Why period lasting longer than usual

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. Ross, so it's important to make whatever adjustments are necessary. They may also recommend a treatment to reduce your current bleeding, regulate your period, or relieve any discomfort.

Hormonal birth control may regulate your period and shorten it in the future. This medication can be administered as:. Your doctor also may advise you to take medication that reduces pain or discomfort you experience from the prolonged period. These medications may include over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Advil or Motrin.

Dilation and curettage can thin the layer of your uterus and reduce how much you bleed during your period. These procedures can relieve the long periods, but they may also eliminate the possibility of getting pregnant. Delaying a diagnosis could result in a more invasive procedure or intensive treatment for the underlying cause. Additionally, if your long period causes heavier blood loss, you could be at risk of developing anemia.

This may contribute to feelings of tiredness and weakness. Your doctor can use results from a blood test to diagnose anemia. If your iron levels are low, your doctor may recommend boosting your diet with iron-rich foods and a possible iron supplement to get your levels back to normal. Long periods may also be painful and interfere with your well-being and quality of life.

You may miss days of school or work, or withdraw from activities you enjoy because of your long period. Long periods can get in the way of your normal life, and they may also be a sign of an underlying condition that requires treatment. See your doctor to find out the cause of your long period so you can begin to treat it. Delaying treatment may cause complications and lead to more invasive treatments in the future. Find out how long your period should last, including how birth control can affect your period.

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This can include things like removing an endometrial polyp or correcting hypothyroidism. Hormonal contraceptives things like the pill, the patch or a hormonal IUD are commonly used to help regulate abnormal cycles resulting from a wide variety of causes. Various forms of birth control can affect the frequency and duration of your period.

The birth control pill tends to produce a regular period that occurs every month and lasts for three to five days. A hormonal IUD usually results in a lighter period less bleeding or no period at all. Most women experience spotting for the first few months after getting the IUD. Periods can become longer and more irregular as women approach menopause. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy.

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