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.
Also Check: How To Calculate Your Period Cycle
How Long Does Your First Period Last
If you are seeing your period for the first time, you may be worried about its length. Here are some tips to guide about your period
- Your first period may be light or heavy
- It takes time about 6 years for your body hormones and period to normalize. You may have a short period or very light period initially but this normalizes with time
- Period length may be irreabnormal
- If you continuously have frequent period or heavy period requiring you change you period every hour, then you may have a problem
- Do you feel severe pain that prevents your daily activity? It is dysmenorrhea or painful period. You should inform your doctor for available pain relief methods during menstruation.
- You may be asking yourself why is my period late? However, because your period is not steady, it may be irregular initially.
Also Check: Can You Take A Plan B While On Your Period
What Postpartum Symptoms Should I Watch Out For
Its important that you call a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- soaking through more than one pad every hour
- bleeding thats accompanied by sudden and severe pain
Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms or anything else that concerns you related to your period. Some of these symptoms may indicate an infection.
Also Check: How Early Can You Get Your Period
When Will I Get My Period
Most girls start getting signs of their first period and start menstruating between 11 and 14 years old, but it could happen any time between age eight and 16. Remember that everyone is different, so a normal age for your friends might not be the same for you. Youll have periods until youre around 50 years old when you start something called the menopause. Thats when your body stops menstruating and cant have children any more.
Recommended Reading: No Period While On Birth Control
Is 3 Days Of Period Normal
Normal menstruation can differ widely from woman to woman anywhere from three to seven days of bleeding is considered normal, and each full menstrual cycle can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days. Three days of bleeding, which may seem short, is still considered normal as long as youre menstruating regularly.Feb 17, 2010
Don’t Miss: Can A Woman Have A Period And Be Pregnant
Youre Taking Certain Medications
Medications such as anti-inflammatories, aspirin, or other blood thinners can also affect your menstrual cycle, says Dr. Horton.
Aspirin and blood thinners prevent blood clots but can increase the flow of your period, she explains. These medications can thin the blood so much that it causes your menstrual cycle to be heavy and last longer than usual.
As such, it is important to take medicines as directed and if your period becomes heavier or prolonged, to contact your doctor, says Dr. Horton. You may need blood work to determine if you are taking too much medicine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories may be used to treat your heavy and prolonged periods.
Recommended Reading: 90 Day Probation Period Template
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.
Related Story
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.
Also Check: How Do You Know If Your Starting Your Period
Causes Of Bleeding Irregularities
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.
Also Check: Reasons For Having A Late Period
What Will My First Period Feel Like
You may find your first period comes and goes with very little in the way of symptoms, or you may find you experience quite a bit of discomfort. Common symptoms include:
- Cramping in the lower abdomen
- Breast tenderness
- Diarrhea or nausea
Most of these symptoms do not last long, and can be treated with ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain relief medications. A heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen or lower back can help ease pain in these areas. More details on menstrual pain and other symptoms can be found here .
You May Like: Will My Period Make My Uti Worse
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
Read Also: What Does It Mean When Your Period Stops Early
Period Underwear Is Better For The Environment But Does It Work Experts Weigh In
Pictured are Leakproof period underwear by the brand Knix. Photo credit: Knix Wear
A period product that’s eco-friendly, stylish and easy to use might sound impossible. But period underwear might be just that.
“Period underwear is a relatively newer period hygiene product that serves to be an alternative to more traditional products that people might be aware of, like pads and tampons,” said Dr Jessica Shim, a physician in the division of gynaecology at Boston Children’s Hospital and a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School.
The technology used varies among brands, but typically involves several layers of material – such as cotton, nylon, merino wool or polyester – geared toward absorbency of blood and wicking moisture from the vulva so the wearer feels dry, Shim said. Some brands use antimicrobial technology for combating odour or inhibiting bacterial growth.
What Is The Normal Length Of A Menstrual Cycle In A Woman
The length of a menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. It isnt a fixed number and varies from woman to woman. Menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding generally occurs every 21 to 35 days.
When menstruation begins in young women, it is common to have longer or irregular cycles. After the first couple of years, the menstrual cycles tend to become shorter and more regular when maturation of the nervous system occurs.
Close to menopause, a womans period can become irregular again. However, its important to see a healthcare provider for any abnormal uterine bleeding or irregular bleeding around the time of menopause because the risk of uterine cancer increases with age.
Recommended Reading: Losing Weight In A Short Period Of Time
As You Wait For Your First Period You May Have Lots Of Questions About What Will Happen What Will It Feel Like What Do I Need To Do To Prepare How Do I Use A Tampon
Getting your first period is an important milestone in a young womans life. It signals the beginning of a long phase of life that you may be fertile. This means that if you have sexual contact, you might get pregnant. While you may have learned about menstruation in school, you probably have questions about what to expect. This section is designed to provide you with all the information you need as you approach getting your period for the first time.
Explore Your First Period:
Also Check: Bleeding But Not On My Period
Signs Your Period Is Normal
There really is no such thing as a “normal period” as bleeding duration, heaviness, and timing differs from person to person. It’s also totally normal for your period to vary a bit each month. However extreme fluctuations, like if it lasts more than eight days or you skip 2 or more months, may be cause for concern.
According to Rachel Bowman, MD, an assistant professor in the department of women’s health in the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin signs of a typical menstrual cycle are:
- It happens every 21 to 35 days
Also Check: How To Stop Your Period For A Few Hours
Changes To Your Hormone Levels
Young women often spot, or bleed very slightly, when they ovulate . 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.
As well as reduced oestrogen levels, you may also experience other hormonal imbalances, which are completely harmless. This could be as a result of stress, or a recent change of diet.
Girls who have just started their periods and women going through menopause are more likely to have irregular periods, which can be confused with bleeding between periods.
Your doctor may organise a blood test to investigate your hormone levels and will advise you on possible treatments.
How Absorbent Is Period Underwear
Period underwear brands offer a variety of absorbencies since people have different flows.
Theyre typically saying the amount of tampons or sometimes the amount of blood that the underwear will absorb, Shim said. The light one will absorb one tampon and the medium absorbency underwear will list maybe two to five tampons.
Some brands recommend changing period underwear every 12 hours to prevent odor or leakage. Feeling wetness or skin irritation or seeing blood on your clothes can indicate that you need to change the pair because the underwear has absorbed all it can.
Period underwear are designed to be a day-long or most-of-the-day option, said Dr. Kristyn Brandi, Darney-Landy Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, via email.
If someone is bleeding beyond what the underwear can hold, it may be worth getting a different type or having an additional method like a tampon or menstrual cup.
Read Also: Birth Control Pills To Stop Period For Vacation
When Does A Girl Usually Get Her First Period
The average age for a girl in the United States to get her first period is 12.6This does not mean that all girls start at the same age.
A girl may start her period anytime between 8 and 15. The first period normally starts about two years after breasts first start to develop and pubic hair begins to grow. The age at which a girls mother started her period can help predict when a girl may start her period.
A girl should see her doctor if:
- She starts her period before age 8.
- She has not had her first period by age 15.
- She has not had her first period within three years of breast growth.
Get more information for girls about getting their period at girlshealth.gov.
What Does It Mean If Periods Suddenly Stop
The most common reason for a missed period is pregnancy. Breastfeeding can also delay the return of menstruation after pregnancy.
However, if you dont believe youre pregnant, you should see a doctor to make sure. There could be other reasons for disruption in menstruation, which should be investigated. Extreme weight loss, excessive exercising, eating disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome , uterine fibroids, and premature ovarian failure are just some of the conditions that can lead to irregular or absent periods.
Also Check: Can You Get Pregnant A Couple Days After Your Period
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.
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.
Women in perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause, frequently find their periods changing. Still, even if youre perimenopausal, you want your doctor to check things out. Long or irregular bleeding may just be from perimenopause. But it is also often our first clue of endometrial cancer or cervical cancer, she says.
RELATED: Perimenopause versus Menopause: Whats the Difference?
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Period Cramps Naturally
How Do You Tell If You Are Ovulating
It may be possible to know when you are ovulating by certain signs and symptoms, such as:
- Basal body temperature increase that is sustained
- Pain or a dull ache felt on one side of the abdomen when ovulation occurs
- Change in cervical fluid
- A heightened sense of vision, smell, or taste
- Elevated levels of luteinizing hormone, which can be detected on an ovulation test
You May Like: Incubation Period Hand Foot And Mouth
How Long Does A Period Last What You Need To Know About Menstruation Length
Its normal to experience variations in your menstrual cycle and periods throughout life. Jump into this article to learn how long a period usually lasts.
Before we dive in, lets go over the difference between your menstrual cycle and your period.
The menstrual cycle is a sequence of hormonal events that prepares the body for a potential pregnancy approximately once a month. Periods, on the other hand, mark the beginning of each new cycle. They happen when the inner lining of the uterus sheds, which causes bleeding. Both menstrual cycle length and period length vary from person to person, and its normal for them to vary in length for a single person too.
Menstrual cycles vary in length, but any length from 2135 days is considered normal for adults. For the first two years you get periods, menstrual cycles can last 2145 days and still be considered normal.
In 2020, Flo collaborated with the University of Adelaide to conduct a large study using anonymized data from our app. After studying the data of over 1.5 million people, we found that over 90 percent of people who get periods had a menstrual cycle that was 2135 days long. Interestingly, only about 16 percent of the participants had a 28-day cycle, even though you might have been told this was the typical length for menstrual cycles.
A study carried out from 20132018 of the menstrual cycles of more than 98,000 women showed that the average duration was around 30 days.
Don’t Miss: Signs My Period Is About To Start