What is a Standard Menstrual Cycle?
It's said that a normal menstrual cycle for women ranges from 25 to 38 days. Also, a normal menstrual period should last anywhere from 3 to 7 days.
However, if bleeding continues for more than 8 days, this is referred to as "prolonged menstruation." While it's common to have a little bit of bleeding before and after your period, continuous heavy bleeding for over 8 days needs attention.
What Causes Prolonged Menstruation?
Prolonged menstruation can be caused mainly by two things: menstrual irregularity and excessive menstrual bleeding.
Menstrual Irregularity
There are various patterns of menstrual irregularity, one of which includes 'anovulatory menstruation' that can cause prolonged periods. Anovulatory menstruation occurs when you have a period without ovulation, even if the cycle length is normal. In such cases, the absence of ovulation disrupts the hormonal balance, leading to continuous light bleeding.
Anovulatory menstruation can be caused by stress, extreme dieting, and irregular lifestyles.
Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
As the name suggests, excessive menstrual bleeding refers to a situation where the bleeding is heavy, extending the duration of the period. While it's often due to issues with the uterus itself, there are rare cases where excessive bleeding occurs without any uterine problems.
Prolonged Menstruation Linked to Uterine Diseases
Prolonged menstruation can sometimes be a symptom of uterine diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, adenomyosis, or uterine fibroids. In cases where these diseases are the cause, you may experience other symptoms as well, such as painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, and associated anemia.
Treatment for Prolonged Menstruation
The treatment for prolonged menstruation varies depending on the cause.
For Menstrual Irregularity
If the issue is related to ovulation, reducing stress is crucial. Treatment methods differ based on whether you wish to become pregnant. If you do, ovulation-inducing drugs may be necessary. If not, hormone therapy, such as taking low-dose birth control pills, can help restore normal hormonal balance.
For Uterine Diseases
If uterine diseases like fibroids or endometriosis are the cause, treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Mild cases might be monitored over time, while more severe cases might consider surgery or taking low-dose birth control pills. Medication can slow the progression of these diseases but does not cure them.
In any case, if you suspect prolonged menstruation, it's advisable to consult a gynecologist promptly.
What is Short Menstruation? What Causes It?
Just as excessively long periods can indicate an underlying issue, menstruation that lasts only 2 days or less, known as short menstruation, may also require treatment.
Causes of Short Menstrual Periods: Hormonal Imbalance and Pregnancy
There are various reasons for short menstrual periods, but one of the common causes among many women facing this issue is hormonal imbalance.
Estrogen, a female hormone, can decrease in secretion due to factors such as fatigue, stress, and excessive dieting. Since estrogen stimulates the uterine activity related to menstruation, a decrease in its secretion can lead to impaired uterine function, resulting in reduced bleeding.
Pregnancy can also be a contributing factor. What was thought to be a short menstrual period might be bleeding due to implantation during pregnancy rather than menstrual bleeding. If you are tracking your basal body temperature and notice early pregnancy symptoms such as a prolonged high-temperature phase, consider the possibility of pregnancy, regardless of bleeding.
Hidden Illnesses and Treatment for Short Menstruation
Short menstruation can be a symptom of diseases like endometritis. In such cases, treating the underlying disease is necessary.
If short menstruation is caused by factors other than disease, improving life rhythms to reduce stress or taking ovulation-inducing drugs and low-dose birth control pills can help regulate hormonal balance.
Ignoring short menstruation can lead to anovulation or further menstrual irregularities, so addressing it early is advisable.
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