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.

What does it mean if my period lasts more than 7 days?

Menorrhagia is the medical term for menstrual bleeding lasting for longer than 7 days. About 1 in every 20 women has menorrhagia. Some of the bleeding can be very heavy, meaning you would change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours. It can also mean you pass clots the size of a quarter or even larger.

Why hasn't my period stopped?

Natural causes most likely to cause amenorrhea include pregnancy, breast-feeding, and menopause. Lifestyle factors may include excessive exercise and stress. Also, having too little body fat or too much body fat may also delay or stop menstruation. Hormonal imbalances may cause amenorrhea.

Why is my period 4 days long?

A period can last anywhere from three to seven days. But you know your body best — a “normal” period is whatever is typical for you. If your periods usually last five or six days and now only last two, it may be because of a change in schedule, a new birth control, or even stress.

Can stress cause longer periods?

You're super stressed out.

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.

What causes abnormally long or heavy periods, and how is it treated?

23 related questions found

How long is too long for a period?

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.

Why is my period 10 days long?

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.

When should I worry about my period?

When to See Your Doctor

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.

How do I stop my period ASAP?

If women are on oral contraceptive agents (the pill) their periods often shorten and lighten.

1. Take hormonal birth control. ...
2. Have sex. ...
3. Exercise regularly. ...
4. Maintain a healthy weight. ...
5. Get the right nutrients. ...
6. Try clinically-proven herbal remedies. ...
7. Stay hydrated. ...
8. The bottom line.

How long is a normal period?

The menses phase: This phase, which typically lasts from day one to day five, is the time when the lining of the uterus is actually shed out through the vagina if pregnancy has not occurred. Most women bleed for three to five days, but a period lasting only two days to as many as seven days is still considered normal.

Why am I still bleeding after my period should have ended?

' Bleeding between periods can have a range of causes, including hormonal changes, injury, or an underlying health condition. Bleeding between periods refers to any bleeding that occurs after the period ends, or before the period is due to begin.

What if your period is longer than 7 days?

However, women who have menorrhagia usually bleed for more than 7 days and lose twice as much blood. 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.

Is spotting for 3 weeks normal?

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.

Why am I on my period again after 1 week?

Periods that stop and the restart are often the result of normal hormone fluctuations during menstruation. A person should see a doctor or gynecologist if these irregularities occur with every period, or if they experience other symptoms.

What are the signs of your period ending?

Changes in your hormone levels related to the ending of your menstrual cycles can cause certain symptoms.
...
These include:

• Irregular periods.
• Night sweats.
• Hot flashes.
• Fatigue.
• Aches and pains.
• A change in sexual desire.
• Changes to skin texture and appearance.
• Bladder control problems.

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

Don't hesitate to seek emergency care if you experience new or severe symptoms related to heavy menstrual bleeding. Uterine lining is rich in iron, so you lose iron every time you have your period. Heavy periods can be linked to anemia.

Can I push my period out faster?

There are no guaranteed ways to make a period arrive immediately or within a day or two. However, around the time their period is due, a person may find that doing exercise, trying relaxation methods, or having an orgasm could bring on the period a little faster.

Does drinking water stop your period?

2. Your period stops when you get in the water. Don't fall for this myth, and get yourself into a sticky situation! "Your period doesn't slow down or stop in water—it just may not flow outside the vagina because of the counter pressure of the water," says Dr.

Can taking a bath stop your period?

No, You Don't Actually Stop Bleeding

Some believe that a bath will stop your bleeding. While the pressure and the properties of water might decrease your flow, the opposite can also happen: Indeed, you might see some menstrual blood in your shower or bath water, especially if you have a heavier flow, so be prepared!

Why is my period blood bright red?

‌Bright red blood: As your uterus starts to actively shed blood during your period, you may notice that the color is bright red. This just means that your blood is fresh and has not been in the uterus or vagina for some time.

What is period flu?

Period flu describes a group of symptoms that some people experience just before their period. It has a connection to changes in hormone levels during a person's menstrual cycle. Some of the symptoms, such as body aches and fatigue, can make people feel as though they are coming down with the flu.

Why do I have blood when I wipe but not on my pad?

Spotting is a form of vaginal bleeding. It occurs between periods and is so light that it should not cover a panty liner or sanitary pad. 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.

Is it OK to have periods after 15 days?

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long but can vary from 24 to 38 days. If a menstrual cycle is shorter, a person can have a period more than once a month. While occasional changes in the menstrual cycle are not unusual, frequently experiencing two periods in a month may indicate an underlying issue.

How can I stop my period for 7 days?

Pills, patches, and rings

Hormonal birth control thins the uterine lining, typically resulting in less menstrual bleeding. It may also relieve other period symptoms, such as painful cramps. You generally use the pill, patch, or ring for 21 days, and then take 7 days off for menstruation.

What does a long period mean?

A long period is usually defined as one that lasts more than seven days. Typically, menstruation occurs for three to seven days. The medical term for a longer period that includes heavier bleeding is menorrhagia.