Menstruation: How Long Does Period Last In Girls
Are you having your menstruation for the first time and want to know how long does period last? Have you noticed your period for a while but its too short or long?
This guide from Medplux explains what a normal menstrual cycle length should be and several menstruation questions you wanted to ask.
How Do I Know If Im Ovulating
A few days before you ovulate, your vaginal mucus or discharge changes and becomes more slippery and clear. This type of mucus helps sperm move up into your uterus and into the fallopian tubes where it can fertilize an egg. Some women feel minor cramping on one side of their pelvic area when they ovulate. Some women have other signs of ovulation.
Luteinizing hormone is a hormone released by your brain that tells the ovary to release an egg . LH levels begin to surge upward about 36 hours before ovulation, so some women and their doctors test for LH levels. LH levels peak about 12 hours before ovulation.1 Women who are tracking ovulation to become pregnant will notice a slight rise in their basal temperature around ovulation. Learn more about tracking ovulation to become pregnant.
Physiology Of Prolonged Periods
Let us first discuss what are the normal physiological conditions in which a prolonged period for more than 2 weeks can occur.
1. If you have missed your periods for a month or two, the next period can last for more than 2 weeks.
It is a normal tendency when you have just had your first periods ever.
During teenage, to be more precise when you have menarche, it might happen once or twice that you miss your periods.
The reproductive monthly cycle does not attain the perfect rhythm and pace right from the beginning. So, prolonged periods can be a case at such times.
2. If you are on a continuous medication that involves a blood thinning agent like aspirin, then it can be a case that you have a prolonged period for more than 2 weeks.
3. Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy can also lead to prolonged and ample bleeding. If it occurs during any time of the gestation period, immediate consultancy with a doctor is essential.
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How Can I Know If My Period Is Too ‘heavy’
It can be difficult to know whether you have normal menstrual bleeding or if your period is too heavy. Your period shouldnt interrupt your daily activities such as going to school or work, nor should it make you feel stressed or anxious. Signs that you may be bleeding too heavily during your period include:
- having to change your tampon or pad every hour
- bleeding or ‘flooding’ which is not contained by a thick pad
- having to change your pad during the night
- bleeding for more than 8 days
- passing clumps of blood bigger than a 50-cent piece
If you are concerned that your period is too heavy, you should speak to your doctor to help you work out the cause of your heavy bleeding and to seek solutions.
What If My Period Changes
Changes in your period can be a sign of a problem, and most changes are worth seeing a doctor about. Some changes that should be investigated include:
- Your period stops for more than 90 days
- Periods that become irregular when you usually have regular periods
- Bleeding for longer than normal, for example your period normally lasts 5 days and is suddenly 9 or 10 days long
- Bleeding between periods, particularly if you are not on any birth control
- Pain during your period where you have not usually had pain
- Your bleeding has become very heavy, soaking through more than one pad or tampon per hour or staining night clothes
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Your Period On The Copper Iud
Many people experience heavier and longer bleeding while using the copper IUD, especially in the first 6â12 months . This may happen due to vascular changes and changes to blood flow in the uterus . Bleeding may be accompanied by an increase in large clots and cramping. Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce bleeding and pain .
Copper IUDs are non-hormonal, so you will experience the same fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone across your cycle as you did when you werenât using a copper IUD.
You Have Uterine Polyps Or Fibroids
Uterine abnormalities, such as polyps or fibroids, can cause prolonged periods because they distort the endometrial cavity which can lead to increased blood flow, Dr. Toth explains. Basically, your body senses something in your uterus that isnt supposed to be there, and tries extra hard to get rid of it.
Polyps and fibroids sound scary, but theyre pretty commonup to 80 percent of women will have at least one before theyre 50, per the OWH. On their own, they dont indicate a serious disease, like cancer. Important to note: Black women are two to three times more likely to have fibroids than white women, and the reasons for their increased risk are not well understood or well studied due to lack of representation of Black women in research, notes Dr. Horton. Black women are also more likely to be hospitalized due to fibroids due to heavy, prolonged vaginal bleeding, pain, and symptoms from anemia.
But for many people, these benign growths dont have any symptoms, and if they do, its usually prolonged periods, says Dr. Toth. Most likely your doc will just recommend keeping an eye on them, but if they cause pain or grow very large they can be surgically removed.
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How Long Does A Period Last Normally
Maybe youre new to this whole period thing. Or perhaps you and your period have been partners in bloody crime for years, but it’s changing things up on you. Either way, you might be wondering: How long does a period last for most people?
There are actually a lot of different period lengths that doctors consider normal, Lauren Streicher, M.D., an associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, tells SELF. That doesnt mean you should just write off what seems like a weirdly short or long period. Its worth paying attention to how long your period sticks around, since an extremely short or long period can be a sign that somethings up with your health.
During your menstrual cycle, your uterine lining builds up to prepare for possible pregnancy. To do this, your ovaries start releasing more estrogen to grow your uterine lining so its a nice, plush home for a fertilized egg to latch onto. After one of your ovaries releases an egg around the middle of your cycle, your estrogen levels drop, but your levels of the hormone progesterone rise to thicken that uterine lining so its even more hospitable for a potential pregnancy.
If you dont get pregnant that month, your levels of estrogen and progesterone start to fall. Very low levels of estrogen and progesterone tell your body to shed that uterine lining and, as a result, you get your period.
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Prolonged Or Irregular Bleeding On Birth Control
Starting a new method of birth control can cause changes the amount of days you bleed. Irregular bleeding is common when starting a new birth control method and usually goes away within three months.
Be mindful of how your bleeding days change and how you feel on an new form of birth control. Different brands and types of hormonal birth control contain different levels of reproductive hormones, so some brands or types may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your healthcare provider about trying another brand if you have continued spotting three months after starting a new method, or if your bleeding has gotten heavier .
Prolonged bleeding on hormonal birth control can also be caused by underlying health conditions such as uterine fibroids or an untreated infection .
If you suspect that your period is prolonged or irregular, speak to your healthcare professional. When talking to your healthcare provider, show them your tracking history. Also tell them if youâve recently noticed unexpected changes in your body, such as unexplained abdominal pain, difficulty controlling your weight, or unusual hair growth on your face or body. This can help them identify what might be causing your long periods .
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Youre Using Hormonal Birth Control
Many people love the pill because it makes their periods so regular. However, it can sometimes have the opposite effect, especially during the first few months of use.
Similarly, when you stop taking the pill, it can take a few months for your cycle to get back to normal. As your body returns to its baseline hormone levels, you may miss your period for a few months.
If youre using another hormonal birth control method, such as an intrauterine device , implant, or shot, you might completely stop getting your period.
My Menstrual Cycle Is Still Irregular Has The Pill Affected My Fertility
Its unlikely the pill has caused any fertility problems, but it can sometimes cover up problems you already have, such as missing periods or PCOS .This is because the pill prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg , so although its normal to experience period-type bleeding on the pill, you dont have a real period.
Contact your GP if youre still having irregular periods 3 months after stopping contraception.
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There Are Three Causes Of Heavy Periods And Conditions Related To Heavy Periods
Hormonal imbalances can lead to heavy periods
- A period that is heavy, dark, clotted, clumpy, or looks like frozen crushed up blueberries, is indicative of higher estrogen levels in relation to progesterone. Estrogen is a proliferative hormone, responsible for stimulating the growth of the uterine lining and breast tissue. Breast tenderness, acne, PMS, headaches or migraines are linked to an estrogen dominant situation.
- You can test your estrogen levels with this Female Hormones At Home test kit .
- Another imbalance that may contribute to heavier flow is hypothyroidism or low thyroid function. Thyroid hormone and progesterone are intricately connectedif your body is not producing adequate thyroid hormone, your progesterone levels may drop, causing estrogen to become dominant over progesterone. In addition, low thyroid function is linked to poor estrogen detoxification. In other words, hypothyroidism inhibits the gut and livers ability to effectively remove excess or used up estrogens from the body.
- This thyroid antibody testwill provide a complete picture of how your thyroid is performing .
Uterine problems can cause heavy or long periods
Biological Factors That May Affect How Long A Period Lasts
How long does a period last and why can yours differ from month to month? There are a few biological factors that may impact how long a period lasts. These include:
- Weight Loss: Losing an excessive amount of weight can shorten the length of menstruation. Eating disorders, such as anorexia, may also contribute to shorter or even non-existent menstrual flow.
- Exercise: Similarly, exercising excessively may reduce the length of menstruation.
- Stress: Anxiety can also affect menstrual regularity.
If you have any questions or concerns that you are experiencing any of these, please seek medical advice from your doctor.
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What Is Considered Normal Menstrual Bleeding
Most woman have a definition of what normal looks like for them. Many women already know that on average, menstrual periods last four to seven days, with a normal cycle occurring every 21 to 35 days. But did you know this interesting fact? Blood loss during a period averages about 40 ccs, or the equivalent of only three tablespoons.
How Long Does An Average Period Last
Just so, how do I calculate my period cycle length?
To calculate menstrual cycle length, you count the number of days from day one of your period up to, and including, the day before the next period starts. The count does not include the first day of the next menstrual period, because thats Cycle Day 1 of the next cycle.
What is the average cycle length?
The menstrual cycle, which is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, isnt 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.
How do you count the days of your cycle?
The answer is the date of the first day of your last period . Ex.= February 2nd. To figure out how long your cycle is, start at cycle day 1 of your last menstrual cycle and begin counting . The length= the last cycle day before you started bleeding again.
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Factors That Can Affect Your Periods Length
Factors like biology, stress, and travel can affect when your period comes and the number of days it lasts. They can also have an impact on the amount of bleeding and severity of cramps that you experience.
Your age can affect the amount of hormones in your body for example, as we get older, we produce less estrogen. This can lead to a lighter and shorter period. However, if a woman has a polyp or fibroid in her uterus, she may experience heavier bleeding for a longer number of days.
Eat Foods That Are Rich In Potassium
Foods that contain a lot of potassium can contribute greatly to how long does period bloating last. Because they can help debloating your abdomen by lower the sodium levels and promotes the flow of urine, which is perfect if you are suffering from period bloating. Speaking of potassium, dont you think of bananas? They are indeed packed with potassium, and there are some more healthy foods that we recommend that you replace unhealthy snacks with:
- Dark leafy veggies, such as lettuce, spinach or kale
- Sweet potato
- Garlic
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Health Issues Related To Irreguar Periods
Unusually short or long periods can be caused by a number of factors, so these instances must all be studied and diagnosed by a gynecologist or another physician. Since every woman is different, some periods that are perceived as irregular may even be within the normal range. When periods are unusually short or do not occur at all, it can be caused by a condition called amenorrhea. This condition can be caused by several factors ranging from severe illness to a simple change in exercise habits, so personalized medical attention is important in diagnosing it. When periods are abnormally long or bleeding occurs between periods, it may be a condition called dysfunctional uterine bleeding. This disorder is typically highly manageable with hormone therapy or ordinary contraception, so women who experience periods like these should seek medical attention to being treatment.
References
- Everything a Girl Needs to Know About Her Periods, Jane Feinmann and Ronnie Sellers Productions, 2003
- Dr. Nieca Goldberg’s Complete Guide to Women’s Health, Nieca Goldberg, 2009