Long periods can be the result of a variety of factors such as health conditions, your age and your lifestyle. 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.
If you suspect your period is lasting longer than usual or you have heavy bleeding with your periods, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. It's important to find the cause of longer or heavier periods to not only rule out more concerning medical conditions but to improve your overall quality of life.
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.
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.
Your period usually occurs every 28 days, but normal menstrual cycles can range from 21 days to 35 days. In fact, the average cycle length is 29 days. Many things cause irregular periods (or irregular menstruation) such as changes in hormone levels, stress, certain health conditions, medications and more.
Most mid-cycle spotting lasts one to two days and occurs between days 11 and 21 of the menstrual cycle — around the time of ovulation. Ovulation spotting usually occurs about 14 or 15 days before the next period.
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.
Long periods can be the result of a variety of factors such as health conditions, your age and your lifestyle. 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.
In a nutshell, stress can make your periods longer or shorter, make them stop altogether or even make your PMS worse, all by interacting with the HPG axis. Stress can also affect periods in subsequent months, changing their duration and even how painful they may be.
"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.
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.
Menorrhagia (heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding)
Menorrhagia can cause infertility. It is caused by hormone problems, problems with the uterus and other health conditions. Women who have to change their pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours due to bleeding should seek medical care.
Menorrhagia in older reproductive-age women is typically due to uterine pathology, including fibroids, polyps and adenomyosis. However, other problems, such as uterine cancer, bleeding disorders, medication side effects and liver or kidney disease could be contributing factors.
Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can stop you from living your life to the fullest. It also can cause anemia. Anemia is a common blood problem that can leave you feeling tired or weak. If you have a bleeding problem, it could lead to other health problems.
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.
A person should go to the ER if they: have bleeding that soaks through one pad or tampon per hour for several hours. pass blood clots that are larger than a quarter. have a rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, or both.
Some women may have blood remaining in their uterus after their period has ended. In such cases, the uterus may contract to remove the blood. As the old blood is forced out, these contractions can cause cramping and brown or black spotting.
Most people notice spotting as a few drops of blood on their underwear or toilet paper when wiping. In most cases, spotting should not cause concern. Often, hormonal changes due to birth control, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger it.
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.