Menstrual history includes the following: Age at menarche Number of days of menses Length and regularity of the interval between cycles Start date of the last menstrual period (LMP) Dates of the preceding period (previous menstrual period, or PMP) Color and volume of flow Any symptoms that occur with menses (eg, cramping, loose stools) Usually, menstrual fluid is medium or dark red, and flow lasts for 5 (± 2) days, with 21 to 35 days between menses; average blood loss is 30 mL (range, 13 to 80 mL), with the most bleeding on the 2nd day.