The average period is two to seven days in length, so bleeding for eight days or more is considered long. In general, periods on the longer end of normal (five to seven days) aren't something to worry about. So although aggravating, it's unlikely due to an underlying problem.
First, it's important to know how long your period should last. On average, the menstrual cycle is every 21 to 35 days and during your period, bleeding can last 2 to 7 days. But what is normal for one person might not be for another. However, heavier or longer periods can increase your chances of anemia.
Heavy menstrual bleeding (formerly known as menorrhagia) is a common disorder among people who menstruate. It refers to bleeding lasting longer than seven days and involves more blood flow than is typical during menstruation.
My period won't stop. An extra-long period could have lots of possible causes, like: some medications (like blood thinners) uterine growths (like fibroids or polyps)
These can affect several processes throughout your body, including your menstrual cycle. By blocking the key hormones which control your menstrual cycle, your body's response to stress can make your cycles longer or shorter and/or more painful. It can even make them stop altogether.
An excess level of the hormone estrogen is often to blame. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) PCOS is a hormonal disorder that often includes excess levels of the male hormone androgen. Thyroid disease Unhealthy levels of your thyroid hormone can cause periods to be long, heavy, light, or irregular.
Higher body weight can affect reproductive hormones and cause periods to be heavier or longer. Uterine polyps or fibroids. Growths on the uterus lining can cause heavier or more extended periods. These are more common in those 35 to 50 years old and those in perimenopause.
There are many things that could cause bleeding between periods, such as changes to your hormones levels, use of hormonal contraception or contraceptive devices, an infection, or an injury. Other causes of bleeding between periods may include: endometriosis. polyps (growths) in your uterus or cervix.
Normal menstrual periods last 3 to 7 days. Longer than normal periods can occur because of stress, a hormone imbalance, pregnancy, infection, a thyroid condition, and other causes. You should make an appointment with your health care provider.
In reality, there's no proven way to stop periods immediately once they have started. However, certain strategies and medications can help lighten your menstrual flow and relieve period-related symptoms. This can help you feel more comfortable and free during your periods.
Aside from providing birth control, oral contraceptives can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce episodes of excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Oral progesterone. The hormone progesterone can help correct hormone imbalance and reduce menorrhagia. Hormonal IUD (Liletta, Mirena).
Underlying health conditions that can cause long periods include uterine fibroids, endometrial (uterine) polyps, adenomyosis, or more rarely, a precancerous or cancerous lesion of the uterus. A long period can also result from hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism) or a bleeding disorder.
Although it might seem obvious to replace iron after blood loss, it is less well-known that chronic iron deficiency can also cause menorrhagia, abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. If there are low levels of ferritin – the body's storage repository of iron – menstruation can be prolonged.
Heavy periods are not usually a medical emergency. However, if a person is losing a lot of blood, and it is making them feel weak, dizzy, or sick, emergency room (ER) treatment may include medications to slow the bleeding.
Severe pain (cramping) during your period or between periods. Unusually heavy bleeding (soaking through a sanitary pad or tampon every hour for two to three hours) or passing large clots (larger than a quarter). Foul-smelling vaginal discharge. A period lasting longer than seven days.
"A common cause for abnormal menses, including longer bleeding, is pregnancy," he explains, adding that typical symptoms of pregnancy, like nausea, may be absent. "Any time a woman has unusual bleeding, it's always best to eliminate possibility of pregnancy with a blood test for pregnancy for reassurance," he says.
Following your period, brown discharge is in most cases simply blood that has taken a little longer to be expelled. If you're spotting between periods, blood may mix with your usual white vaginal discharge, resulting in a brown, thick, rubber-like consistency. All of this is totally normal and fine.
High stress levels are associated with: Painful periods. Presence of premenstrual symptoms like nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, and weight changes. Irregular menstrual cycles, with longer or shorter cycles than normal.
Although men will not bleed, nor will they experience all of the same symptoms as women, these hormonal shifts can have some pretty notable side effects, especially with mood and irritability. Some call it the “man period” others call it Irritable Male Syndrome, either way, it can be quite similar to a woman's PMS.
1. Bright red. Your blood will usually be bright red on the heaviest days of your period when you have a steady flow of fresh blood. It's often brighter in colour because it passes out of your body at a faster rate – meaning it has little time to oxidise and go darker.