Doctors define heavy menstrual bleeding as blood that soaks through one pad or tampon once an hour for several hours in a row. If this is the case, or a person feels weak or dizzy, or becomes unconscious, dial 911 or go to the ER. ER doctors can administer fluids to stabilize a person.
If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor. Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can stop you from living your life to the fullest. It also can cause anemia.
Seek medical help before your next scheduled exam if you experience: Vaginal bleeding so heavy it soaks at least one pad or tampon an hour for more than two hours. Bleeding between periods or irregular vaginal bleeding. Any vaginal bleeding after menopause.
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.
Having long periods frequently can indicate one of several potential conditions, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. A doctor can help diagnose and treat these conditions. Often, taking hormonal birth control pills or switching the type of hormonal medication can help people find relief.
Orgasms create uterine muscle contractions — the fun kind, not the giving birth kind. The contractions make your uterus shed faster while moving menstrual blood away from your pelvis. This helps reduce cramping and can make your period end faster.
Menopause is when your periods stop permanently and you can no longer get pregnant. You have reached menopause only after it has been a full year since your last period. This means you have not had any bleeding, including spotting, for 12 months in a row.
Taking a progesterone pill may stop a person's period for a one-off event. A person should be aware that taking a progesterone pill may not work for them, but it is an alternative to long-term birth control. Intrauterine devices (IUDs), such as the Mirena, may also reduce or prevent periods in some people.
Treatment for heavy periods
Treatments from a GP include: some types of contraception, such as an intrauterine system (IUS) or the combined contraceptive pill. medicine to help reduce the bleeding, such as tranexamic acid. prescription-only anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as mefenamic acid or naproxen.
When Should You Go to the Hospital for Severe Period Cramps? If your cramps are so severe that you are incapable of going 24 hours without doubling over in pain, vomiting, or fainting, then you need to go to the emergency room.
When there is severe bleeding where a major artery has been severed, pressure may be insufficient and a tourniquet may be necessary. Tourniquets are an effective way of stopping bleeding from an extremity.
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.
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.
Antifibrinolytic medicines — Antifibrinolytic medicines, such as tranexamic acid (brand name: Cyklokapron), can help to slow menstrual bleeding quickly. These medicines work by helping the blood clotting system.
You may have heard high doses of ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs can stop or delay your period for a special event. Do they work, and are they safe? “While anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen may reduce or even delay your periods, there are no guarantees,” says Ob/Gyn Rebecca Russell, MD.
Add Ginger to your Diet:
One of the home remedies to stop long-term periods is to consume ginger. One study found that taking ginger could “dramatically reduce” menstrual bleeding levels. Researchers investigated the effects of ginger capsules on high school girls who experienced severe menstrual bleeding.
Hormonal imbalance
An imbalance between the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone could be the reason why your periods last up to 20 days.
If you started off with a more “normal” period for you but there has been just some spotting every day since to make up the three weeks, this may not be anything concerning. If it happens cycle after cycle, it's a hassle and may indicate a minor hormone imbalance and you should be seen by your healthcare provider.
Changes to your hormone levels
Young women often spot, or bleed very slightly, when they ovulate (release an egg from the ovary). 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.
Patients should be seen if their periods last more than 7 days, their bleeding is excessive indicated either by the frequency of pad/tampon or menstrual cup changes or size of clots. They should also visit the doctor if their periods are irregular for more than 3 months.
Every female has a different period cycle. Of some it lasts for 3-4 days and for others it may be quite longer than that. Normally, a healthy period cycle is supposed to last for 5-7 days.