Why do some periods last longer than usual. What are the potential causes of a period that won’t stop. How can prolonged menstrual bleeding be treated effectively. When should you seek medical attention for an abnormally long period.

Understanding the Normal Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a natural biological process that occurs in women of reproductive age. Typically, a period lasts between 2 to 7 days, with the average duration being about 5 days. During this time, the uterus sheds its lining, resulting in the discharge of blood and tissue through the vagina.

However, some women may experience periods that seem to last longer than usual, raising concerns about their menstrual health. It’s important to understand what constitutes a normal period and when prolonged bleeding might indicate an underlying issue.

What is considered a normal period duration?

A normal menstrual period generally lasts between 2 to 7 days, with most women experiencing bleeding for about 3 to 5 days. The flow typically starts heavier and gradually lightens over the course of the period. If your period consistently falls within this range, it’s likely considered normal.

When should you be concerned about a prolonged period?

If your period regularly lasts longer than 7 days or if you experience sudden changes in your menstrual cycle, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider. Prolonged periods can sometimes indicate underlying health issues or hormonal imbalances that require attention.

Ovulation Spotting: A Common Cause of Extended Bleeding

One reason why a period might seem to last longer than usual is ovulation spotting. This occurs when a small amount of bleeding happens during ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries.

How can you differentiate ovulation spotting from your period?

Ovulation spotting is typically much lighter than regular menstrual flow and usually lasts only a day or two. It often appears as light pink or brown discharge and may be accompanied by mild cramping. If you notice this type of bleeding about two weeks before your next expected period, it’s likely related to ovulation.

The Impact of Birth Control on Menstrual Bleeding

Birth control methods, particularly hormonal contraceptives, can significantly affect menstrual bleeding patterns. Both intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control pills can cause changes in the duration and intensity of periods.

How do IUDs affect menstrual bleeding?

IUDs, both hormonal and non-hormonal types, can cause abnormal bleeding patterns, especially in the first few months after insertion. Hormonal IUDs may lead to lighter periods or even no periods at all, while copper IUDs can initially cause heavier or longer periods. These effects usually stabilize within 3-6 months.

Can birth control pills cause prolonged periods?

Yes, hormonal birth control pills can affect menstrual bleeding. While many women use them to regulate their cycles, some may experience longer or heavier periods, especially when first starting a new pill. If prolonged bleeding persists beyond a few months, consult your healthcare provider about adjusting your birth control method.

Thyroid Disorders and Their Effect on Menstrual Cycles

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating various hormones in the body, including those involved in the menstrual cycle. Both an underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid can disrupt normal menstrual patterns.

What are the signs of thyroid-related menstrual irregularities?

Thyroid disorders can cause a range of menstrual irregularities, including prolonged periods, very light periods, or even several months without a period. Other symptoms may include fatigue, weight changes, and mood swings. If you suspect a thyroid issue, a simple blood test can help diagnose the problem, and appropriate medication can often restore normal menstrual function.

Endometriosis: A Common Cause of Prolonged and Painful Periods

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This can lead to various symptoms, including prolonged and heavy periods.

What are the key symptoms of endometriosis?

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Painful menstrual cramps
• Gastrointestinal issues during menstruation

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to consult a gynecologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Uterine Fibroids and Polyps: Structural Causes of Heavy Bleeding

Uterine fibroids and polyps are common growths that can develop in the uterus. While usually benign, they can cause significant menstrual irregularities, including prolonged and heavy periods.

How are fibroids and polyps diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis typically involves a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or other imaging tests. Treatment options vary depending on the size and location of the growths, as well as the severity of symptoms. Options may include medication, minimally invasive procedures, or in some cases, surgery.

Pregnancy-Related Bleeding: Miscarriage and Early Pregnancy

Sometimes, what appears to be a prolonged period may actually be related to pregnancy. This can include bleeding from a miscarriage or spotting in early pregnancy.

How can you distinguish pregnancy-related bleeding from a normal period?

Pregnancy-related bleeding is often different from a typical period. It may be lighter or heavier, and can be accompanied by other pregnancy symptoms like nausea or breast tenderness. If you suspect you might be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for confirmation.

In cases of miscarriage, bleeding can last from a few hours to several weeks. It’s crucial to seek medical attention to ensure there are no complications and to receive appropriate care.

Blood Disorders: Rare but Serious Causes of Prolonged Bleeding

While less common, certain blood disorders can cause prolonged menstrual bleeding. Von Willebrand’s disease is one such disorder that affects blood clotting and is more prevalent in women.

What are the signs of a blood disorder affecting menstruation?

Symptoms of a blood disorder that may affect menstruation include:

• Periods lasting longer than 7 days
• Extremely heavy menstrual flow
• Easy bruising
• Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts or injuries
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Anemia symptoms like fatigue and weakness

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to consult a hematologist for proper diagnosis and management.

Perimenopause: Transitional Changes in Menstrual Patterns

Perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, can cause significant changes in menstrual patterns. This phase typically begins in a woman’s 40s but can start earlier.

What menstrual changes are common during perimenopause?

During perimenopause, women may experience:

1. Irregular periods (longer or shorter cycles)
2. Heavier or lighter flow than usual
3. Periods that last longer or shorter than before
4. Skipped periods
5. Mood swings and other hormonal symptoms

These changes are normal and part of the body’s transition towards menopause. However, it’s still important to discuss significant changes with your healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Prolonged Periods

While some variation in menstrual patterns is normal, certain situations warrant medical attention. It’s important to recognize when prolonged bleeding might indicate a more serious issue.

What are the red flags for prolonged menstrual bleeding?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Periods consistently lasting longer than 7 days
• Bleeding so heavy that you need to change pads or tampons every hour
• Passing large blood clots (larger than a quarter)
• Severe pain accompanying the bleeding
• Bleeding between periods
• Fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness along with heavy bleeding

These symptoms could indicate underlying conditions that require prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Treatment Options for Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding

The treatment for prolonged menstrual bleeding depends on its underlying cause. Healthcare providers may recommend various approaches based on individual circumstances.

What are some common treatments for prolonged periods?

Treatment options may include:

1. Hormonal treatments (birth control pills, hormonal IUDs)
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce bleeding and pain
3. Iron supplements to prevent or treat anemia
4. Surgical procedures for fibroids or polyps
5. Endometrial ablation for heavy bleeding
6. Hormone therapy for perimenopausal symptoms
7. Specific treatments for underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or blood clotting issues

The most appropriate treatment will depend on the specific cause of the prolonged bleeding, your overall health, and your personal preferences.

Understanding the potential causes of prolonged periods and knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial for maintaining reproductive health. While occasional variations in menstrual patterns are normal, persistent changes or concerning symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most cases of prolonged menstrual bleeding can be effectively managed, improving quality of life and preventing potential complications.

12 reasons why and how to treat it

During a period, the uterus sheds its lining, causing blood and tissue to exit through the vagina. The amount of blood and tissue can vary from day to day, but the period typically stops around 2–7 days after it starts.

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.

Share on PinterestA person should speak to a doctor about which hormonal birth control pills will work best to regulate periods.

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.

Share on PinterestA person with endometriosis may experience chronic pain in the back and pelvis.

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:

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.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Causes, symptoms, and treatments

Polycystic ovary syndrome, widely known as PCOS, is an endocrine system disorder that affects women in their reproductive years. Small fluid-filled sacs develop on the ovaries.

It is also known as or Stein-Leventhal syndrome.

Symptoms include changes to the menstrual cycle and excess hair growth. Untreated, it can lead to infertility and other complications. The exact cause is unknown.

Early diagnosis and treatment are recommended. Weight loss may also decrease the risk of associated health risks, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

This article looks at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of PCOS.

Most women with PCOS grow a number of small cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, on their ovaries. The cysts are not harmful, but they can lead to an imbalance in hormone levels.

Women with PCOS may also experience menstrual cycle abnormalities, increased androgen (sex hormone) levels, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity.

In addition to the many health conditions associated with PCOS, which will be discussed in this article, PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women – because it can prevent ovulation.

Women who can conceive with PCOS have a higher incidence of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and premature delivery.

Currently, there is no known cause of PCOS. However, there are associations with excess insulin, low-grade inflammation, and genetics.

Risk factors

PCOS is thought to have a genetic component. People who have a mother or sister with PCOS are more likely to develop PCOS than someone whose relatives do not have the condition. This family link is the main risk factor.

Sugar is the body’s primary source of energy, and it is regulated in the body by insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas. A person with insulin resistance is unable to use insulin efficiently. This causes the pancreas to go into overdrive secreting additional insulin to meet the body’s glucose needs.

Excess insulin is thought to affect a woman’s ability to ovulate because of its effect on androgen production. Research has shown that women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens.

Associated health risks

There are several health risks associated with PCOS.

These include:

• type 2 diabetes
• infertility
• high cholesterol
• elevated lipids
• sleep apnea
• liver disease
• abnormal uterine bleeding
• high blood pressure
• obesity possibly leading to issues with low self-esteem and depression
• metabolic syndrome
• nonalcoholic fatty liver (steatohepatitis)
• depression and anxiety

Also, there is an increased risk of endometrial cancer, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, heart attacks, and miscarriage.

Apart from cysts on the ovaries, symptoms of PCOS include:

• irregular menses
• excess androgen levels
• sleep apnea
• high stress levels
• high blood pressure
• skin tags
• infertility
• acne, oily skin, and dandruff
• high cholesterol and triglycerides
  acanthosis nigricans, or dark patches of skin
• fatigue
• female pattern balding
• insulin resistance
• type 2 diabetes
• pelvic pain
• depression and anxiety
• weight management difficulties including weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  excessive facial and body hair growth, known as hirsutism
• decreased libido

No single test can determine the presence of PCOS, but a doctor can diagnose the condition through medical history, a physical exam that includes a pelvic exam, and blood tests to measure hormone, cholesterol, and glucose levels.

An ultrasound may be used to look at the uterus and ovaries.

There is no cure for PCOS, but treatment aims to manage the symptoms that affect an individual.

This will depend on whether the individual wants to become pregnant and aims to reduce the risk of secondary medical conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

There are several recommended treatment options, including:

Birth control pills: These can help regulate hormones and menstruation.

Diabetes medications: These help manage diabetes, if necessary.

Fertility medications: If pregnancy is desired, these include the use of clomiphene (Clomid), a combination of clomiphene and metformin, or injectable gonadotropins, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) medications. In certain situations, letrozole (Femara) may be recommended.

Fertility treatments: These include in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or inseminations.

Excessive hair growth may be reduced with the drug spironolactone (Aldactone) or eflornithine (Vaniqa). Finasteride (Propecia) may also be recommended, but it should not be handled by women who may become pregnant.

Anyone using spironolactone should use birth control, due to the risk of birth defects if taken while pregnant. Breast-feeding on this medication is not recommended.

Other possible options to manage hair growth is laser hair removal, electrolysis, hormonal treatments, or vitamin and mineral use.

Surgical options include:

• Ovarian drilling: Tiny holes made in the ovaries can reduce the levels of androgens being produced.
• Oophorectomy: Surgery removes one or both ovaries.
• Hysterectomy: This involves removal of all or part of the uterus.
• Cyst aspiration: Fluid is removed from the cyst.

There is no cure for PCOS, but some home and lifestyle interventions can make a difference and relieve some symptoms.

These include:

• eating a healthy, well-balanced diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables
• participating in regular physical activity
• maintaining a healthy weight, to reduce androgen levels and reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease
• not smoking, as this increases levels of androgens and the risk of heart disease

Women who are affected by PCOS may experience the effects throughout their lifetime.

There may be an increased risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm births.

After delivery, there is an increased risk of the newborn being placed in the neonatal intensive care unit or death before, during, or soon after birth. These complications are more common in multiple births, for example, twins or triplets.

Symptoms such as excessive hair growth and male pattern baldness can last beyond menopause and may become worse.

With aging also comes the risk of the secondary health complications related to PCOS, including heart disease.

Conclusions

The causes of PCOS are unclear, but early diagnosis can help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Anyone who may have symptoms of PCOS should see a doctor.

Perimenopause periods: Key symptoms and management

The pattern of a person’s menstrual periods changes during perimenopause. Cycles can become longer or shorter, and sometimes, people may skip periods altogether.

The lead-up to menopause is called perimenopause. Changing hormone levels during this time can alter the frequency, symptoms, and regularity of a person’s periods.

Each person’s experience of perimenopause is different, and changes to the menstrual cycle vary between individuals.

When people are approaching menopause, hormonal shifts cause their bodies to ovulate less frequently. When the ovary does not release an egg, the uterus lining does not shed, and the person does not have a period.

The most common shift in the menstrual cycle is that a person begins to have fewer monthly periods.

Because ovulation is not occurring cyclically during perimenopause, the body produces smaller amounts of a hormone called progesterone. This can cause the lining of the uterus to build up for longer than usual, which makes periods less frequent and heavier.

Because of these hormonal fluctuations, people may notice the following changes in their periods during perimenopause:

• Less frequent periods. This occurs because people are ovulating less often.
• Longer, heavier periods. This happens because the lining of the uterus has time to grow thicker and takes longer to shed.
• Lighter periods. People may experience lighter periods when their estrogen levels are low. This is because estrogen increases the thickness of the uterus lining.
• Irregular periods. People may have irregular periods, spotting between periods, or both, when the uterus lining grows thicker than usual.
• Changing menstrual symptoms. People may also notice an increase or decrease in their menstrual cramps and other symptoms.

The time between monthly periods can also vary greatly. Some people’s periods may change unpredictably from month to month. For example, their period may be heavy one month and absent the next.

In general, people experience lighter and less frequent periods as they go through perimenopause. If someone experiences, longer, heavier, and more frequent periods they should see their doctor to discuss possible reasons for this.

Over time, perimenopause will cause a person’s periods to become less frequent and eventually to stop altogether. Typically, doctors consider the transition into menopause as complete when an individual has gone 1 year without a period.

After 1 year, people should talk to their doctor about any vaginal bleeding.

If people notice that their menstrual symptoms are becoming more uncomfortable during perimenopause, they can try:

• taking over-the-counter pain relievers or specific medicines for period symptoms
• exercising to reduce bloating and help with cramps
• practicing meditation to help relieve stress, pain, or mood swings
• applying heat to the back or stomach to help with cramps and muscle pain

People who experience irregular or painful periods might find relief from using hormonal birth control.

Many people report other symptoms during perimenopause, including mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and exhaustion. Doctors often prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help manage these symptoms.

Hormones can help with many symptoms, but people should note that they can carry health risks, including an increased risk of:

The risk is usually small and depends on the person’s overall health and the specific treatment used. So, always discuss the benefits and risks with a doctor.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists noted that certain herbs, including soy and black cohosh, may help with some perimenopause symptoms. Always talk to a doctor before trying new remedies, including these supplements, which are available over-the-counter.

Some people believe that soy helps perimenopause symptoms because it mimics estrogen.

According to a 2017 study, eating a diet rich in soy products may help people regulate their hormones. The researchers found that certain soy supplements can reduce the number of menopause symptoms a person experiences.

Because most people still have periods during perimenopause, it is still possible to get pregnant during this time. Those who already use hormonal birth control should continue taking it if they want to avoid pregnancy.

Some dietary changes can help a person stay healthy during this transition.

Diet tips include:

• Eating a varied, nutritious, and healthful diet. Many people find that their metabolism slows down during this stage of life, causing more weight gain than usual.
• Including calcium and vitamin D in the diet to prevent osteoporosis and broken bones. Dairy products and dark leafy greens are rich in these nutrients. Some people also choose to take a supplement.
• Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration. This may also help with dry skin and vaginal dryness.

The regular monthly period is not the only reason why people may bleed.

Because a person’s periods are often irregular during perimenopause, they should pay extra attention for any abnormal symptoms — particularly as some uterus-related conditions are more common during and after perimenopause.

People may bleed because of:

• Endometrial atrophy. Low estrogen in perimenopause and menopause can cause the tissue of the uterus to get very thin, which can cause irregular bleeding.
• Uterine polyps. These are benign growths that can grow inside the uterus and cervix. Polyps do not always cause symptoms, but some people notice bleeding after sex.
• Endometrial hyperplasia. Hormonal shifts can cause the lining of the uterus to thicken in perimenopause. When the body has too much estrogen without enough progesterone, this thickness may cause bleeding. Bleeding is its most common symptom. Endometrial hyperplasia is treatable but can increase a person’s risk of cancer.
• Uterine Cancer. Uterine cancer happens when abnormal or atypical cells progress into cancer. Though rare, it generally presents with heavy bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding.

Perimenopause is not a disease and does not require treatment. It can, however, increase people’s risk of developing certain diseases. Moreover, the menstrual cycle can change for reasons other than perimenopause.

Anyone experiencing changes in their menstrual cycle should see a doctor for a diagnosis.

People going through perimenopause should see a doctor if:

• they experience side effects associated with hormone treatments
• they bleed after 1 year without a period
• they experience bleeding that is very heavy, very painful, or that soaks through more than a pad or tampon an hour
• hormone therapy stops helping with perimenopause symptoms
• they experience pain or bleeding during or after sex

The transition to menopause is different for everyone, both physically and psychologically.

People should discuss their symptoms with a healthcare provider they trust.

Support from loved ones, support groups, or a therapist can help with the emotional side effects of perimenopause.

Though dealing with the changes can be difficult, this new stage in life can be a time of growth and reflection that offers new purpose and meaning.

​​Long Periods – Causes, Treatments, When To See A Doctor

Let’s not be coy here: Bleeding out of your vagina every single month is already kind of a pain. So when your period decides to extend its visit a little longer than usual, it can be downright infuriating—and concerning, TBH.

Hey, in a perfect world your period would come a-knockin’ at the same time each month, without all those crappy symptoms, and hang around for a few days before quietly bidding you adieu. But this isn’t a perfect world (alas), and menstruation—what it looks like, feels like, and how long it lasts—is different for every woman.

You might have a period that goes on for a full week, while others might be more accustomed to only a few short days of bleeding. For some women, though, long periods happen from time to time—and it can be nerve-wracking when you’re just not sure why your period won’t go away.

So, here’s a quick refresher on what a typical period length looks like, why long periods can happen, and how to know if it’s time to ask a doc about how long your period is hangin’ around.

How long does a period typically last?

There’s a pretty big range of normal when it comes to period length. “Usually, it can last anywhere between five to seven days,” says Jessica Shepherd, MD, a minimally invasive gynecologist in Dallas. “But there are times at which it can be a few days longer or shorter.”

Here’s a little Menstrual Cycle 101: During each cycle, your body’s sending hormones to thicken the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to make it a nice little home for a potentially fertilized egg. About midway through your cycle, one of your ovaries releases an egg, which then travels down the fallopian tubes to this newly plush uterus where, if it’s not fertilized by a sperm, it flows out of the body, along with the uterine lining that built up.

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While this process is the same for nearly every woman, the length of their periods might differ depending on their specific hormonal shifts over the course of their cycle, which affects the endometrium development, and in turn, the number of days it takes for it to shed, Dr. Shepherd explains.

So, if your period is a day or two longer or shorter than your usual period length and you don’t notice any other symptoms or issues that seem unusual for you (like extreme menstrual pain or cramps or very heavy bleeding), it’s probably not a reason to be concerned.

When should you call your doc about long periods?

If your period lasts longer than seven days, or if it suddenly changes significantly in length for three or more cycles in a row, that warrants a call to your ob-gyn, says Tom Toth, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at Boston IVF. It’s also worth seeing your doc if you’re soaking a pad or tampon every hour for several hours or passing clots.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re dealing with something serious, but you want to get to the root of your period problem sooner rather than later. That’s because once you’re north of seven days and still bleeding, you’re at an increased risk for menorrhagia.

Simply put, menorrhagia is when bleeding is too heavy and interferes with your quality of life or requires interventions like blood transfusions, iron transfusions, medications or surgical procedures, Dr. Shepherd explains. Menorrhagia can also lead to other issues, like anemia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Anemia can cause you to experience fatigue, weakness, and, in severe cases, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Taking iron supplements can help improve symptoms, but you need to see your doc to get an the cause of the heavy bleeding.

How might your doctor diagnose a long period?

“Your doctor will ask how often you get your period, how many days it lasts, and do you have bleeding in between your period or after sex,” says Jodie Horton, MD, an ob-gyn in Oakton, Virginia, and chief wellness advisor for Love Wellness. “Other important clues to determine what is causing your abnormal uterine bleeding is how heavy your periods are, what medications you’re taking, if you’ve been tested for sexually transmitted infections and are up to date on your Pap smears.” So you’ll want to know that info before your visit.

Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to evaluate the cervix and the size and regularity of the uterus, as well as a pelvic ultrasound or hysteroscopy to see inside your cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries for any abnormalities.

It sounds scary, but most causes of prolonged menstrual bleeding (like many of the ones below) aren’t a big deal and can be fixed or improved with the help of your doctor, Dr. Toth notes. And you deserve to have a normal period that doesn’t totally suck.

Here’s what might be causing your super long periods, and what you can do about each cause.

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1. You have an IUD.

One of the most common causes of long periods in younger women are intrauterine devices (IUDs), a type of birth control placed directly into your cervix. There are two main types: a non-hormonal, copper-based IUD (like Paraguard), and a hormonal, progestin-based IUD (like Mirena and Skyla).

If you experienced a prolonged period for three or more cycles, see your doctor.

It turns out that both can cause abnormally long bleeding, especially right after insertion, Dr. Toth says. Longer, heavier periods are a known side effect of the copper IUD. The progestin IUD, however, is often marketed to women as a way to reduce or even eliminate their periods. And while it typically does have that effect over time, the first few cycles may have more or longer bleeding than usual, he explains.

With either IUD, if the prolonged periods don’t settle down after three cycles, it’s time to go back to your doctor, as it’s possible the IUD moved out of position or simply doesn’t play nice with your body.

2. You’re ovulating.

Menstruation is your body’s way of getting rid of the extra blood and tissue it saved up in case your egg got fertilized, but sometimes the hormonal signals get crossed and you can bleed when you release the egg too, says Sherry Ross, MD, an ob-gyn and author of She-ology.

This occurrence is known as “intermenstrual bleeding,” and it happens as a result of the slight dip in estrogen that happens around ovulation, which can cause spotting. If the bleeding lasts a few days or happens close to the end of your last cycle, it may seem like your period is continuing forever. It’s not normally something to worry about, but if it changes suddenly or if you have serious pain, see your doctor.

3. You’re pregnant (yes, really).

Wait just a second: Isn’t the tell-tale sign of pregnancy no periods? Yes, but not all the time, Dr. Toth says. “A common cause for abnormal menses, including longer bleeding, is pregnancy,” he explains, adding that typical symptoms of pregnancy, like nausea, may be absent. “Any time a woman has unusual bleeding, it’s always best to eliminate possibility of pregnancy with a blood test for pregnancy for reassurance,” he says.

4. You’re on hormonal birth control.

Anything that manipulates your hormones has the potential to make your periods longer, says Dr. Toth. This includes all types of hormonal birth control like the pill, patches, rings, shots, and implants. The good news is that there are lots of options with varying levels and types of hormones, so if your body doesn’t respond well to one type or dosage, there’s a good chance you can find a different one that will work.

The length of your period is just one factor your doctor will use to help you determine which type of birth control works best for you.

5. You had an early miscarriage.

Early miscarriages are much more common than you may realize. Up to half of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, often before the woman even realizes she was pregnant, according to the March of Dimes.

Sometimes the only sign is an extra-heavy or long period. Your menstrual cycle length should return to normal within one to two cycles; if it stays abnormally long after three cycles, call your doctor, Dr. Toth says.

About one in 100 women suffer from repeat miscarriages, so it’s important to rule out a condition that affects fertility, like endometriosis.

6. You have PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects about 10 percent of women of childbearing age, per the Office of Women’s Health (OWH). It’s named for the cysts that grow on the ovaries, preventing eggs from maturing, and often causing fertility issues.

PCOS also wreaks havoc on hormone levels, causing weight gain, excess hair growth, and (you guessed it) prolonged periods, Dr. Toth says. You’d think that not ovulating would give you a free pass on bleeding, but the opposite is often true, he adds—no egg means long, wacky cycles.

If you’re experiencing super-long periods along with other signs of PCOS, like migraines, facial hair growth, and weight gain, talk to your ob-gyn about getting tested for the condition.

7. 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.

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 you’re experiencing any of those, along with longer-than-normal periods, bring it up to your doctor, says Dr. Ross.

8. You have an underlying blood disorder.

Getty Images

It’s rare, but it’s possible that extra-long periods are a sign of an underlying illness, like a hematologic (blood) disease, says Dr. Toth. Some of the underlying diseases associated with bleeding, like hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease, are genetic, so if you have this you likely already know about it.

Still, if your periods are lasting a super-long time, and you’ve already been cleared for other conditions, it’s worth checking in with your doctor about tests to rule out a blood disorder that you might not be aware of.

9. You have uterine polyps or fibroids.

“Uterine abnormalities, such as polyps or fibroids, can cause prolonged periods because they distort the endometrial cavity which can lead to increased blood flow,” Dr. Toth explains. Basically, your body senses something in your uterus that isn’t supposed to be there, and tries extra hard to get rid of it.

Polyps and fibroids sound scary, but they’re pretty common—up to 80 percent of women will have at least one before they’re 50, per the OWH. On their own, they don’t indicate a serious disease, like cancer. Important to note: Black women are two to three times more likely to have fibroids than white women, and the reasons for their increased risk are not well understood or well studied due to lack of representation of Black women in research, notes Dr. Horton. “Black women are also more likely to be hospitalized due to fibroids due to heavy, prolonged vaginal bleeding, pain, and symptoms from anemia.”

But for many people, these benign growths don’t have any symptoms, and if they do, it’s usually prolonged periods, says Dr. Toth. Most likely your doc will just recommend keeping an eye on them, but if they cause pain or grow very large they can be surgically removed.

10. You have undiagnosed cervical cancer.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding—such as bleeding after vaginal sex or bleeding and spotting between periods—can be a sign of cervical cancer. (Yet another reason to check in with your doctor if you notice something strange going on with your period.)

Because cervical abnormalities can be detected through Pap and HPV tests, make sure you stay on top of those, and always tell your doctor about your family history of female cancers.

11. Your body’s gearing up for menopause.

Oh yes, simply getting older can mess with your period. Menopause, which technically means you’ve gone 12 or more months without a period, hits women around age 50. However, your body starts the natural decline in hormones that leads up to menopause (a.k.a. perimenopause) as early as 35, says Christiane Northrup, MD, author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom.

When this happens, you may notice your periods getting longer or shorter, your cycle becoming more random, and other slight changes in your menstruation.

If you’ve ruled out everything else, and you’re in your mid- to late-30s, your prolonged periods might simply be due to the natural process of aging. There is, however, such a thing as early menopause, which can affect women even in their twenties. So talk to your doctor if this runs in your family or if you’re showing other signs of menopause, like a low sex drive or insomnia.

12. You’re under a lot of stress.

The body’s reaction to stress can change the levels of many hormones that cause your period to last longer than necessary, says Dr. Horton.

“Stress can cause delayed ovulation, causing your period to start later than expected, which can make your periods longer and heavier than usual,” she explains. “Identifying and eliminating stressors in your life will help regulate your periods over time. Meditation, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise are also effective ways to manage stress.”

13. You’re 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.

14. You’re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.

An unusually heavy period can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy found outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes), says Dr. Horton. Taking a pregnancy test can help you figure out if that’s what’s going on.

“If you have a positive pregnancy test and have pain and vaginal bleeding, you should be evaluated,” she says. “Your doctor will get blood work and a pelvic ultrasound to see where the pregnancy is located and, if it is ectopic, treat it with medicine or surgery.” Unfortunately, it’s not safe for a mother to carry an ectopic pregnancy.

15. You’re actually pregnant and have placenta previa.

This type of heavy vaginal bleeding is actually unrelated to a period, though you might think it is one if you don’t yet know you’re pregnant. Placenta previa is a condition that happens during pregnancy where the placenta covers the cervix, explains Dr. Horton.

Patients will usually have heavy vaginal bleeding throughout their pregnancy and will need to deliver their baby by C-section. Take a pregnancy test and see your doctor to figure out the best treatment method.

16. You have adenomyosis.

Adenomyosis is a condition where the uterus lining, called the endometrium, is found in the muscular portion of the uterus. It is common in women who are in their 40s and have heavy, prolonged, and painful periods, says Dr. Horton. It’s also common to experience painful sex and frequent miscarriages with this condition, which is often difficult to diagnose until other possibilities are ruled out.

“With adenomyosis, the uterus is usually larger than average, and that leads to heavy, painful periods,” she explains. Your doctor may order a pelvic ultrasound or MRI to help make the diagnosis.”

There is, unfortunately, no cure for adenomyosis, though symptoms are treatable, says Dr. Horton, so talk to your doc about your options.

17. You have pelvic inflammatory disease.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, like that from gonorrhea and chlamydia, traveling from the cervix into the fallopian tube. PID can cause bleeding that is heavier than normal, spotting between menstrual cycles or spotting after sex.

“If you have abnormal bleeding and pain, get a pelvic exam and get tested for sexually transmitted infections,” says Dr. Horton. They can be treated with medication, which will stop the progression of PID too. Left untreated though, and PID can cause lasting issues with fertility.

18. You’re medically overweight or obese.

Obesity can affect your menstrual cycle, says Dr. Horton, because larger bodies produce excess estrogen, which can affect how often you have your periods and eventually cause you to stop ovulating regularly. “When you stop having periods every month, the lining of the uterus will become thick, and eventually shed, resulting in very heavy and prolonged bleeding.”

Losing weight (ideally 15 percent of your body weight) can help you regulate your periods, she says. Your doctor may also prescribe birth control pills or progesterone to help with the prolonged heaving bleeding.

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Three weeks of heavy vaginal bleeding, very worried

Hi there, my situation is exactly the same as yours.  I am 40 years old when the symtoms started in 2018 April.  I went to private doctor who prescribed me hormone tablets to stop the bleeding, but I did not take it as other people said that hormone tablets are not good.  She also gave me a scan and found that I have an 4cm ovarian cysts but she said that the fluid is clear, so that is not a problem and it is not related to my heavy bleeding.  I went to A&E as I suffered severe blood loss and I had iron water transfusion.  I was in Hong Kong on holiday when I went to A&E, the doctor did extract cell from my womb (cannot remember the proper name for this procedure), however, now I am back to UK, I did not have a chance to see the report.  I actually think that my problem started dated back to three years ago, I had abnormal heavy period and uncomfortable pain on my left side.  I went to see my GP and had a scan, she just told me that the lining of the womb was thick.  But she cannot see any other problems.  Because my period returned to normal amount (but shorter cycle, from 28days to 25days), I did not followed up until last year, my period got out of hand.  The doctor in Hong Kong prescribed me Tranexamic acid too, but I have the same point of view as yours, I would like the bleeding to stop on its own, hence, I can find out the underlying problem.

Before I went to A&E (July) in Hong Kong, I went to GP (June) first.  She just gave me some swabs to do it at home and asked me to have blood tests.  She said that the procedure has changed.  She cannot refer me to have a scan until the tests for diseases.  I said that I thought she is the one to take the samples with the swabs, she said that it has changed too, it is now the patient to do it at home.  I never used a tampon before, in the end, I did not do it cos I found it scary to use the swabs.  And I suffered from severe blood loss, I did not go for a blood test neither.

I don’t know, I just feel helpless.  May I know the situation of yours now?  Maybe everything is alright, I am just going through early menopause? (which GP and doctor in HK said that I am not, but they did not tell me what the problem is) 

Irregular periods – NHS

Irregular periods aren’t always a sign of a problem, but sometimes it’s a good idea to see a doctor about them just in case.

What are irregular periods?

You have irregular periods if the length of your menstrual cycle (the gap between your periods starting) keeps changing.

Your periods may come early or late.

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, although it’s normal for it to be a bit shorter or longer than this.

After puberty, many women develop a regular cycle with a similar length of time between periods. But it’s not uncommon for it to vary by a few days each time.

Causes of irregular periods

There are many possible causes of irregular periods. Sometimes they may just be normal for you.

Common causes include:

• puberty – your periods might be irregular for the first year or two
• the start of the menopause (usually between the ages of 45 and 55)
• early pregnancy – take a pregnancy test to rule this out
• some types of hormonal contraception – such as the contraceptive pill or intrauterine system (IUS)
• extreme weight loss or weight gain, excessive exercise or stress
• medical conditions – such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or a problem with your thyroid

When to see a GP

You don’t need to get medical advice if you have always had slightly irregular periods or you’re still going through puberty.

But see a GP if:

• your periods suddenly become irregular and you’re under 45
• you have periods more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days
• your periods last longer than 7 days
• there’s a big difference (at least 20 days) between your shortest and longest menstrual cycle
• you have irregular periods and you’re struggling to get pregnant

There might not be anything wrong, but it’s a good idea to get checked out to see what the cause might be.

You might be referred to a specialist called a gynaecologist if you need any tests or treatment.

Trying for a baby

It can be more difficult to get pregnant if you have irregular periods because you might not ovulate (release an egg) regularly.

It can help to have sex every 2 or 3 days throughout your cycle. You don’t need to time sex around ovulation.

Read more about trying to get pregnant.

Sometimes hormone medicine or fertility treatment may be needed if you’re struggling to get pregnant naturally.

More about periods and other period problems

Read more about:

Video: menstrual cycle

This animation explains in detail how the menstrual cycle works.

Media last reviewed: 21 October 2020
Media review due: 21 October 2023

Page last reviewed: 27 April 2021
Next review due: 27 April 2024

Why Do I Get My Period Twice a Month? Causes of Frequent Periods

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is when you go through what used to be called “the change,” and declining estrogen levels can make your cycle irregular and your periods more (or less) frequent, as well as shorter or longer and lighter or heavier.

A lot of times, people refer to this transitional time as menopause, but menopause doesn’t officially begin until you’ve gone a full year without a period. The average age for menopause is in the late 40s and early 50s, but it’s possible to arrive there earlier or later.

You can be in perimenopause for about eight to 10 years before reaching menopause. Some women also have early (before age 45) or premature (before age 40) menopause. Changes in period frequency may be a sign that you’re entering one of these phases.

Abnormal uterine bleeding has a lot of potential causes, though. Don’t assume it’s perimenopause-related, and see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. If your frequent periods are due to perimenopause, you may be able to regulate them with birth control pills, patches, or rings.

Bleeding After Menopause

Any vaginal bleeding after menopause is considered abnormal and may be a sign of serious disease, including endometrial cancer. Call your doctor right away if you’re postmenopausal and have any vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus (called the endometrium) grows on the outside of that organ. The two primary symptoms of endometriosis are painful periods, excessive bleeding, and short menstrual cycles—which can mean having two periods a month.

The reason for these extra and more severe periods is that your body has more endometrium to shed because of the overgrowth outside of the uterus. You might also have bleeding and pain when you ovulate because the tissue can adhere to the ovaries and form cysts.

Ovulation typically happens between 11 and 21 days after the start of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your most recent period), depending on the length of your cycle. If you have a short cycle and bleed during ovulation, you may experience very frequent bleeding.

However, the bleeding that comes with ovulation should be just a bit of spotting. If it’s heavy enough to fill even a pantyliner, call your doctor.

Painful, frequent periods don’t always indicate endometriosis. Other symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Menstrual cramps that aren’t relieved by over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive gas
• Diarrhea
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Fatigue
• Headaches or migraines
• Leg pain
• Pain during vaginal penetration
• Painful bowel movements
• Difficulty getting pregnant

Endometriosis is often managed with low-dose birth control pills or other hormone therapies. In some cases, doctors recommend surgery to remove the problem tissues or to remove the uterus itself.

Thyroid Disease

Your thyroid gland and the hormones it produces are important for regulating your menstrual cycle. Having either too much or too little thyroid hormone can impact your periods in multiple ways, but having too little—called hypothyroidism—is the more likely one to give you frequent periods.

Hypothyroidism can also make your periods especially heavy. You may need to change your pad, tampon, or cup every hour or double up (such as wearing a tampon and pad.) They may also last longer than a week. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Feeling especially cold
• Constipation
• Muscle weakness
• Unexplained weight gain
• Joint or muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Especially dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Depression or sadness
• Puffy face
• Decrease in sweating

Hypothyroidism is typically treated with synthetic thyroid hormones.

Too Much Thyroid Hormone

Having too much thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism. It’s most often associated with less frequent or missed periods, or even the absence of periods.

Uterine Polyps or Fibroids

Uterine polyps, also called endometrial polyps, are soft growths in the endometrium. They can range from sesame-seed sized to larger than a golf ball and are not usually cancerous. Uterine polyps become more common with age and are rare in anyone under 20. You may develop one or many.

Uterine fibroids are another type of non-cancerous growth on the uterus, but they develop from the muscle tissue rather than the endometrium. They may be inside or outside of the uterus and, as with polyps, you can have one or several.

Both polyps and fibroids can cause menstrual irregularities, including more frequent periods, longer and heavier periods, and bleeding between periods. They can also interfere with your fertility and cause miscarriage. Other symptoms of uterine polyps include:

• Post-menopausal bleeding or spotting
• Bleeding after vaginal penetration
• Infertility

Other symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

• Bloating and distension
• Frequent urination and inability to empty your bladder
• Pain during vaginal penetration
• Pain in the lower back
• Constipation
• Vaginal discharge

Treatments for polyps and fibroids range from hormonal therapies and symptom management to surgical removal of the growths or, in more serious cases, hysterectomy.

Other Names for Fibroids

• Leiomyomas
• Myomas
• Uterine myomas
• Fibromas

Skipping or Discontinuing Birth Control

Birth control pills suppress your normal menstrual cycle with hormones that prevent ovulation. The pills usually come in a three-week supply followed by a week of placebos (pills that don’t contain hormones), and the lack of hormones during the placebo week is what makes you have a period.

When you go off of the pill, or even miss just a pill or two, your body may react like it does during the placebo week and start shedding the uterine lining. This can happen even if it hasn’t been very long since your last period. A similar process happens if you make a mistake with a birth control patch or ring.

The proper way to resume your birth control after missing one or more doses varies by type, so be sure to read the information that comes with your contraceptive or ask your doctor or pharmacist what to do. And don’t forget that you may need a backup method of contraception or emergency contraception to avoid an unintended pregnancy.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Sometimes, normal vaginal bacteria or sexually transmitted infections, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea, can move from the vagina up to the uterus and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The risk of this is higher during your period and when your cervix is open, such as if you’ve recently had a baby, miscarriage, abortion, or IUD placement.

PID can cause irregular menstrual cycles or spotting and cramping between periods. Other symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen
• Yellow or green vaginal discharge with a strange odor
• Fever or chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Burning with urination
• Pain during vaginal penetration

Repeated bouts of PID can cause scarring on the fallopian tubes that can lead to chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Antibiotics can clear up the infection but can’t get rid of the damage it does to your reproductive organs, so it’s important to get prompt treatment.

Warning: Anemia

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue and weakness. If you experience these symptoms during or after a heavy period, see your doctor to have your iron levels checked.

Cancer

Cancers of the reproductive organs can disrupt your hormones and menstrual cycle. While most menstrual irregularities aren’t a sign of cancer, they can be. This makes it important for you to see your doctor any time your menstrual cycle changes without a clear reason, such as missing a few birth control pills.

While cervical and ovarian cancers are tied to menstrual irregularities, they’re generally associated with long and heavy periods and less associated with more frequent periods. Uterine cancer can cause you to have periods more often.

Uterine Cancer

Two types of cancer are possible in your uterus:

• Endometrial cancer: By far the most common, tumors develop in the uterine lining.
• Uterine sarcoma: This extremely rare cancer develops in the wall of the uterus.

Either type of cancer can cause more frequent periods that may be very long and heavy, especially if you’re over 40. They can also cause bleeding between periods and spotting or bleeding after menopause. Other symptoms include:

• Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen/pelvis
• Unexplained weight loss
• After menopause, a thin, clear or white vaginal discharge

Treatments for uterine cancer depend on the type you have and how healthy you are. They may include:

Weight Gain and Obesity

Weight gain and obesity can affect the frequency of your period in a couple of ways. Rapid weight gain can throw your cycle off because it affects the hypothalamus, which is a part of your brain that regulates hormones. That can lead to hormonal fluctuations that may include more- or less-frequent periods.

Obesity has a complex relationship with menstruation. High levels of fat, also called adipose tissue, can upset the balance of sex hormones and lead to excess estrogen, which can make you have short menstrual cycles and more periods. It also can cause heavier bleeding, more cramps, and more prolonged pain during your period. These problems are most pronounced when the adipose tissue is concentrated around the abdomen.

Losing weight, or maintaining a healthy weight, can help keep your menstrual cycle regular. If you need help losing weight, talk to your doctor about what options you have.

Weight and PCOS

Being overweight may increase your risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can prevent ovulation and cause infrequent periods that tend to be longer than usual.

Lifestyle Changes

Changes in your day-to-day routine may have an impact on your menstrual cycle and lead to having more periods, including:

• High stress levels
• Extensive travel
• Increase in exercise levels
• Lack of sleep

All of these factors put the body under stress, which throws off the hypothalamus and leads to the release of excess cortisol (a stress hormone). All that cortisol causes changes to your hormone regulation that can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and either more or fewer periods.

Typically, a return to your normal routine will get your cycle back on track. If it keeps being irregular, talk to your doctor.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Your period becomes irregular
• You don’t have a period for three months
• Your periods are less than 21 days apart
• Your periods are more than 35 days apart
• You have a period that lasts more than 7 days
• You have an unusually heavy or painful period
• You bleed between periods
• You bleed at all after menopause

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my period come early?

Vitamin C, ginger, and turmeric have all been touted as having qualities that will induce a period. However, there is no scientific research proving that these or other natural substances can bring on menstruation. Good nutrition, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you avoid menstrual irregularities, though, so you can better predict when your period will occur.

Do you ovulate if you get your period twice a month?

You may not ovulate if you have short menstrual cycles and get your period more than once in a month. According to some research, if your cycle is fewer than 25 days, ovulation may not occur every time.

Could you be pregnant if you bleed before your period is due?

Some women do bleed at the start of their pregnancy, so if you begin spotting before your period is due, it could be the first sign that you’re pregnant. Known as implantation bleeding, this blood flow is usually much lighter than your normal period. Only about 15% to 20% of women experience implantation bleeding, though, so it isn’t typical.

A Word From Verywell

With so many factors influencing your menstrual cycle, it’s likely that you’ll experience some menstrual irregularities during your lifetime. You shouldn’t assume the worst every time things are off by a few days, but you should let your doctor know about any menstrual irregularities you have. Catching a problem early can prevent it from having a much bigger impact on your health and your life.

90,000 Psychologist: The acute period of adaptation of children to school lasts two to three weeks

The acute period of adaptation of schoolchildren to the new academic year lasts the first two to three weeks of training. Anastasia Ilyina, a medical psychologist, art therapist of the Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health of Children and Adolescents named after Sukhareva, reported this to the Moscow City News Agency.

“The acute crisis period lasts the first two or three weeks of training, and it is this time that determines how the student will feel and adapt further.Then comes the second period – stabilization, which can go up to two or three months. This means that in the first two to three weeks, children and parents, as a rule, face difficulties – psychological manifestations (anxiety, fears, irritability, resistance) and physical (fatigue, body aches, malaise, illness), ”said Ilyina …

According to the psychologist, if in the first weeks a student does not show symptoms of adaptation, then most likely he will have a delayed reaction in the second stage – after a month or more.To make the return to school smoother and more painless for the whole family, the specialist recommended that a “family council” be arranged before the start of the school year.

“Ask about the children’s experiences in front of school, whether they want to return to live learning or not. If you want, then why, what are the expectations, bonuses when you return (for example, a long-awaited meeting with friends). If you don’t feel like it, then clarify what fears or worries you have, think together how you can reduce them by home efforts or with the help of specialists.Share your parenting thoughts and feelings. The more information people have and they can talk about changes, the faster they adapt with less anxiety, ”Ilyina said.

The psychologist also recommended that parents talk to their children about the daily routine, support schoolchildren (especially in the first weeks of school), plan a pleasant time together so that the whole family is interested.

“Every year the child grows and matures, he simultaneously has more responsibility and some freedom,“ bonuses ”.Think about what kind of “bonus” your student could have at the beginning of the year (for example, in some families it is a privilege to go to bed 15-30 minutes later or receive pocket money). Such a balance between the new and the old helps to cope with the troubled times and contributes to the harmonious development of the whole family, ”added the psychologist.

Material reference: https://www.mskagency.ru/materials/3035227

90,000 Third trimester of pregnancy (28 to 40 weeks)

At 30 weeks of pregnancy, it’s time for your prenatal leave.In the case of twins, prenatal leave from 28 weeks. Active work, physical and mental overload during this period can provoke premature birth.

It’s time to put on the bandage – it will help the baby to maintain the desired position, and you will be in good shape after childbirth.

The child still needs a lot of nutrients, vitamins, and mineral salts. Use your vacation to relax, but don’t lie down for days. We hope that hiking in the fresh air has become a habit for you.

Do not forget to monitor the ratio of the fluid you drink and the fluid you expelled. Accumulating in the body, fluid disrupts the functioning of the kidneys, increases the load on the heart, which causes an increase in blood pressure. As a result, the child suffers: he lacks nutrients and oxygen.

Sharp headache, flashing of flies before the eyes, convulsions – signs of eclampsia, a severe complication of pregnancy that poses a threat to the life of the mother and child. Call an ambulance urgently.

At this time, the uterus becomes very sensitive to the baby’s jolts and movements, and its muscles periodically strain. She kind of does “gymnastics”. If this happens rarely and you do not feel pain, then everything is in order and there is no cause for concern. But if the uterus tenses frequently, pain appears – call an ambulance. If bloody discharge appears, amniotic fluid is poured out, do not expect contractions – immediately to the hospital!

Sexual life from 32-33 weeks is not recommended.

At 32 weeks, another scheduled ultrasound examination is prescribed to assess the correct functioning of the placenta, if necessary, a study of the fetal heart sounds.

The last month is the most difficult. The load on the body has increased as much as possible. You are already tired of the long wait. About two weeks before delivery, a mucous plug, which is a lump, sometimes slightly stained with blood, will come off the cervix.

Do not forget to replenish the lack of calcium in the body – until the last day of intrauterine existence, the child is intensively stored with minerals.Eat well and properly – the fetus greedily takes away everything valuable for the formation of the body. He needs protein now. Be sure to take a prenatal multivitamin. Take a rest during the day. Lie on your side, raise your legs a little.

Many women suffer from constipation at this time. Only a rational diet will help. Eliminate grapes, fresh cabbage, peas and other legumes, fresh milk, rolls, and sweets. Useful: yogurt, fermented baked milk, kefir. Steamed dried fruits normalize intestinal function well.Don’t take laxatives. In the last trimester of pregnancy, they can provoke uterine contractile activity and cause premature birth.

Sometimes, if the fetus is very large, the navel turns outward. Do not be alarmed and do not try to push it back. After giving birth, everything will return to normal.

By the last weeks of pregnancy, the mammary glands are greatly enlarged. The appearance of colostrum is another harbinger of a close birth. The bra should be tight, with wide straps, always cotton.

Be prepared for contractions to start at any time. Cut your fingernails and toenails shorter, shave your pubic hair. Prepare things for the newborn and for yourself. Show your husband or relatives where they are. Exchange card, passport, insurance policy, birth certificate should always be with you.

Think that you have to help your child to be born. Everything will be ok!

90,000 The most important thing in the first month of a child’s life

The development of internal organs and body systems continues after birth.The neonatal period begins at birth and lasts four weeks. The first month of a baby’s life is the main adaptive stage. A number of morphological and physiological changes take place, the newborn adapts to the new environment. About 40 percent of all infant deaths occur in the neonatal period, and three quarters of these deaths occur in the first week. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the condition of newborns, identify pathologies, timely therapy, and educate parents.

Regular patronage at this time is carried out by a pediatrician.The first home visit is required 1-3 days after discharge. The doctor then examines the newborn weekly, more often if necessary.

Already in the maternity hospital in the first days of life, the baby receives vaccinations – BCG, against hepatitis B. On the thirtieth day, revaccination against hepatitis B is carried out. No other vaccinations are given in the first month of life.

Observation of the development of the newborn

1. The first week the baby loses weight – physiological weight loss. Starting from 8-10 days, the weight is first restored, then added.The newborn “gains” 600-700 grams in the first month.
2. Temperature is unstable for two to three weeks and depends partly on the environment.
3. A pulse of 120-140 beats per minute is considered normal. When crying, it can reach 160-180.
4. Vision and hearing are not sufficiently developed. The baby sees blurry, does not focus the gaze well. Speech does not attract attention. The newborn reacts to loud sound, bright light.
5. The movements are chaotic, the baby cannot hold the toys, but he can grasp his mother’s finger.
6. On the 5-6th day there is a characteristic “milky” stool with a sour smell.
7. The frequency of urination gradually increases, after two weeks it reaches 15–20 times / day.

Doctors in this field

Special Attention Required:

Navel treatment. The remainder of the umbilical cord will dry out for several weeks. The umbilical wound should be treated with hydrogen peroxide 3%, it should be clean and dry.It is necessary to monitor this area and in case of any changes, suspicion of inflammation (redness, oozing), immediately inform the pediatrician.

Spring. The newborn’s head is slightly compressed and / or elongated and has two soft spots – fontanelles – places where the bones of the skull have not yet fused together. This anatomy helps to move down the birth canal. Do not be afraid of the fontanel pulsation – this is the norm. But a sunken or protruding fontanel is a reason for examination.

Eyes. Usually, the eyes of a newborn do not require special care: it is enough to wipe them with a cotton swab (disk) dipped in boiled water. Purulent discharge, redness of the eyes speak of conjunctivitis. You should not use drops on your own – a doctor should prescribe treatment. If you notice a yellowish tinge of the eyes, indicating jaundice, you should inform the pediatrician.

Leather. Newborns have sensitive skin prone to diaper rash. Therefore, after daily bathing, you should carefully examine the folds, use a powder.A yellowish tinge may indicate jaundice; if it appears, the pediatrician should be informed.

Nipples and genitals. They can be swollen, girls may have a small amount of blood on the diaper. This is normal, but if the blood and / or swelling does not go away after a couple of days, see your pediatrician. In a boy, undescended testicles should be observed.

The first month of life is an important stage of adaptation, on which future health depends. Provide the newborn with the closest attention and timely assistance during this period.

For detailed advice and observation in the first month of a child’s life, contact the experienced pediatricians of the medical centers “President-Med”

Read also:

Artist: Mamunts Tsovinar Alekseevna

Chief Physician President-Med Vidnoye

Higher Medical, Perm State Medical Institute, Faculty of General Medicine, specialty-general medicine

Make an appointment with a doctor

90,000 Dismissal of your own free will \ Consultant Plus

Dismissal of one’s own free will (in other words, at the initiative of the employee) is one of the most common grounds for terminating an employment contract.The initiative to terminate the employment relationship comes from the employee and does not imply its approval by the employer, because you cannot force a person to work against his will. However, even upon dismissal of one’s own free will, certain rules must be followed.

The procedure for voluntary dismissal

The procedure for dismissal of his own free will involves, first of all, an employee writing a letter of dismissal. The application specifies the date of dismissal and its basis (“of their own free will”), it must be signed by the employee indicating the date of drawing up.

It is not necessary to indicate in the application the reason for dismissal of your own free will . However, if circumstances require you to quit without working off, then the reason must be indicated, in addition, personnel service employees may ask to confirm it with documents. In other cases, the phrase “I ask you to dismiss me of my own free will on such and such a date” is enough.

After the application for dismissal is transferred to the personnel service, is an order of dismissal. Usually, a unified form of such an order (form No. T-8) is used, approved by the decree of the State Statistics Committee of 05.01.2004 No. 1. In the order, it is necessary to make a reference to clause 3 of part 1 of article 77 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, as well as provide the details of the employee’s application. The employee must be familiarized with the order of dismissal against signature. If the order cannot be brought to the attention of the dismissed (he is absent or refused to familiarize himself with the order), then a corresponding entry is made on the document.

Terms of voluntary dismissal

As a general rule, enshrined in the Labor Code, an employee must notify the employer of the upcoming dismissal at least two weeks in advance.The course of this period begins the next day after the employer receives the letter of resignation.

However, the so-called two-week work period can be reduced by agreement between the employee and the employer. In addition, the law does not oblige the employee to be at the workplace during the term of the notice of dismissal. He can go on vacation, sick leave, etc., while the terms of dismissal will not change.

There are legislative exceptions to the general rule on two-week work.So, upon dismissal during the trial period, the notice of dismissal is three days, and upon dismissal of the head of the organization – one month.

Calculation upon dismissal at will

Calculation upon dismissal of one’s own free will , as well as on other grounds, must be made on the day of dismissal, that is, on the last day of work. Settlement upon dismissal involves the payment of all amounts due to the employee: wages, compensation for unused vacations, payments provided for by the collective and labor agreement.If the dismissed employee used the vacation in advance, the paid vacation pay is recalculated, the corresponding amount is deducted from the salary during the final calculation.

If the employee was absent from work on the day of dismissal and could not receive a payment, he has the right to apply for it at any other time. The amount due to him must be paid no later than the next day after the application.

Dismissal of their own accord during vacation

The law does not prohibit resigning of your own free will during the vacation period .Such a prohibition is provided only for dismissal at the initiative of the employer. The employee has the right to write a letter of resignation while on vacation, or to attribute the date of the alleged dismissal to the vacation period.

If an employee wants to apply for dismissal while on vacation, it is not required to recall him from vacation

Also, an employee can resign of his own free will after using the vacation. Note that the granting of leave with subsequent dismissal is a right, not an obligation of the employer.If such leave is granted, the last day of the leave is considered the day of dismissal. However, for the purposes of settlements with the employee, the last day of work in this case is the day before the start of the vacation. On this day, the employee should be given a work book and all the necessary payments should be made. This is a kind of exception to the general rule given above, confirmed by judicial practice.

Dismissal of their own accord during sick leave

You can resign of your own free will during sick leave .The law prohibits such dismissal only at the initiative of the employer.

An employee has the right to apply for dismissal during a period of temporary incapacity for work. Also, a situation may arise when the previously agreed dismissal date falls on the sick leave period. In this case, the employer will issue the dismissal on the day specified in the application for dismissal, provided that the employee did not withdraw this application. The employer does not have the right to change the date of dismissal on his own.

On the last day of work, even if it falls on the sick leave period, the employer makes the final settlement, issues a dismissal order, in which he makes a note about the absence of the employee and the impossibility of acquainting him with the order.The employee will come for the work book after recovery, or, with his consent, it will be sent to him by mail. All amounts due to the employee will be paid to him no later than the next day after the submission of the corresponding request. However, temporary disability benefits will be assigned by the employer within 10 days from the date the sick leave is granted and paid on the day following the appointment, set for the payment of wages in the organization.

Documents on the topic “Dismissal of their own free will”

90,000 Coronavirus: Why Do Some Have Symptoms For Weeks?

• Dominic Hughes
• Health Correspondent

May 7, 2020

Photo Caption,

David spent several weeks communicating with his little daughter through the living room window

David Harris’s world shrank to the size of a living room.

Seven weeks ago he developed symptoms of Covid-19. He says it looked like a bad flu.

Then the 42-year-old British freelance architect isolated himself for the first time in his home in Bristol with his wife and little daughter.

After two weeks he got better, but after another two weeks, to Harris’s surprise, the symptoms returned.

“It was some kind of mini-saga with symptoms returning, I didn’t expect that at all,” he says.

“The second wave was much stronger – the same flu symptoms, but with shortness of breath, because of which I was sure that I had coronavirus.Then for two weeks I, as it seemed to me, was on the mend, “he says.

” And then, in the seventh week, the symptoms returned again. I started the third wave. Fortunately, they were not so strong, but still significant, “says David Harris.

Deciding that it was better not to take risks, David continued to self-isolate. He did not leave the living room of his house, he changed clothes only when he went out to shower, ate and slept

David’s wife took 10-month-old daughter Millie to the living room window and showed her to her husband so they could “chat” through the glass.

David was worn out by illness. He did not understand what would happen to him next.

“The hardest part is deciding when to get help. I didn’t want to waste NHS time because it’s obvious that there are people who are harder than me,” he says.

“But I didn’t want to find myself in a situation where at the most dangerous moment you did not dare to ask for help, and then something bad happens because you didn’t do it on time,” he says.

“The first time the symptoms came back, the first time I got worse, it was pretty scary. I didn’t know if that meant it was over. It’s pretty scary when you get worse and you thought you were getting better. “.

“Screamed in agony”

49-year-old Londoner Felicity first experienced symptoms of Covid-19 six weeks ago. But, like David, her illness was difficult.

“The hardest thing was to get over the first ten days of a serious illness, to think that you are recovering, and then face even more severe symptoms,” she says.

Photo caption,

Felicity had symptoms for six weeks

“In the fifth week of illness, my partner had to call an ambulance – my stomach hurt so much that I just screamed in agony,” she says.

“It was very difficult to understand – are these the consequences of the virus? Is this the response of the immune system? Inflammation? Before the infection, I had no stomach problems, but the fifth week was just awful,” she says.

Felicity could not get rid of her symptoms for a long time, and weeks of illness tired her.

“I spent an enormous amount of time in bed recuperating. The whole experience – sickness and trying to get well – was psychologically overwhelming,” she says.

Neither Felicity nor David were tested for Covid-19, but doctors told them it was most likely a coronavirus. The couple was also assured that now they can no longer infect anyone.

Most recover quickly

The problem is that we don’t know a lot about the coronavirus.Scientists do not understand, for example, why some sick people have symptoms lasting only a few days, while others, physically strong people, do not stop for weeks.

Philip Gotthard, consultant at the London Clinic for Tropical Diseases, emphasizes that the vast majority of those infected recover relatively quickly and completely.

“Some people have a cough that lasts a long time. Some patients experience extreme fatigue, exhaustion. This loss of energy can last from three to six weeks,” he says.

“This is a lot of stress, especially for young and healthy people who are not used to it. For them, the slow and uneven recovery from the disease is a shock,” the doctor notes.

“But the same effect happens with other diseases, when patients recover from an acute form of infection. Their condition gets worse and better, they have good days and bad days,” he says.

Tim Spector, an epidemiologist professor at King’s College London, says data collected using the Covid Symptom Study app show that those infected with the coronavirus begin to recover after an average of 12 days.

“But we also see a large number of people who have symptoms for much longer, in some cases for more than 30 days,” he says.

“We are exploring new data with artificial intelligence. Soon we will be able to determine which combination of symptoms and risk factors leads to such duration of symptoms,” he says.

Both David and Felicity are on the mend today. Finally, they hope.

But Covid-19 is a virus that emerged just a few months ago.He continues to give us extremely unpleasant surprises.

Breastfeed your baby!

From 1 to 8 August 2017, we are joining the Global Breastfeeding Support Week awareness campaign.

The staff of the maternity hospital of the branch of the City Clinical Hospital No. 52 is actively involved in supporting and promoting breastfeeding. All conditions have been created here for the baby to receive breast milk from the first days of life – on-demand feeding is ensured by the joint stay of the mother and child after childbirth.

Doctors-neonatologists from the first minutes of a child’s life help to master the basic rules of caring for a baby, to establish breastfeeding. But if after discharge from the maternity hospital there are feeding problems that require an individual approach and dynamic observation, the mother can contact a lactation and breastfeeding specialist.

Evdokia Vladimirovna Vishnyakova, a specialist in lactation and breastfeeding, answers the frequently asked questions of our mothers about how to arrange breastfeeding for a baby.

When can I start breastfeeding? After all, milk does not come immediately.
– Immediately after giving birth, the baby can be applied to the breast. In the first three days, colostrum, rich in immunoglobulins, is excreted from the breast, it is able to provide the baby with the most necessary things in the first days. Early attachment to the breast reduces the baby’s risk of allergic reactions.

I really want to feed myself, but the baby won’t breastfeed. What to do?
– Newborns may not breastfeed for various reasons.First, it is important to correctly offer the breast to the baby, preferably a teaching position “from under the arm.” The mother carefully supports the breast from below, with her thumb and forefinger makes a fold from the edge of the areola to the nipple and, after waiting for her mouth wide open, inserts the breast. If the baby continues to worry, screams, then most likely this is due to the tummy. It is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause of the refusal and offer the breast again. Physical contact between mother and child also helps with rejection.The warmth, the maternal smell and the rhythm of her movement – all this inspires the child with calmness and reliability. Do not be afraid to take your child in your arms, provide him with psychological comfort. And for convenience, you can use a fabric device – a sling.

What if breastfeeding is painful for the mother?
– In most cases, soreness of the nipples occurs due to improper grip, that is, the child does not capture the areola, but only the nipple, cracks and pain appear. But this can be avoided by applying the child correctly: the mouth is wide open, the lower lip is turned out, the tip of the nose is buried in the chest.

Can I feed expressed milk?
– It is better if the baby receives milk directly from the breast, only in this case it will be sterile, at the right temperature, and unique in composition. You probably know that the front (or earlier) milk comes first, it contains a lot of carbohydrates (lactose – milk sugar) and water; front milk comes quickly and flows easily, the baby swallows it quickly. Then comes hind milk (or later), it is more difficult to get it, you need to work hard with your jaws, it is rich in fats that break down lactose.The baby sucks it slowly, has the right to rest, even doze. If you do not rush to transfer the baby to the second breast, but let one suck for a long time, you can avoid such unpleasant phenomena as foamy stools, increased gas formation, and bloating. The balance of front and back milk will be maintained. In the bottle, the milk will mix, the composition will change, it will become homogeneous. In addition, due to the use of nipple simulators (bottle, pacifier), such a phenomenon as “nipple confusion” can occur.The baby begins to grasp the breast incorrectly, hurting. Therefore, it is better to do without a pacifier for up to three months. At three months, mature lactation is established, and the baby will already distinguish where the breast is and where the dummy is. A breast pump can only come in handy when the mother and child are forced to separate.

How to increase lactation?
– From 3 weeks to 3 months, mature lactation is established. At this time, lactation crises can be observed. It must be remembered that the more the baby sucks, the more milk comes.Drink any warm drink (2-2.5 liters per day, everything that tastes good to you), do not take long breaks during the day in feeding (no more than 2-3 hours), do not forget that night applications ensure stable lactation (with 3 nights until 8 am 2-3 applications are enough). At this time, the hormone prolactin is produced!
Count the baby’s urination. In the first days, the child pisses as much as his days. At three weeks, 10-12 times a day is normal. Less than 8 times a day – risk of dehydration. If you have not had hormonal disorders, then there will be as much milk as your child needs.It’s just that after 3 weeks the breast may become soft, and milk will not come between feedings, but at the request of the baby. Attached, the baby makes several sucking movements, milk comes. It is also good to use different feeding positions so that the breast is emptied in all lobes. The kid takes out milk from those lobes where the nose and chin are directed.

Until what age can a baby be fed only with breast milk?
– The World Health Organization recommends that you leave your baby exclusively breastfed for up to six months.because the gastrointestinal tract only at this age is ripe for other food.

To what age is it better to feed? I heard that if you feed for a long time, the child gets sick less.
– Yes, breastfeeding has a positive effect on the formation of immunity, as well as on the psychoemotional development of the baby, therefore WHO recommends maintaining breastfeeding for up to 1.5-2 years.

At individual consultations we discuss,

• how to maintain lactation;
• How to prevent lactostasis, stagnation, engorgement;
• Is it possible to feed without pain and cracks;
• What is “correct capture”;
• How to feed a nursing mother;
• age characteristics of the baby and his needs;
• how to properly care for a child;
• attachment technique;
• straining rules.

A lactation and breastfeeding specialist advises in the provision of paid medical services to the population.
Appointment +7 (499) 196-09-24, +7 (499) 196-68-81, +7 (499) 196-17-97