The best way to deal with heavy bleeding is to see a doctor. Not only may a medical professional have a much deeper understanding of the female body, but they also may have the ability to better understand long periods with tests, biopsies, family history, as well as questions answered by the patient. A doctor may also be able to treat a long period's underlying cause, if it is medical. If it is menorrhagia, meaning that bleeding is not associated with a separate condition, a doctor may recommend prescribing hormonal birth control, such as an IUD, birth control pill , vaginal ring, or shot.
In addition to birth control, a doctor may suggest assuaging symptoms such as cramps or discomfort with an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or Advil. Related Reading: "What Is Menarche? These are great questions to ask -- especially if you're speaking with your gynecologist. There are a number of reasons for a long period, including an underlying medical condition or a menstruation-related condition. The best way to understand what's normal and what isn't is to have a record of past periods: Is this a long period or normal for me?
The best course of action is to take that knowledge with you to the doctor's office. Just added to your cart. Continue shopping. Close search. How Long Does a Period Last? And Other Questions, Answered. It may also indicate an underlying condition such as: Ovarian irregularities Uterine issues Hormonal imbalances Pelvic inflammatory disease A longer period, especially if routine, may also contribute to an iron deficiency.
The 4 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle To answer, how long does a period last, it's crucial to understand the menstrual cycle's four phases. It can be divided into the following phases: Menstruation Follicular Phase Ovulation Luteal Phase Menstruation, or Period This is the phase of the menstrual cycle with which women are most familiar.
Follicular Phase The follicular phase may include menstruation and end when ovulation begins. Ovulation Phase The ovary releases the mature egg, usually around the middle of the menstrual cycle. Luteal Phase The uterine walls thicken in preparation for a fertilized egg. Long Periods and the Menstrual Cycle How does the menstrual cycle determine how long a period lasts? In most cases, ovulation will produce only slight spotting and is not a major cause for concern.
When it occurs toward the end of a period, spotting from ovulation can make it seem as though the period is lasting for longer than usual. A healthcare professional can insert an intrauterine device IUD into the uterus to help prevent pregnancy. The two main types of IUD, hormonal and nonhormonal, can both cause abnormal bleeding.
Heavy and irregular periods are particularly common when a person first receives the IUD. However, in most cases, heavy or prolonged bleeding should go away after 3—6 months. Although many people use hormonal contraceptives to shorten or regulate their periods, they can sometimes result in heavier or prolonged periods. Abnormal periods are common during the first few months of taking a new hormonal medication. However, if they continue to occur after several months or become bothersome, speak to a doctor about switching birth control methods.
A doctor may recommend a different type of hormone — such as switching from a progestin only pill to one that also contains estrogen — or they may suggest a different brand. The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating a variety of hormones in the body. For females, this includes hormones associated with the menstrual cycle. If a person has an underactive or overactive thyroid, they may experience long periods or ones that seem as though they will not stop. Thyroid problems can also cause very light periods, several months without a period , and early menopause.
A simple blood test is often enough to diagnose problems with the thyroid. A doctor can then prescribe medications to help correct the hormone imbalance. Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS occurs when cysts frequently grow on the ovaries. PCOS can affect hormone levels and fertility. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that is similar to the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus.
This tissue can swell and bleed in response to hormones, just as the uterine lining does during a period. Endometriosis lesions cannot exit the body, however, so they may result in pain and other complications, such as adhesions and cysts.
Fibroids are muscular, usually benign tumors that form on the wall of the uterus. The two most common explanations are pregnancy yes, really and hormonal imbalances caused by something happening in your life.
But there are many, many other reasons why your period might be sticking around—some of which involve potentially serious hazards to your health. You might associate bleeding from your uterus with being baby-free, but the opposite can also be true. Gersh explains. Gersh strongly advises anyone experiencing a suddenly abnormally long period to check their pregnancy status first and foremost. Any kind of crazy bleeding, the first thing is rule out pregnancy, rule out pregnancy, and rule out pregnancy.
Conti explains. In these cases, people may think they just had a slightly delayed and really long period. Your menstrual cycle is intimately interwoven with your hormone levels, Dr. Gersh explains, and your hormone levels can be affected by a number of external life happenings—emotional stress, physical illnesses, experimenting with some huge new diet, changes in your weight, changes in your sleep, or even just traveling across time zones.
Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Why Is My Period Late? Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. Share this article via email with one or more people using the form below. Send me expert insights each week in Health Essentials News.
0コメント