What are the reasons for a prolonged period? How can it be treated? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive article.

Potential Causes of a Prolonged Period

A menstrual period typically lasts around 2–7 days, but sometimes it can last longer. There are several potential reasons for this, including the use of birth control and the presence of underlying health issues.

Ovulation Spotting

Some people experience bleeding during ovulation, which is when the ovaries release an egg. 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.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

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.

Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control pills alter the body’s natural hormone levels. 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.

Thyroid Disorders

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.

Endometriosis

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. Symptoms of endometriosis can include painful menstruation, chronic pain in the back and pelvis, pain during sex, bleeding between periods, painful bowel movements, stomach problems, such as nausea, constipation, and bloating, and infertility.

Uterine Fibroids and Polyps

Fibroids are muscular, usually benign tumors that form on the wall of the uterus. Polyps are red growths on the lining of the uterus. Both are common problems that can cause heavier or longer-than-normal periods to occur.

Pregnancy Loss and Ectopic Pregnancy

Pregnancy loss, or miscarriage, often causes bleeding or spotting. This bleeding can be light or heavy and may last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. In some cases, pregnancy loss can occur before a woman realizes they are pregnant. If a miscarriage is responsible for the bleeding, it is best to speak to a doctor to ensure there are no complications. Some women experience spotting or light bleeding in early pregnancy. Bleeding may occur with or without other signs of pregnancy, such as nausea. Abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain during pregnancy may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which can cause serious complications.

Blood Disorders

Though uncommon, it is possible that someone experiencing a prolonged period may have an underlying blood disorder. The most common blood disorder in females is von Willebrand’s disease. Blood disorders can cause heavy bleeding and periods that last for longer than 7 days. Other symptoms of a blood disorder include anemia, heavy bleeding after surgery and childbirth, bleeding for more than 10 minutes during a nosebleed, bleeding for longer than 5 minutes after a cut, and easy and frequent bruising.

Perimenopause

Though menopause often occurs when a female approaches the age of 50, the body’s hormone levels can start to change several years prior. This stage is called perimenopause. During perimenopause, periods can be less or more frequent, as well as shorter or longer than usual.

Treating a Prolonged Period

A doctor will recommend treatment based on the cause of the prolonged period. This may include adjusting birth control, medication for thyroid disorders or endometriosis, or in some cases, surgery to remove fibroids or polyps. It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.

12 reasons why and how to treat it

A menstrual period typically lasts around 2–7 days, but sometimes it can last longer. This can be due to the use of birth control and some health conditions, including endometriosis. A doctor will recommend treatment based on the cause.

Occasionally, a period may take longer than usual to stop. There are several potential reasons for this, including the use of birth control and the presence of underlying health issues.

In this article, we cover 12 potential reasons why a period may not stop and what to do to treat it.

Some people experience bleeding during ovulation, which is when the ovaries release an egg. 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.

Hormonal birth control pills alter the body’s natural hormone levels. 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.

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.

Symptoms of endometriosis can include:

• painful menstruation
• chronic pain in the back and pelvis
• pain during sex
• bleeding between periods
• painful bowel movements
• stomach problems, such as nausea, constipation, and bloating
• infertility

Fibroids are muscular, usually benign tumors that form on the wall of the uterus. Polyps are red growths on the lining of the uterus.

Both are common problems that can cause heavier or longer-than-normal periods to occur.

Pregnancy loss, or miscarriage, often causes bleeding or spotting. This bleeding can be light or heavy and may last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.

In some cases, pregnancy loss can occur before a woman realizes they are pregnant.

If a miscarriage is responsible for the bleeding, it is best to speak to a doctor to ensure there are no complications.

Some women experience spotting or light bleeding in early pregnancy. Bleeding may occur with or without other signs of pregnancy, such as nausea.

Abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain during pregnancy may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which can cause serious complications.

A doctor can detect both regular and ectopic pregnancies using an ultrasound and blood test. Anyone who thinks they may be pregnant can also take a pregnancy test at home.

Though uncommon, it is possible that someone experiencing a prolonged period may have an underlying blood disorder. The most common blood disorder in females is von Willebrand’s disease.

Blood disorders can cause heavy bleeding and periods that last for longer than 7 days. Other symptoms of a blood disorder include:

• anemia
• heavy bleeding after surgery and childbirth
• bleeding for more than 10 minutes during a nosebleed
• bleeding for longer than 5 minutes after a cut
• easy and frequent bruising

Though menopause often occurs when a female approaches the age of 50, the body’s hormone levels can start to change several years prior. This stage is called perimenopause.

During perimenopause, periods can be less or more frequent, as well as shorter or longer than usual.

According to the National Cancer Institute, doctors will likely diagnose over 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer in 2019.

Cervical cancer can cause abnormal bleeding, including between periods and after sexual activity. It can also cause periods that are longer and heavier than usual.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV is very common and many people have it without knowing it, or without having any symptoms. Only a few types of HPV lead to cervical cancer.

Most symptoms of cervical cancer are similar to those of more common conditions, such as PCOS or endometriosis. It is important to attend regular Pap tests, which can help a doctor diagnose HPV or cervical cancer.

Cancer treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Though most long periods will resolve on their own, if a person experiences any of the following symptoms, they should speak to a doctor:

• periods that last for longer than 7 days
• unexplained bleeding
• unusual discharge
• heavy periods
• nausea, vomiting, or severe pain during a period
• unexplained weight loss

Some people find that certain home remedies help relieve their period symptoms sooner. These home remedies include:

• having an orgasm through masturbation or sex, as contractions in the uterus may help it shed the uterine lining
• drinking plenty of water or hydrating fluids
• exercising regularly
• eating a healthful, balanced diet

However, there is not yet enough scientific evidence to back up these claims.

Having a single period that does not seem to stop is not usually a sign of a serious medical problem. However, if it is painful or bothersome, a person can speak to a doctor about possible solutions.

Having long periods frequently can indicate one of several potential conditions, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. A doctor can help diagnose and treat these conditions.

Often, taking hormonal birth control pills or switching the type of hormonal medication can help people find relief.

9 ways to treat symptoms

Endometriosis can cause painful periods, cramps, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Home remedies may help ease endometriosis pain by controlling inflammation, relaxing the muscles, and improving overall health.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue that resembles the uterine lining grows elsewhere in the body. This tissue may, for example, form on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowel, or bladder.

Endometrial tissue gets thicker at the start of a period and sheds during it. In someone with endometriosis, the endometrial-like tissue elsewhere in the body also starts to drop away during this time. This can cause pain and cramping, and scar tissue may form.

While there is no cure for this condition, some treatments and home remedies can relieve the pain and discomfort.

This article discusses nine home remedies for endometriosis symptoms, as well as what to avoid, available treatments, and more.

A person might find that the following techniques help reduce the pain and other symptoms of endometriosis.

1. Heat

Taking a warm bath or placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on the lower abdomen can help relax cramping pelvic muscles and reduce pain.

This is common remedy for menstrual cramps that may offer immediate relief for some people with endometriosis.

2. Pelvic massage

Pelvic massage may ease endometriosis-related pain. Manipulation of the pelvis and lower back may increase blood flow to the area, relaxing it and reducing pain associated with scar tissue from this condition.

3. Over-the-counter pain relievers

Pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are available over the counter.

NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation, which may relieve cramping and pain.

Before taking over-the-counter medications, particularly for long periods, speak with a healthcare professional about a safe dosage.

4. Dietary changes

Altering the diet may reduce endometriosis symptoms, though identifying the most effective changes requires more research.

However, minimizing the consumption of red meat and increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve overall health.

Some experts recommend an elimination diet. This involves eating no foods that tend to cause inflammation, then reintroducing them one by one to determine which are problematic.

Potentially problematic foods are heavily processed or contain:

• dairy
• gluten
• sugars

Keeping a food diary and tracking symptoms can also help a person identify any foods that may worsen symptoms.

Can a gluten-free diet improve endometriosis symptoms?

There is some evidence that a gluten-free diet may help reduce pain associated with endometriosis.

In a 2021 study, 75% of the 156 participants with endometriosis who had a gluten-free diet for 12 months reported an improvement in their symptoms.

The Endometriosis Foundation of America also reports that cutting out gluten may help reduce endometriosis pain.

To follow a gluten-free diet, a person should not eat grains such as wheat, rye, or barley. These are in many processed foods and products such as bread, pasta, and desserts, though gluten-free options may be available.

5. Rest

During the day, taking a few minutes to rest, such as by practicing deep breathing, taking a walk, or listening to music, may help reduce stress.

Also, getting enough sleep is crucial. Not doing so can cause changes in hormone levels, inflammation, and pain.

6. Herbal supplements

Certain herbal supplements might help reduce endometriosis symptoms.

Some research has found that white peony, licorice, and a mix of Sea buckthorn and St. John’s wort may provide some pain relief for people with endometriosis.

It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor supplements for quality, dosage, or purity. Some companies rely on third-party lab testing to vet their supplements. However, it is crucial to speak with a doctor before taking any supplement and buy from reputable sources.

Can turmeric cure endometriosis?

Some practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine use a variety of herbs to provide pain relief. While it cannot cure endometriosis, turmeric, for example, has anti-inflammatory properties.

A turmeric supplement may help ease endometriosis-related pain. The supplements are in capsule form, and many people consume turmeric in teas and meals.

7. Omega-3 fatty acids

Some research has suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the tissue that characterizes endometriosis from forming. Fatty fish, such as salmon, contain these acids, and there are also some vegan and vegetarian sources. A person can take them as a daily supplement.

8. CBD Oil

Manufacturers derive cannabidiol (CBD) oil from the cannabis plant. Depending on the product, it may contain no or only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound in the plant that produces a “high.”

CBD oil may help ease pain associated with endometriosis. In a 2017 study, researchers found that CB1 and CB2 antagonists may have therapeutic benefits for people with endometriosis pain.

A person can find CBD oil in a variety of products, including creams, ointments, and oral supplements. However, the legality varies by state, so check local laws before making a purchase.

Learn more about CBD oil for pain management.

9. Light exercise

Regular exercise helps release endorphins. These “feel good” hormones can help reduce pain.

Regular physical activity may also:

• curb inflammation
• reduce fatigue and brain fog
• ease constipation
• improve overall health
• boost mobility

However, a 2020 study found that people with endometriosis may have reduced lower back strength, flexibility, and balance, and overall less ability to stay physically active than people without the condition.

The researchers concluded that exercise, especially physical therapy, can help improve overall physical health and reduce some related pain, such as lower back pain, for people with endometriosis.

In a small study, researchers noted that pelvic floor exercises helped reduce the pain associated with the condition.

Still, determining the effects of exercise, including pelvic floor exercises, on endometriosis pain requires more research.

People with endometriosis may benefit from medical treatments to reduce pain and other symptoms.

Treatments for endometriosis that a doctor may recommend include:

• hormone therapy, such as hormonal birth control
• surgical treatments
• pain medications, such as prescription NSAIDs

Limiting the consumption of certain foods may help reduce symptoms and limit their future severity. Some foods a person may wish to avoid include:

• gluten
• caffeine
• alcohol
• soy products
• dairy products
• red meat
• nonorganic foods
• sweets
• high fat foods
• heavily processed foods

The exact cause is not known, but the causes may involve:

• the immune system
• complications of surgery
• the flow of periods
• inherited genes
• levels of estrogen

Symptoms of endometriosis vary. One person may be unaware that they have it, while another may have symptoms so severe that they need to stay in bed for several days each month.

Regular checkups are important during treatment. A person should report new symptoms and any changes in their periods to a doctor.

The doctor will likely evaluate new or worsening pelvic pain by:

• taking a detailed history
• performing a physical exam, including a pelvic exam
• possibly ordering an ultrasound to view the pelvic organs.

The next step may be laparoscopy. This involves a surgeon using a thin scope to look for endometrial implants and other potential causes of symptoms.

Endometriosis can cause difficulty getting pregnant, and anyone planning a pregnancy may want to consult a fertility doctor. Some treatments for endometriosis can also impact fertility.

Below, find answers to some common questions about endometriosis.

What happens if endometriosis goes untreated?

Not all people respond well to the same treatments, and not all treatments work well for everyone. For example, people who want to become pregnant should avoid hormonal treatments.

If the growths expand unchecked, this can lead to:

• inflammation
• scar tissue, which can cause pelvic pain and infertility
• bladder and intestinal complications
• fallopian tube blockage
• the formation of ovarian cysts

Where do people feel endometriosis pain?

A person with endometriosis may have pain:

• after or during sex
• during a menstrual period
• during bowel movements
• in the intestinal area
• in the lower back or pelvic area

The pain during a period may involve severe cramping and painful urination.

What triggers endometriosis pain?

Some possible triggers can include:

• stress
• sexual intercourse
• periods
• certain foods, which we describe in more detail above

Can you cure endometriosis naturally?

There is no cure for endometriosis. Natural and home remedies may help ease the symptoms, and a doctor can describe the risks and possible benefits of medical treatments.

Is there a way to reduce the number of endometriosis growths?

To do this, a person would likely need to have the growths surgically removed. This is an option that the doctor may suggest.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition. There is no cure, but home remedies and professional treatments may help ease the symptoms and prevent complications.

While the home remedies above are often useful, a doctor can recommend additional approaches to managing the symptoms.

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