Is Having Long Menstrual Bleeding Cause for Concern?
Regina Wheeler
Menstruation is never an easy time of the month, however, it can be even worse when one's hormones are out of sync. If the cramps, pain, and general discomfort weren't enough, women who experience prolonged menstruation suffer even more.
One common question we get from women is if prolonged bleeding during menstruation is cause for concern. Here, we will see that the answer isn't straightforward and should be judged on a case by case basis.
What Is The Normal Period Duration?
Once again, women vary significantly in their cycles, and what is normal should be judged on a case by case basis. However, cycles generally range from 21 to 35 days and typically lasts six days or less, starting strong and getting lighter as time goes on. "In the majority of cases, it is not overly important how long a specific women's period is, but whether or not it changes in duration," writes Susan Best, a health writer at 1Day2Write and PhD Kingdom. For example, if a woman typically bleeds for eight, or even nine, days it's not a significant issue. What truly matters is if the number of days changes from cycle to cycle.
One thing that is worth noting is that women who are going through menopause usually have very irregular period lengths, and even though this is normal, it is still wise to get examined to ensure everything is normal.
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Is it Normal For Bleeding To Not Stop?
In short, no, it is not considered normal for bleeding to continue without stopping. Women who experience this should get themselves checked out immediately.
Before feeling alarmed, it is essential to examine whether or not one is genuinely bleeding all the time. For example, some women may go through a 21-day cycle and bleed for eight days. Although it may appear as if they are bleeding all the time, the truth is quite the opposite. "Women who think they are bleeding an irregularly large amount need to examine whether or not this is actually true but counting the number of days they have bled and compare that to their normal cycle," writes Stacy Wellington, a lifestyle blogger at Write My X and BritStudent.
In the case that a woman does observe an abnormally large amount of bleeding, they should make an appointment to get checked out immediately. In most cases, it could be nothing, but it could also be a symptom of a much greater condition that needs addressing.
What Is The Cause Of Prolonged Bleeding?
In most cases, prolonged bleeding is caused by changes in a woman's hormonal profile. The endocrine system is a vast and complicated network of intertwined processes and signals. Even a small change can produce extremely noticeable effects. For example, young girls just entering puberty and older women going through menopause are the most likely to suffer from irregular period length due to significant changes in their hormonal profile.
Still, the question remains; what causes prolonged bleeding? While there is almost an endless number of answers, a change in estrogen levels is usually to blame. Most people do not know that one of the things estrogen does is build up the endometrium, which is another name for the uterus lining. This lining aids in pregnancy, but if the uterus is not fertilized, the body sheds the lining, which accounts for the bleeding.
Birth control can also cause irregular bleeding, especially when a woman first begins taking it since it adjusts the woman's hormonal profile.
What Treatment Are Available For Prolonged Bleeding?
Prolonged bleeding can be caused by a myriad of conditions, and the proper treatment depends on the condition. This being said, many issues with prolonged bleeding can be treated by taking birth control pills of estrogen and progesterone. In most cases, birth control pills decrease the amount of blood flow and for many women, may even shorten their cycle. Not only does it serve as a contraceptive, but it can also help women suffering from cases of prolonged bleeding.
In other instances where estrogen or progesterone based birth control does not stop ongoing bleeding, Lysteda is a prescription medication that is used to treat heavy menstruation, although birth control should always be tried first.
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Regina Wheeler is an e-learning consultant at Write My Dissertation and Thesis Help. Over the last decade, she has been involved in many projects and has been involved in everything from marketing to finance. In her downtime, she also writes for Next Coursework.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Nannocare. Nannocare is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the author of this article, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates.
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