What counts as the start and end of a period?
The start date is the first day of noticeable bleeding (not just spotting). The end date is the last day you see red or brown blood flow. Light spotting that follows can be included or excluded - just be consistent in how you track it.
Is a 3-day period normal?
Yes. Periods lasting 2–7 days are considered normal. A 3-day period is on the shorter end but perfectly healthy for many people, especially those on hormonal birth control.
Why are my periods getting longer or shorter?
Period length can change due to age (periods often get shorter as you approach menopause), starting or stopping birth control, stress, weight changes, or underlying conditions like fibroids or thyroid issues. Tracking your period length over time helps you spot trends.
How is period length different from cycle length?
Period length is how many days you bleed (typically 2–7 days). Cycle length is the total number of days from the start of one period to the start of the next (typically 21–35 days). Use our cycle length calculator to find your average cycle length.
