Re: wow after reading all this.. i have to ask... is my period normal?

Keep in mind that 'normal' does not necessarily mean natural or healthy. Many...if not, most women experience some discomfort during menstruation...so...yes, it is 'normal'. But I have learned that it is perfectly natural and healthy for women to have periods that are regular, of short duration (3-5 days), light flow (a few tablespoons of fluid) and pain-free. Yep...if you are experiencing a lot of cramping...something is not as it should be...periods should not be painful!!! At the very least, this suggests that there is some sort of energy stagnation occuring in your reproductive system...and could indicate a disease state...or the beginning of one.

The dark red/black/purple jelly-like material that you are passing sounds like it may be clots...which often appear with endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Generally, menstrual fluid is somewhat thicker and darker than blood because it is actually the shedding of the endometrial lining within the uterus and the composition is different than the blood flowing through your body.

You might also want to do some research on PCOS...the cystic Acne and facial hair suggest that this is a possibility...a hormonal imbalance of some sort is likely.