Changes to your hormones or ovulation may cause a long period. You may notice hormonal changes when you first get your period during puberty or in perimenopause. You may also experience a hormonal imbalance from different health conditions, such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome.
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.
Bleeding can occur when clotting factors or platelets are in low supply or if there are problems with the clotting factors or platelets. Abnormal blood vessels can also contribute to bleeding disorders. Bleeding disorders can be mild or severe. When the blood does not properly clot, bleeding can be heavy and prolonged.
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.
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.
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. Periods lasting for eight days or more should be investigated, says Dr. Higgins.
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.
Small, benign growths on the lining of the uterus (uterine polyps) may cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Adenomyosis. This condition occurs when glands from the endometrium become embedded in the uterine muscle, often causing heavy bleeding and painful periods. Intrauterine device (IUD).
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.
If you have bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days per period, or is so heavy that you have to change your pad or tampon nearly every hour, you need to talk with your doctor. To find out if you have menorrhagia, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and menstrual cycles.
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.
Hemophilia is a rare disorder in which the blood doesn't clot in the typical way because it doesn't have enough blood-clotting proteins (clotting factors). If you have hemophilia, you might bleed for a longer time after an injury than you would if your blood clotted properly.
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.
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.
If heavy and prolonged periods interfere with living your daily life consult your doctor. Excessive blood loss can also lead to anemia, an iron deficiency, and may signal other medical conditions. Anemia can cause fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath or dizziness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you usually have a regular cycle, a change in your cycle — such as suddenly having two periods in a month — could indicate a medical condition. Some health conditions cause bleeding that can be mistaken for a period, including: Pregnancy can cause spotting.
The menstrual cycle, which is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, isn't the same for every woman. 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.
Options include the pill, skin patch, vaginal ring, shot, and hormonal intrauterine device (IUD). These treatments reduce bleeding during your menstrual period. Hormonal birth control can also reduce cramps and pain during your period.
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.
Perimenopause can begin in some women in their 30s, but most often it starts in women ages 40 to 44. It is marked by changes in menstrual flow and in the length of the cycle. There may be sudden surges in estrogen. Late Stage.
Infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause heavy bleeding. These include: Trichomoniasis. Gonorrhea.