Most of these methods take three to six months before you’ll notice some improvement.Īdvertising Policy The effects of birth control and menopauseįorms of birth control can affect the frequency and duration of your period. 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. This can include things like removing an endometrial polyp or correcting hypothyroidism. The first step to managing long periods due to a specific condition is to treat it. I encourage all patients to seek out medical care if they have questions about their menstrual cycle or other gynecologic issues. Many women struggle with long and heavy periods for years without knowing there are ways to manage and improve their symptoms. A long period can also result from hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism) or a bleeding disorder. 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. Long periods can be the result of a variety of factors such as health conditions, your age and your lifestyle. A change in cycle characteristics (such as a noticeable difference in frequency, heaviness or spotting between periods) is also a reason to seek medical care.Īdvertising Policy The source of the issue Heavy periods (requiring multiple pad or tampon changes a day) or infrequent periods (occurring less than every 5 weeks) should also be evaluated. Periods lasting for eight days or more should be investigated, says Dr. So although aggravating, it’s unlikely due to an underlying problem.
In general, periods on the longer end of normal (five to seven days) aren’t something to worry about. The average period is two to seven days in length, so bleeding for eight days or more is considered long. 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). But is it cause for concern? Gynecologist Erin Higgins, MD, offers advice on what might be causing your period to overstay its welcome and how to manage it. Policyīut what’s the deal if you suddenly feel like your period is lasting forever? Yep, it’s annoying. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.
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