every body is different, and plenty of people feel very little change. These are common experiences, plus simple ways a partner can help, or ways to look after yourself if you're doing this on your own.
When to talk to a doctor
- Period pain that stops you from working, sleeping or going to school, or that over-the-counter pain relief doesn't help
- Bleeding through a pad or tampon every hour or two, or bleeding that lasts more than 8 days
- Low mood, anxiety or anger before your period that strains your relationships or your work
- Periods that stop, or suddenly change, when you're not pregnant
If you ever feel like hurting yourself, call or text 9-8-8 (Canada's suicide crisis helpline) any time, or call 911 in an emergency.
What's normal?
A question lots of people ask. For adults, a wide range is normal.
Teens can have longer, less regular cycles while their body settles.
Myth or fact?
Tap or click a card to see the answer.
Everyday skin habits
A few habits I share with clients in the clinic.
- Go gentle around your period. Some people find their skin a bit more easily irritated then, so it's not the week to start something strong and new, like a peel or a retinoid.
- One new product at a time. Give it a few weeks before adding another, so you know what's working.
- Patch test first. Put a little on a small spot, like the inside of your arm or the bend of your elbow, twice a day for 7 to 10 days. No redness, itching or swelling? Then it's ready for your face.
- SPF every day, all cycle long. Sun protection matters in every phase.
- Hands off breakouts. Squeezing pushes things deeper into the skin and can lead to more inflammation and scarring.
- Snap the same selfie each week. Same light, same angle. After a few cycles, you may start to see a pattern.
General skincare habits, not a treatment plan. For acne that won't settle, see your doctor or a dermatologist.
Worth asking about
These can take time to get diagnosed, so it helps to know the signs. This isn't a way to diagnose yourself. If a list sounds familiar, take it and your logs to your doctor.
PMDD
- Severe sadness, anxiety, anger or feeling out of control in the week before your period
- Losing interest in people and things you usually enjoy
- Feeling better within a few days of your period starting
More intense than PMS, and it gets in the way of daily life.
Endometriosis
- Period pain that's severe or starts days before bleeding
- Pain during or after sex, or when you pee or poop
- Pelvic or lower back pain at other times, or heavy bleeding
How much it hurts doesn't always match how much is there.
PCOS
- Missed, rare or very heavy periods
- Acne that's severe, starts later in life or doesn't respond to usual care
- Extra hair on the face, chest or belly, or dark velvety skin patches
Weight gain around the waist can be part of it too.
Doctor visit prep
Bring with you
- Start and end dates for your last 3 to 6 periods
- How many pads or tampons you use on your heaviest days, and how often you change them
- Your symptoms and which cycle days they show up
- Medications, birth control and supplements you take
- What you've already tried, and whether it helped
Questions to ask
- Is this normal for me, or worth looking into?
- What could be causing it?
- What tests make sense?
- What are my treatment options?
- When should I come back if it doesn't improve?
"This has been happening for a few cycles and it's affecting my life. I'd like it looked into."
Your logs in the app are a good place to start. In Patterns, you can look back at what you logged on each cycle day.
Life stages
On hormonal birth control
The pill, the patch and the ring change your natural phases, and the bleed in your break week is a withdrawal bleed, not a true period. A hormonal IUD can make periods much lighter or stop them. On the shot, bleeding often gets lighter or irregular, and for some it stops after about a year. Phase estimates may not apply, but logging symptoms and skin still helps you see your patterns.
After having a baby
The bleeding in the first weeks after birth, called lochia, is your body healing, not a period. It usually lasts up to about 6 weeks. If you're not breastfeeding, periods often return around 6 to 8 weeks after birth. If you are, it can take much longer. The first few may be heavier or irregular. You can get pregnant before your first period comes back.
Perimenopause
Usually starts in your 40s, sometimes earlier. Cycles may get shorter, longer or unpredictable, and you might notice hot flashes, night sweats, poorer sleep, mood changes or drier skin. Menopause means 12 months in a row with no period, and it usually arrives in your early 50s.
At work or school
- Use your log to see your heavy or low-energy days coming, and plan lighter days around them
- Keep a small kit in your bag: products, pain relief you use, wipes and a spare pair of underwear
- A heating pad or a warm drink at your desk can help with cramps
- You don't have to share details. "I'm not feeling well today" is enough
- If symptoms regularly affect your work or studies, a doctor's note can support asking for flexibility
Tampon safety: Health Canada advises using the lowest absorbency you need, changing tampons every 4 to 8 hours, and not wearing them overnight. Don't use one before your period starts, or for other kinds of discharge. If you suddenly get a high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness or a sunburn-like rash while using one, take it out and get medical help right away. These can be signs of toxic shock syndrome.
For partners
A preview of the page your partner sees when you send the link. No dates, logs or photos.
"Why are they upset if it's just hormones?"
Hormones can make feelings louder, but the feelings are still real and usually about something real. Listen first, let them know you get it, and offer comfort before trying to fix anything. Saying "it's just your hormones" tends to make things worse.
"How do I bring it up without it sounding like a joke?"
Pick a calm moment, not the middle of an argument. Try: "I want you to feel supported on the harder weeks. What helps most when your energy is low?" Then follow their lead.
"What can I actually do on a bad cramp day?"
Heating pad, tea, their favourite snack, a quiet night in, and taking care of dinner and chores without being asked.
"Should I track their cycle?"
Only if they invite you to. Their cycle is their information, so let them decide what to share.
"When should I worry?"
If pain, tiredness or mood regularly gets in the way of their life, gently suggest seeing a doctor, and offer to go with them. If they ever talk about feeling hopeless or hurting themselves, call or text 9-8-8 together. You can also call or text 9-8-8 yourself for advice when you're worried about someone.
General wellness information from a medical aesthetician, not medical advice. Phase days are an example 28-day cycle. Yours may be different.