How Long Does My Period Last

Youre Medically Overweight Or Obese

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Obesity can affect your menstrual cycle, says Dr. Horton, because larger bodies produce excess estrogen, which can affect how often you have your periods and eventually cause you to stop ovulating regularly. When you stop having periods every month, the lining of the uterus will become thick, and eventually shed, resulting in very heavy and prolonged bleeding.

Losing weight can help you regulate your periods, she says. Your doctor may also prescribe birth control pills or progesterone to help with the prolonged heaving bleeding.

How Heavy Should A Period Be

The rate of your menstrual flow depends on many factors, including the thickness of your uterine lining and hormone levels. Some people have light periods while others have a heavy flow. Both can be normal.

Like period length, your period flow should be somewhat predictable, Dr. Higgins says. If you used to have heavy periods and they become light, or vice versa, talk to your doctor.

How To Regulate Your Period

Many women prefer to regulate their menstrual cycle. Doctors may even recommend it for women whose periods are consistently irregular.

Regulating the menstrual cycle focuses on strategies and treatments to ensure that a womans period comes within a set frame of time and lasts for a time frame between the normal two to eight days.

The most common way to regulate your menstrual cycle is through birth control pills, or other similar hormonal contraceptives like the patch or the NuvaRing. Some of these contraceptive methods will trigger a womans period once a month, while others may only give her a period once every three or six months.

Other methods of regulating the menstrual cycle could involve treatment for eating disorders that are causing severe weight loss, or modifying diet and lifestyle. If youre able to reduce stress, that could also reduce irregularity of your period, too.

While every woman is a little different and her normal will be unique, there are symptoms that indicate its a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. These symptoms include:

If you suddenly get a fever and experience flu-like symptoms after using tampons, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a dangerous complication called toxic shock syndrome.

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When Should A Woman Consider Seeing Her Doctor

If your spotting has been happening consistently for several months or youre worried about it for any reason keep a menstrual diary to track irregular menstrual cycles or bleeding. If the irregularity persists for more than two months, Id recommend making an appointment to see your ob/gyn for an exam.

Youre Experiencing An Ectopic Pregnancy

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An unusually heavy period can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy , says Dr. Horton. Taking a pregnancy test can help you figure out if thats whats going on.

If you have a positive pregnancy test and have pain and vaginal bleeding, you should be evaluated, she says. Your doctor will get blood work and a pelvic ultrasound to see where the pregnancy is located and, if it is ectopic, treat it with medicine or surgery. Unfortunately, its not safe for a mother to carry an ectopic pregnancy.

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What Do I Need To Do To Prepare For My First Period

There is nothing in particular you need to do to prepare for your first period, besides having feminine hygiene products and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen on hand. If you happen to get your period with no access to menstrual products, toilet paper will work in an emergency. If you get your first period at school, your teacher or school nurse will have a pantiliner or pad on hand.

There are a variety of menstrual products available to you:

Disposable pads

These absorbent pads have an adhesive backing that sticks to the inside of your underwear. They are available in different lengths and absorbencies, and some have adhesive wings that wrap around the sides of your underwear. Disposable pads should be changed every 4-6 hours and are thrown out after a single use.

Pantiliners

These are small, thin, disposable absorbent pads that can be used on their own on days of light flow. They can also be used in combination with a tampon, in case of leaks or discharge.

Reusable pads

These are usually made of cotton, bamboo, or other natural absorbent fibres, and are often available at health food stores. They can be washed with detergent and reused. Some have velcro tabs to secure them around your underwear.

Tampons

Menstrual cup

How Do You Clean A Dog Period

Just like human menstruation, every dogs heat cycle is different. In some dogs, periods will last as short as seven days with no bleeding phase whatsoever. Others bleed heavily for the whole duration of the heat cycle, creating a whole lot of mess.

If your dog bleeds a lot during the heat cycle, dont fret. With a bit of prep and patience, you can easily manage your dogs periods and prevent the bloody mess.

Here are three practical ways how to keep your home clean while your dog is in the heat:

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When Periods Are Too Heavy

There are heavy periods, and then there are heavy periods.

Your period is heavier than normal if you soak through a pad every hour for a few hours in a row, Dr. Higgins says. Large clots like the size of a golf ball or larger are also a sign that your bleeding is too heavy.

This type of bleeding can get in the way of your life, but dont assume you have to suffer through it. Your doctor can help you figure out the cause of heavy bleeding and provide treatment if needed, Dr. Higgins says.

What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome

Why am I spotting after my period Am I pregnant?

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but sometimes deadly condition caused by bacteria that make toxins or poisons. In 1980, 63 women died from TSS. A certain brand of super absorbency tampons was said to be the cause. These tampons were taken off the market.

Today, most cases of TSS are not caused by using tampons. But, you could be at risk for TSS if you use more absorbent tampons than you need for your bleeding or if you do not change your tampon often enough . Menstrual cups, cervical caps, sponges, or diaphragms may also increase your risk for TSS if they are left in place for too long . Remove sponges within 30 hours and cervical caps within 48 hours.9

If you have any symptoms of TSS, take out the tampon, menstrual cup, sponge, or diaphragm, and call 911 or go to the hospital right away.

Symptoms of TSS include:10

  • Sudden high fever

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Treatment For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy periods are definitely not fun. Teens who experiencethem might avoid activities like swimming or biking with friends. They mightfeel extra self-conscious about their clothes or embarrassed to carry a pursefull of pads everywhere they go.

The biggest issues for these young women are oftenquality-of-life challenges, Dr. Talati says. Luckily, hormonal treatment can make periods more manageable both for young womenwith bleeding disorders, and those who just have heavy periods.

If your adolescent daughter has heavy periods, schedule anappointment with her pediatrician or family physician. If she does have signsof a bleeding disorder, expect a referral to a hematologist. Those specialistscan diagnose and manage bleeding disorders and help your daughter startfeeling like herself again.

She might even be glad you started that awkwardconversation.

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How Long Does Period Last

Girls begin to have periods at the onset of puberty. This usually happens anytime between ages 9-12 in an average.

However, if the physical changes have occurred and the periods have not begun for three years until then, visit a doctor for consultation. Normally, the periods in the initial phase do not follow a regular cycle.

It may be delayed for as many as 35 days or schedule itself anywhere between 21-25 days. This is due to several contributing factors that shall be highlighted subsequently.

The average and ideal period cycle is about 28 days and it follows the pattern unless affected by other factors.

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Is It Normal For A Period To Not Stop

For some women it may seem as if the bleeding literally doesnt stop, continuing through the entire month. But this isnt usually the case.

Since the time between cycles is counted from the first day of your period, a woman who has a 24-day cycle with eight days of bleeding will experience only 16 days period-free. It may seem like youre always having your period even though youre within a standard timetable.

How Long Is Too Long For A Period During Perimenopause

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The road to menopause comes with many changes. Night sweats, hormonal imbalances, and vaginal dryness are a few of the well-known symptoms of perimenopause. Heavy, painful periods are also a symptom thats quite common roughly 25 percent of women report experiencing them. Read on to learn the basics of perimenopause bleeding and how to manage extended perimenopause periods.

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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.

Depending on your age and other symptoms, your doctor may test your blood for pregnancy, hormone levels, and thyroid function. Other diagnostic tests may include Pap smears, endometrial biopsies, ultrasounds, laparoscopic surgery, or other procedures.

A wide range of medical conditions can be the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding. These include:

How Long Does A Period Last

Your first period may last from two to seven days. Then, there might be 21 to 40 days or even longer before you have another period. Your next period might be heavier or lighter than the first.

Donât worry if your early periods have longer cycles or donât follow a schedule. This irregularity is normal for at least the first 2 years.

Your periods should become more regular within two years after you start menstruating. Some teens have a 28-day cycle some have a 24-day cycle others have a 30- to 34-day cycle. All of these are normal. For young teens, cycles can range from 21 to 45 days. For adults, it can be 21-35 days. If your period is much shorter or longer, or if your period does not become regular after two years, see your primary health care provider.

It is possible to skip a month, especially if you have been ill, under stress, or exercising excessively. But skipping for more than one month once your periods have become regular is another reason for a doctor visit.

When your period becomes regular, mark the date on your calendar for several months ahead. This will remind you to have tampons or pads on hand and help prevent accidents.

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Different Strains Different Impact

What public health officials had to learn on the fly when that variant first arrived last winter was how it differed from the original Covid strain.

Whereas the World Health Organisation estimated that symptoms took anywhere between two days to two weeks to materialise in cases of people infected with the first coronavirus strain, Omicron proved to incubate much faster, closer to three to five days.

Recent analysis from the UK Health Security Agency suggests that the window between infection and infectiousness may be shorter for the Omicron variant than the Delta variant, then-UK health secretary Sajid Javid told the House of Commons on 6 December 2021.

That explained why the strain was able to spread so swiftly and successfully, as the shortness of its incubation period gave sufferers a shorter window between suspecting they had contracted the virus and experiencing a flare-up, making it less likely a positive lateral flow test result would be recorded in time to warn others, enter isolation and prevent the contagion being passed on.

A shorter incubation period makes a virus much, much, much harder to control, Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, observed in The Atlantic that same month.

The NHS is bracing itself for another wave this winter

Youre On Hormonal Birth Control

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Anything that manipulates your hormones has the potential to make your periods longer, says Dr. Toth. This includes all types of hormonal birth control like the pill, patches, rings, shots, and implants. The good news is that there are lots of options with varying levels and types of hormones, so if your body doesnt respond well to one type or dosage, theres a good chance you can find a different one that will work.

The length of your period is just one factor your doctor will use to help you determine which type of birth control works best for you.

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You Have Thyroid Issues

One in eight women will suffer from low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, at some point in their lives, according to the OWH.

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Your thyroid is a little butterfly-shaped gland that controls the hormones that regulate many systems in your body, including how fast you burn calories, how fast your heart beats, and yes, menstruation. 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 youre experiencing any of those, along with longer-than-normal periods, bring it up to your doctor, says Dr. Ross.

Should I Watch For Any Problems

Most girls don’t have any problems with their periods. But call your doctor if you:

  • are 15 and haven’t started your period
  • have had your period for more than 2 years and it still doesn’t come regularly
  • have bleeding between periods
  • have severe cramps that don’t get better with ibuprofen or naproxen
  • have very heavy bleeding
  • have periods that last more than about a week
  • have severe PMS that gets in the way of your everyday activities

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Dont Stress About The Length Of Your Period

Most of the time, a longer- or shorter-than-normal period is nothing to worry about, especially if its just a one-time thing. However: Its a good idea to track your cycle and keep an eye on anything unusual, especially if your period changes in more than one way .

If your period gets longer, heavier, and more painful, thats a definite sign that you should talk to your healthcare provider. Same goes if your period disappears altogether, your cycle becomes suddenly irregular or if you notice blood clots larger than a quarter.

If youve always had long periods like, on the 7-day end of the spectrum and theyre getting in the way of your day-to-day life, you might also consider talking to your provider to investigate potential solutions. This is sometimes necessary for individuals with demanding jobs or work schedules that make coping with a period more difficult .

No matter how long your period lasts, its probably not your favorite thing about your body. But just remember this: Your period is a vital sign, and its arrival each month means that your reproductive system is functioning as it should. So, give your uterus a little extra love and appreciation, grab a period product you love and go enjoy that bubble bath!

This article is informational only and is not offered as medical advice, nor does it substitute for a consultation with your physician. If you have any gynecological/medical concerns or conditions, please consult your physician.

References

How Long Do Cigars Last Without A Humidor

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Do you enjoy a good cigar every once in a while? If so, you may be wondering how long they will last without a humidor. The answer to that question depends on the type of cigar and how well it is stored.

If you dont have a humidor to store it in, that cigar will dry out and become unsmokable in a few days. Whatever you do, please dont put it in the freezer or refrigerator this will damage it.

Fortunately, there is a number of simple methods to keep cigars fresh without an expensive humidor.

In the following blog post, our cigar aficionados and experts will discuss the factors that affect cigar longevity and how long cigars can last without a humidor. We will also provide some tips for keeping your cigars fresh!

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Hormone And Ovulation Changes

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.

If your hormones arent at a normal level or if your body doesnt ovulate during your menstrual cycle, the uterine lining can become very thick. When your body finally sheds the lining, you may experience a period thats longer than normal.

The Role Of A Humidor

A humidor is a chamber or box that is used to store cigars. The primary function of a humidor is to maintain the cigars at an ideal relative humidity level so that they can be preserved for a longer period of time .

Humidors help to keep your cigars fresh, extend their shelf life, and promote aging. Cigars, in some ways, are comparable to wine. They mature and improve with age. Humidors come in a variety of prices and quality levels. Starter humidors can cost as little as $30, while top-of-the-line brands may cost thousands of dollars.

Purchasing a humidor is a big investment in establishing a cigar collection, but it isnt everyones top priority. Fortunately, there are several simple and handy techniques for keeping your cigars without a humidor.

While it is possible to store cigars without a humidor, it is not recommended as it will significantly reduce the shelf life of the cigar. Without proper care, cigars can dry out and become brittle, which will cause them to lose their flavor and aroma.

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