Period FAQs

what does a long period mean

by Jamey Heathcote Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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.May 17, 2019

How many days is considered a long period?

Generally, a period lasts between three to seven days. A menstrual period that lasts longer than seven days is considered a long period.

What does it mean when your period is longer than normal?

Long menstrual cycles can have many different causes, including: Young age. For the first few years after menstruation starts, long cycles are common. Over time, they’ll shorten and become more predictable. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. A delayed period can be an early indication of pregnancy.

What is prolonged period?

What is Prolonged period? Women period is due to endometrial shredding that occurs during your menstrual cycle. It occurs due to the interplay of many hormones like estrogen and progesterone. If your period lasts between two and seven days, then it’s normal. Women can have periods that last for three days or longer periods that last up to six ...

What does it mean when your period lasts for 7 days?

Generally, a period lasts between three to seven days. A menstrual period that lasts longer than seven days is considered a long period. Your doctor may refer to a period that lasts longer than a week as menorrhagia. You may also be diagnosed with menorrhagia if you experience unusually heavy bleeding that lasts less than a week.

What does it mean when your period is longer than a week?

Why does my period last longer?

What is the term for a buildup of tissue in the uterus?

How to stop bleeding during period?

What to take for a long period of time?

How to treat a long period?

Why does weight cause long periods?

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Why is my period lasting longer than usual?

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.

WHAT TO DO IF period lasts more than 10 days?

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.

What does a long period cycle mean?

What Causes Long Menstrual Cycles?Longer cycles are caused by a lack of regular ovulation. During a normal cycle, it is the fall of progesterone that brings upon bleeding. If a follicle does not mature and ovulate, progesterone is never released and the lining of the uterus continues to build in response to estrogen.

How long is too long for a period?

Women vary greatly in the range of their cycles. This includes how long they go between periods (typically anywhere from 21 to 35 days). It also includes how long a period lasts. Generally, a period should last six days or less and start heavier and get lighter.

What to do if period is not stopping?

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.

Why am I still on my period after 10 days?

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.

When should I worry about my period?

Definitely call your doctor if: Your periods used to be regular, but they've become irregular. Your period comes more often than every 21 days, or less often than every 35 days, for several cycles. You bleed for more than seven days straight.

Can stress make your period longer?

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.

Why am I still on my period after 10 days?

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.

Why is my period on for 2 weeks?

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.

Should I go to the hospital if my period won't stop?

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.

Why bleeding is not stopping after periods?

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.

10 Reasons Why Your Period Lasts Longer Compared to Before

Even though it's sometimes quite annoying, the monthly period is an integral part of life for most women. It is common for young girls to feel curious and concerned about their periods – they even become worried when it seems they are going to bleed to death.

Period Lasting for 3 Weeks or More- What Could be the Reasons?

Periods lasting for 3 weeks or more can indicate serious medical issues. Prolonged period could be the result of PCOS, or body weight issue

I'm 47 years old and my period won't stop - 4 wks. now!

i'm almost 50, and, except for car-accident trauma, mine's been going on for two years. doc sez what he checked was fine; i'll go see the ob/gyn soon. all i can find on the Web is that it's stress-induced...

How long does a period typically last?

There's a pretty big range of normal when it comes to period length. "Usually, it can last anywhere between five to seven days, " says Jessica Shepherd, MD, a minimally invasive gynecologist in Dallas. "But there are times at which it can be a few days longer or shorter."

Why is my period so long?

Having too little thyroid hormone can cause your period to be super long and heavy, the OWH explains. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss, so if you're experiencing any of those, along with longer-than-normal periods, bring it up to your doctor, says Dr. Ross. 8.

What happens during the menstrual cycle?

Here's a little Menstrual Cycle 101: During each cycle, your body's sending hormones to thicken the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to make it a nice little home for a potentially fertilized egg. About midway through your cycle, one of your ovaries releases an egg, which then travels down the fallopian tubes to this newly plush uterus where, if it's not fertilized by a sperm, it flows out of the body, along with the uterine lining that built up.

How long does it take for a period to return to normal?

Sometimes the only sign is an extra-heavy or long period. Your menstrual cycle length should return to normal within one to two cycles; if it stays abnormally long after three cycles, call your doctor, Dr. Toth says.

Why does my period last forever?

This occurrence is known as "intermenstrual bleeding," and it happens as a result of the slight dip in estrogen that happens around ovulation, which can cause spotting. If the bleeding lasts a few days or happens close to the end of your last cycle, it may seem like your period is continuing forever. It's not normally something to worry about, but if it changes suddenly or if you have serious pain, see your doctor.

When does menopause start?

Menopause, which technically means you've gone 12 or more months without a period, hits women around age 50. However, your body starts the natural decline in hormones that leads up to menopause (a.k.a. perimenopause) as early as 35, says Christiane Northrup, MD, author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom. Related Story.

Is it normal to have a period a day or two?

So, if your period is a day or two longer or shorter than your usual period length and you don't notice any other symptoms or issues that seem unusual for you (like extreme menstrual pain or cramps or very heavy bleeding ), it's probably not a reason to be concerned.

Why is it bad to have a long period?

Often, the biggest problem from having a long menstrual period is the way it impacts your quality of life. If this is the case, don’t be shy about exploring ways to change your cycle with your doctor.

What Is the Normal Duration for a Menstrual Period?

Women vary greatly in the range of their cycles. This includes how long they go between periods (typically anywhere from 21 to 35 days).

What Causes Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding?

While irregular menstrual periods can be bothersome, many are caused by hormonal changes, which are common and rarely mean something serious. Younger girls just entering puberty and older women approaching menopause are most likely to experience these hormonally based prolonged or irregular periods.

What Underlying Conditions May Cause Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding?

A visit with your gynecologist or other healthcare professional is the first step in determining the cause of your prolonged menstrual bleeding. Your doctor will make a diagnosis after performing a series of tests.

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.

How Can Birth Control or Menopause Affect the Duration of Your Period?

Birth control pills generally help with prolonged menstrual bleeding , but on occasion may cause it. IUDs, especially copper IUDs, sometimes cause prolonged bleeding, especially in the first year after insertion.

What is the term for a period when a woman's uterus is bleeding?

If no pregnancy happens that month, the lining is shed as a menstrual period. Doctors use the term dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) when a hormone imbalance is the cause of the bleeding.

How long does a period last?

Most periods last three to five days, but anywhere two to seven days is common. If your period is always seven days long, you likely don't have to worry, but if your period suddenly jumps from four to nine, you may want to go get it checked out.

Why do I have a long period?

Unusually long or painful periods or spotting between menstrual periods can be a symptom of an STI, according to American University. This bleeding may appear as one long period, but it could mean you have something like gonorrhea or chlamydia. Gonorrhea can cause bleeding between periods, painful urination, or pelvic pain, according to the Mayo Clinic, while chlamydia can include these symptoms plus unusual vaginal discharge, but also might not show any symptoms at all, according to Planned Parenthood.

Why do women have a variation in their cycle?

By Carolyn Steber and Kathleen Ferraro. "A women usually experiences a variation in her cycle due to a hormone flux, which can be attributed to travel, stress, diet, medications, and other changes to her physiological state," fertility specialist Dr. Hal Danzer tells Bustle over email.

What to do if your period isn't uncomfortable?

If your period isn't extra uncomfortable, or you're not bleeding excessively each day, then don't worry about this change, but see your gynecologist if you have any questions at all.

What glands affect period?

Thyroid Gland Changes. Your thyroid is a little gland at the front of your neck that secretes hormones that influence a lot of different processes in your body, according to the Society for Endocrinology, including your period.

Can your period change all the time?

Periods can change all the time, for many different, complex reasons. If your period is suddenly abnormally long, don't panic. Just see your doctor, who can help find the root of your lengthy menstruation. This post was originally published on August 8, 2016. It was updated on August 27, 2019.

Can a miscarriage cause a late period?

Miscarriages. A single, heavy, late period may be due to a miscarriage, says Mayo Clinic, which is a loss of an early pregnancy. Miscarriages occur in up to 20% of people who know they're pregnant, says the Mayo Clinic, but may be higher among people who do not know they're pregnant. If the timing is aligned with your regular period, ...

How long does it take for your period to stop?

Your period won’t stop after seven days. Period blood clots that last for days. Sanitary pads gets soaked with blood too frequently. Mass in your abdomen which can cause your abdomen to swell. Your period is irregular. If your fibroid is very huge, it may cause difficulty in passing urine and stool.

Why do women have a prolonged period?

Women with bleeding disorders like hemophilia and von Willebrand disease may experience prolonged period. This is due to lack of platelets or clotting factors that help in wound healing. If you bleed heavily from a small cut, then it’s likely you may have a bleeding problem.

What is a fibroid in women?

1. Uterine fibroid. These are abnormal growths or mass that can be found in the uterus. They cause bleeding in young women. Fibroids are benign and rarely transform to cancer. Women after 30 years may have a fibroid and about 50 percent of women during their lifetime will have a fibroid.

What to do if your period is long?

This is a simple technique to get tissues from your endometrium for analysis. Hormonal therapy like cyclic progesterone pills will help normalize your period.

Why is my period so heavy?

If your period is more than a week with blood clots, it’s abnormal. Blood clots that are huge is a sign there is a problem. The common cause of heavy period with blood clots is a uterine fibroid.

Why do women have periods?

Women period is due to endometrial shredding that occurs during your menstrual cycle. It occurs due to the interplay of many hormones like estrogen and progesterone. If your period lasts between two and seven days, then it’s normal.

Which hormone is critical for proliferation of endometrium during your menstrual cycle?

Estrogen is critical for proliferation of your endometrium during your menstrual cycle.

How long is a period?

Your menstrual cycle is considered long if it lasts more than 35 days. If you don’t have a period for more than 90 days, you can be diagnosed with infrequent menstruation – also called oligomenorrhea. There are many factors that could cause a long menstrual cycle.

What causes a long period?

Here are a few more of the most common causes behind long menstrual cycles. 1. Delayed Ovulation.

When should you see your doctor about missed periods?

You should see your doctor about abnormal periods when you have extreme or prolonged changes to your menstrual cycle. This might include missing three or more periods a year, experiencing increased flow or pain during your menses, or noting other physical changes not tied to your menstrual cycle. But it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with a trusted doctor when something feels “off” with your body or menstrual cycle.

What happens if you lose weight during your period?

Changes of 20% or more in body weight can alter your hormone levels and your menstrual cycles as a result. Losing weight too fast or exercising too vigorously can also trigger biological stress responses. Eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia play a role in abnormal menstrual cycles as well. 4.

How long does it take for a woman to have her period?

Do you wait longer than other women for your period to show up each month? If so, you might be experiencing long menstrual cycles. While the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, normal menstrual cycles can range anywhere from 24 to 38 days in adults. Teens may have to wait even longer between menses, but they should start experiencing normal menstrual cycles within three years of their first period.

When is ovulation delayed?

Any ovulation that happens after day 21 of the menstrual cycle is considered delayed ovulation. Start keeping track of your ovulation by tracking your cycles on a calendar or by using an app. Ovulation typically happens about two weeks before your period starts.

How long does a woman's cycle last?

The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of your next period, with most women experiencing menstrual flow for two to seven days. Your monthly cycle is controlled by the rise and fall of hormonal levels. If you’re unsure of just how long your menstrual cycle lasts, there are a number of amazing apps out there. They can help you track the timing of factors like ovulation, bleeding, and any symptoms tied to your cycle.

What causes a long period?

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.

How to manage long periods?

This can include things like removing an endometrial polyp or correcting hypothyroidism. Hormonal contraceptives (things like the pill, the patch or a hormonal IUD) are commonly used to help regulate abnormal cycles resulting from a wide variety of causes. Most of these methods take three to six months before you’ll notice some improvement.

How long does a period last with birth control?

The birth control pill tends to produce a regular period that occurs every month and lasts for three to five days. A hormonal IUD usually results in a lighter period (less bleeding) or no period at all.

How often does a woman have her period?

You probably learned in high school that a woman’s period occurs every 21 to 35 days (with most women’s cycles occurring every 28 days).

Is it okay to have a period longer than a month?

It’s important to note that there is likely nothing is wrong with you if your period is a little longer or shorter than others. It’s also perfectly fine if your period varies a bit from month to month. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

Is it normal to have a period?

There’s really no such thing as a “normal” period. Sure there are general guidelines, but every woman is unique and different. Some women have unpredictable cycles, while others experience regular, clockwork menstruation. It’s important to note that there is likely nothing is wrong with you if your period is a little longer or shorter than others.

Does Paragard cause periods to be longer?

A copper IUD (such as Paragard®) may have no effect on bleeding patterns or may cause heavier and longer periods for some women. Progestin-only methods like the injection, medroxyprogesterone acetate (such as Depo-Provera®), and the implant, etonogestrel (such as Nexplanon®) are associated with irregular spotting as well, but most women report lighter and shorter periods.

What Is the Typical Notice Period?

Typically, you will have a one-week notice period after submitting your resignation if you have worked as an employee for more than a month but less than two years.

Why do we need notice periods?

Notice periods ensure a smooth transition of duties and responsibilities within your workplace. Furthermore, a notice period lets you maintain a positive relationship with your employer. That is because you may need their recommendations when you apply for future positions.

What is notice period for job seekers?

When job seekers resign from their current position, they are not relieved immediately. Instead, they have to serve a “notice period”. The notice period gives their current employer time to prepare for their departure. The notice period is used to make sure you have completed all pending tasks and returned all company equipment such as laptops, keys, etc.

What is fixed term employment?

Fixed-term employments are contracts where an employee is hired for a specific period. When the contract expires, your term automatically ends without notice. However, if your employer wants to end your contract sooner than the specified date, he/she should give a notice period. The employer can also renew your contract after the term expires.

When applying for a new job, are job seekers often asked about their current notice period?

By asking this question, employers make sure that if you clear the interview process, you start working as soon as the notice period allows you to.

What does it mean when your period is longer than a week?

Your doctor may refer to a period that lasts longer than a week as menorrhagia. You may also be diagnosed with menorrhagia if you experience unusually heavy bleeding that lasts less than a week. Five percent of women have menorrhagia . A long period may be a sign of a serious underlying health condition, such as:

Why does my period last longer?

If your hormones aren’t at a normal level or if your body doesn’t ovulate during your menstrual cycle, the uterine lining can become very thick. When your body finally sheds the lining, you may experience a period that’s longer than normal.

What is the term for a buildup of tissue in the uterus?

Adenomyosis is another type of tissue buildup. The condition occurs when your endometrium, or uterine lining, embeds itself into the muscles of your uterus. This can lead to a long or heavy period.

How to stop bleeding during period?

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to alleviate long periods. Dilation and curettage can thin the layer of your uterus and reduce how much you bleed during your period. If you’re no longer considering having children, you may undergo endometrial ablation, resection, or a hysterectomy.

What to take for a long period of time?

Your doctor also may advise you to take medication that reduces pain or discomfort you experience from the prolonged period. These medications may include over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Advil or Motrin. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to alleviate long periods.

How to treat a long period?

Your doctor will treat the underlying cause. They may also recommend a treatment to reduce your current bleeding, regulate your period, or relieve any discomfort.

Why does weight cause long periods?

Excess weight may cause long periods. That’s because fatty tissue can cause your body to produce more estrogen. This excess estrogen can lead to a change in your period.

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