It's important to see your doctor if you experience a long or heavy period so they can identify the underlying cause or rule out more serious possible causes. Menorrhagia can cause discomfort during your period as well as disrupt your regular routine.
Periods lasting for eight days or more should be investigated, says Dr. Higgins. Heavy periods (requiring multiple pad or tampon changes a day) or infrequent periods (occurring less than every 5 weeks) should also be evaluated.
If your period lasts longer than a week, consider calling a doctor for advice. Depending on your symptoms, they may suggest setting up an in-person appointment for a physical exam. On the other hand, if you think you're showing symptoms of a rare cause or if you're pregnant, see a doctor immediately.
No. 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.
The body's reaction to stress can change the levels of many hormones that cause your period to last longer than necessary, says Dr. Horton. “Stress can cause delayed ovulation, causing your period to start later than expected, which can make your periods longer and heavier than usual,” she explains.
Changes to your hormone levels
It happens about 10 to 14 days after their period and is usually caused by a temporary drop in levels of the hormone oestrogen. This is quite normal. As well as reduced oestrogen levels, you may also experience other hormonal imbalances, which are completely harmless.
Heavy menstrual bleeding, called menorrhagia, is fairly common but may lead to serious complications. Untreated heavy menstrual bleeding can cause anemia. If you experience weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain along with heavy menstrual bleeding, it's recommended that you seek medical attention.
Stress can affect your menstrual cycle in pretty much every way possible. It can sometimes lead your period to stop altogether. But other times, it can make your period longer or heavier or lead to mid-cycle bleeding.
A period that lasts longer than seven days is considered prolonged. It's not unusual for girls to have irregular, brief, or slightly prolonged periods. But three weeks may be pushing it. There are many possible causes for prolonged bleeding but, not being a doctor, I wouldn't even like to venture a guess.
When Should You See a Healthcare Professional for a Long Menstrual Period? If you have a long period for only one month, there's probably no need to worry. But “if you notice a change for two or three cycles, that's the time to seek out your doctor,” Thielen says.
Menstrual flow might occur every 21 to 35 days and last two to seven days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common. However, menstrual cycles tend to shorten and become more regular as you age.
Long-term spotting could be the result of fibroids or polyps. Fibroids occur on the uterus and are the result of overgrowing muscles. Polyps are overgrowths that occur in the uterus or cervix. Both of these conditions are benign, but they can cause discomfort when you urinate as well as cause irregular bleeding.
Causes of a shorter cycle
hypothyroidism. onset of menopause (also known as perimenopause) uterine fibroids or cysts. stress.
A woman's period usually occurs every 28 days, but normal menstrual cycles can range from 21 days to 35 days. Examples of menstrual problems include: Periods that occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart. Missing three or more periods in a row.
Early periods often result from hormonal changes, especially during puberty and perimenopause. Many underlying medical conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, can also cause menstrual irregularities.
Your periods may come early or late. The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, although it's normal for it to be a bit shorter or longer than this. After puberty, many women develop a regular cycle with a similar length of time between periods. But it's not uncommon for it to vary by a few days each time.
About 14 days after the start of your period, you ovulate and release an egg from the ovary. This spotting can last for one to two days and is typically light bleeding. It's possible to have spotting during ovulation, which is normal, although it should be discussed with your doctor.
Abnormal uterine bleeding is bleeding between monthly periods, prolonged bleeding or an extremely heavy period. Possible causes include fibroids, polyps, hormone changes and — in rare cases — cancer.
Known causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include polyps, fibroids, endometriosis, medication, infection and some forms of contraception. Treatment can include medications, or dilatation and curettage (D&C) to remove the uterine lining.
Though uncommon, it is possible that someone experiencing a prolonged period may have an underlying blood disorder. The most common blood disorder in females is von Willebrand's disease. Blood disorders can cause heavy bleeding and periods that last for longer than 7 days.
Chloe Christos got her first period at age 14...and it lasted until she was 19. "I knew it wasn't quite right, but I was also embarrassed to talk about it. I felt very different and pretty alone," the Australia-based stylist and art director told ABC.
Menstrual flow (bleeding or spotting) may last two to seven days each month. And while short and long periods can be normal, what's normal for you may not be normal for someone else. “Your period probably won't be exactly the same month after month, but you should see a pattern,” says Dr. Higgins.
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.
The Victorian Period (And Beyond)
From the 1890s to the early 1980s, people used sanitary belts, which basically were reusable pads that attached to a belt worn around the waist – and yes, they were as uncomfortable as they sound.
If the stress occurs during the beginning of a menstrual cycle, the female may experience spotting or an altered cycle. When the body does not adequately dispose of the uterine lining, the female can experience abnormal bleeding or spotting for an additional week or so.