What Could It Mean If Your Period Lasts Longer Than 7 Days

Menstruation is a natural process in the female body and is part of a healthy reproductive system. As long as the menstrual cycle is regular and consistent, there is nothing wrong or abnormal about it. A normal menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 and 35 days, although slight variations can occur due to common factors such as stress, changes in weight, exercise levels, and hormonal fluctuations. In addition, the length of the period can also indicate certain changes in the body or signal an underlying issue. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr M Rajini, Consultant Gynaecology, CARE Vatsalya, CARE Hospitals Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, shed light on the same.

How Long Does A Period Last?

A full menstrual cycle includes the number of days between the first day of menstrual bleeding in one cycle and the onset of menses in the next cycle, according to the National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information. A normal cycle can last between 25 and 30 days. However, if the interval is less than 21 days, it is termed 'polymenorrhea', whereas if it lasts over 35 days, it is termed 'oligomenorrhea'.

As far as the duration of the menstruation is concerned, Dr Rajini said that it can last between 2 and 7 days, with the average being around 5 days.

"If a menstrual period consistently lasts longer than 7 days, it may be considered prolonged, and it could be a reason for concern," she added.

Possible Causes Of Period That Lasts More Than 7 Days

Several factors can contribute to abnormally long periods, and some potential causes include:

• Hormonal imbalances: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, can affect the regularity and duration of menstrual cycles. These affect processes like follicular development, ovulation, and the preparation of the uterus, which may lead to irregular or absent ovulation, impacting the timing and regularity of menstrual periods.
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities: Conditions such as polyps, fibroids, or adenomyosis can lead to prolonged menstrual bleeding. According to the Office on Women's Health, around 20–80% of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50. While not all women develop symptoms, some may experience pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): An IUD is a birth control device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Some individuals using it, particularly those made of copper, might experience longer or heavier periods due to localised inflammation or irritation in the uterus caused by the device.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID is a bacterial infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Unfortunately, it can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, and changes in menstrual flow.
• Thyroid disorders: Conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can affect the menstrual cycle. According to the Office on Women’s Health, the thyroid gland helps control menstrual cycles. Depending on the quantity of your thyroid hormone, your periods may vary from very light to heavy to irregular. In hypothyroidism, where the thyroid is less active, periods may become heavier and more prolonged. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism, which results in an overactive thyroid, may lead to shorter or lighter periods.

Symptoms That May Indicate Issues

Other symptoms to watch out for, in addition to prolonged menstrual bleeding, may include:

• Severe menstrual cramps
• Fatigue
• Changes in menstrual flow (sudden, heavy bleeding)
• Passing blood clots
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Pelvic pain or discomfort
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Unexplained weight loss

Conclusion

It is extremely important to address any signs of irregular periods.

Dr Rajini said, “If you're experiencing abnormally long periods or if there is a sudden change in your menstrual pattern, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider.”

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/causes-of-periods-that-lasts-longer-than-seven-days-1701240897