Why period lasting longer

Doctors use the term dysfunctional uterine bleeding DUB when a hormone imbalance is the cause of the bleeding. In some cases, birth control can impact the frequency, duration, and flow levels of menstrual periods. The copper IUD may cause extra bleeding, Thielen says. Changing the type of birth control you use may help with this issue. But if you are on birth control pills you should not stop taking them or alter your birth control strategy without speaking to your physician.

A visit with your gynecologist or other healthcare professional is the first step in determining the cause of your prolonged menstrual bleeding. Your doctor will make a diagnosis after performing a series of tests. Depending on your age and other symptoms, your doctor may test your blood for pregnancy , hormone levels, and thyroid function.

Other diagnostic tests may include Pap smears, endometrial biopsies , ultrasounds, and other procedures. Many causes of prolonged bleeding can be treated with birth control pills of estrogen and progesterone. This not only provides contraception , it can regulate hormone production and so treat bleeding caused by hormones. In some cases, such as for endometrial hyperplasia , the hormone progestin may be prescribed alone.

Other medicines may also be used. Lysteda tranexamic acid is a prescription drug that treats heavy menstrual bleeding. It comes in a tablet and is taken each month at the start of the menstrual period. A doctor may recommend a different type of hormone — such as switching from a progestin only pill to one that also contains estrogen — or they may suggest a different brand. The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating a variety of hormones in the body. For females, this includes hormones associated with the menstrual cycle.

If a person has an underactive or overactive thyroid, they may experience long periods or ones that seem as though they will not stop. Thyroid problems can also cause very light periods, several months without a period , and early menopause. A simple blood test is often enough to diagnose problems with the thyroid. A doctor can then prescribe medications to help correct the hormone imbalance.

Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS occurs when cysts frequently grow on the ovaries. PCOS can affect hormone levels and fertility. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that is similar to the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This tissue can swell and bleed in response to hormones, just as the uterine lining does during a period.

Endometriosis lesions cannot exit the body, however, so they may result in pain and other complications, such as adhesions and cysts. Fibroids are muscular, usually benign tumors that form on the wall of the uterus.

Polyps are red growths on the lining of the uterus. 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. 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. Blood disorders can cause heavy bleeding and periods that last for longer than 7 days.

Other symptoms of a blood disorder include:. 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, new cases of cervical cancer in 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. Stress can affect your menstrual cycle in pretty much every way possible. It can sometimes lead your period to stop altogether. But other times, it can make your period longer or heavier or lead to mid-cycle bleeding.

If you've noticed any changes in your period during a breakup, the death of a loved one, or another stressful event, talking to a mental health professional may be helpful. Long periods typically occur due to a dominance of estrogen over progesterone in the body, explains physician Lorraine Maita, M.

But estrogens outside your body, like those found in plastics, pesticides, and meat with added hormones, can have the same effect.

To curb the effects of environmental estrogens, eat a diet high in fiber, which prevents excess estrogen from being absorbed, and go for produce without pesticides and hormone-free and antibiotic-free meat and dairy when possible. If you're still wondering, Why is my period so damn long? Maita recommends downloading a period-tracking app so you're aware of what's normal for you.

If you spot anything off, it's most likely not a serious problem, but it still can't hurt to get it checked out. Even if there's no underlying issue, the blood loss can leads to anemia or exhaustion, says Dr.