How Long Should Your Period Cycle Be? The Tricky Range Explained | Balanced Woman UK

Worried your menstrual cycle is “too short” one month and “too long” the next? Maybe your app says 26 days, then 34, and you’re wondering if that’s normal or a sign something’s wrong. In this video, we sit down like friends at a kitchen table and unpack how long your period cycle should be according to NHS guidance — and, just as importantly, what rings alarm bells and means it’s time to see your GP. Welcome to Balanced Woman UK. This channel is all about clear, evidence‑based women’s health information you can trust. Everything in this video is based on official NHS, NICE and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidance, plus reputable organisations like ACOG and the Cleveland Clinic (all linked below). ✅ What You’ll Learn in This Video: What a menstrual cycle actually is The difference between “being on your period” and your whole cycle, how to count days properly, and why the 28‑day rule is mostly a myth. What’s a normal cycle length – really? The NHS normal range of 21–35 days for adults, how teen cycles can be more variable, and why your own baseline matters more than a perfect textbook number. How your cycle works in 3 simple chapters Follicular phase – the “spring cleaning” phase where oestrogen rises Ovulation – the big one‑day release party Luteal phase – the progesterone‑powered “cosy blanket” phase before your next bleed How to track your cycle without going mad Simple, realistic tracking using an app or paper: Day One, cycle length, flow, pain, mood, energy, and how 3+ months of data can reveal your personal pattern. Common menstrual cycle disruptors Stress, big weight changes, intense exercise, medications, contraception changes, thyroid issues, PCOS, perimenopause, illness and long‑haul travel – and how each one can lengthen or shorten your cycle. When your period is ringing alarm bells (when to see your GP) NHS‑style “tripwires” including: Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days for several months in a row Bleeding for more than 7 days Needing to change pads/tampons every hour or passing large clots Severe pain that stops you working, studying or living normally Bleeding between periods or after sex Sudden big changes in what’s normal for you Simple lifestyle habits that can help smooth your cycle Iron‑rich foods, NHS‑recommended exercise, sleep, stress management, yoga, and basal body temperature tracking to predict when your period might show up late. By the end, you’ll know what’s comfortably within the NHS normal range, what’s just everyday life nudging your hormones, and what deserves a GP appointment — no shame, no panic, just facts. CHAPTERS 0:00 Is My Cycle Length Normal? 1:10 What Is a Menstrual Cycle, Really? 1:16 NHS Normal Cycle Length: 21–35 Days Explained 2:05 The 3 Main Phases of a Menstrual cycle: Follicular, Ovulation & Luteal 3:05 Real‑Life Examples of variable cycle length: Teens, 30s Stress, Perimenopause 4:23 How to Track Your Cycle (Without a Spreadsheet) 5:25 Common causes of delayed period (Stress, Weight, Meds, PCOS, More) 8:16 When Your Period Rings Alarm Bells – When to See Your GP about delayed period 8:56 Lifestyle Habits to Support a More Stable Cycle 10:25 Myths About Periods – Busted with Evidence 19:10 Quick Recap & What to Watch Next (PMS vs PMDD) And here is the link to our previous video on PMS and PMDD you would like to know more about;    • How to Tell Your Period Mood Swings Is nor...   DISCLAIMER This video is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. 📚 SOURCES NHS – Periods Overview (cycle length 21–35 days, normal bleeding, when to seek help) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/ NHS – Periods and Fertility in the Menstrual Cycle (cycle phases and normal range) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods... NICE – Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Assessment and Management (NG88) https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng88 ACOG – Heavy and Abnormal Periods (teens, 21–45 day range, when to worry) https://www.acog.org/womens-health/fa... Cleveland Clinic – Menstrual Cycle (Normal Menstruation): Overview & Phases https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health... If this video helped answer even one question you’ve had about your period length, please give it a thumbs‑up so more women can find it. Subscribe to Balanced Woman UK for more NHS‑based women’s health guides. 🔔 Subscribe to Balanced Woman UK    / @balancedwomanuk   📩 Business enquiries: [email protected] ============================= #MenstrualCycle #WomensHealth #PeriodExplained #NHSGuidance #HormoneHealth #BalancedWomanUK #NormalCycleLength #PCOS #Perimenopause #PMDD #PMS