At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If ovulation takes place and the egg isn't fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This is a menstrual period. The menstrual cycle, which is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, isn't the same for every woman.
Menstrual flow might occur every 21 to 35 days and last two to seven days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common. However, menstrual cycles tend to shorten and become more regular as you age. Your menstrual cycle might be regular — about the same length every month — or somewhat irregular, and your period might be light or heavy, painful or pain-free, long or short, and still be considered normal.
Within a broad range, "normal" is what's normal for you. Keep in mind that use of certain types of contraception, such as extended-cycle birth control pills and intrauterine devices IUDs , will alter your menstrual cycle. Talk to your health care provider about what to expect. When you get close to menopause, your cycle might become irregular again. However, because the risk of uterine cancer increases as you age, discuss any irregular bleeding around menopause with your health care provider.
To find out what's normal for you, start keeping a record of your menstrual cycle on a calendar. Begin by tracking your start date every month for several months in a row to identify the regularity of your periods. For some women, use of birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles.
Treatment for any underlying problems, such as an eating disorder, also might help. However, some menstrual irregularities can't be prevented. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required.
Error Include a valid email address. Pelvic inflammatory disease PID refers to an infection of the female reproductive organs. The symptoms may resolve shortly after starting antibiotic treatment.
However, even if this is the case, people should always complete the course of antibiotics. Endometriosis is a medical condition that occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Commonly affected areas include the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
This condition can make periods last longer than usual. It can also cause intense menstrual cramps and back pain. A doctor can diagnose endometriosis by performing a laparoscopy. During this procedure, they will use a camera — inserted into the pelvis through a small incision near the belly button — to examine the pelvic organs.
Doctors can also use ultrasound scans to find endometriosis cysts that they may have missed during a pelvic exam. Currently, no cure exists for endometriosis. Treatments tend to focus on alleviating pain and addressing fertility concerns. The following sections will discuss some factors and conditions that may cause a period to be shorter than usual.
Hormonal birth control contains hormones, including estrogen and progestin, that can either thicken the mucus lining the cervix or prevent ovulation. However, they may notice that their periods become lighter over time. People with an IUD may stop having periods altogether. When a person starts a new form of hormonal birth control, a doctor will discuss the possible side effects and what to expect. A person can speak with their doctor about any new or worsening symptoms they experience while using the hormonal birth control.
A doctor may perform a physical exam or run blood tests to rule out any possible underlying medical conditions. For instance, if a person has an IUD but prefers having regular periods, the doctor may recommend switching to hormonal birth control pills instead. PCOS occurs when fluid filled sacs develop on the ovaries. The exact cause remains unknown, but people with PCOS tend to have high levels of insulin and male hormones called androgens. People who have high levels of androgens may have PCOS.
Hormonal birth control and medicines that block androgens can help reduce acne and regulate menstrual cycles. You know your body best. If bleeding is heavier than what you typically experience, seek medical health. More generically, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists define heavy bleeding as:. If one or more of the above symptoms is prompting you to ask, how long does a period last, please seek medical attention.
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing heavy bleeding, some of which are healthy and natural. Do not attempt to self-diagnose; seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Here are a few of the more serious medical conditions associated with heavy bleeding according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
They advise seeking an ob-gyn in many of these cases:. The average period lasts between 2 and 7 days. For many women, a menstrual cup is the answer to both heavy and light flow days. Still Shipping for Free in U. Before we get started, here are a few takeaways: Disclaimer: You know your body best. It can change month-to-month and as you age, modify your diet and change birth control.
There are healthy guidelines for menstruation, but everybody is different. Birth control is one of the leading factors that may affect menstrual cycle changes. For instance, hormonal birth control may shorten it, while a copper IUD may do the opposite.
A certain level of irregularity is normal. What Is Menstruation? Follicular Phase: This phase starts on the first day of the menstrual cycle. During the follicular phase, the ovaries produce follicles. Ovulation: The next phase to understand when asking, how long does a period last, is ovulation. This is when the body releases a mature egg. It travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus approximately a couple weeks into the menstrual cycle.
Luteal Phase: The body releases more hormones, including estrogen and progesterone as it prepares for pregnancy. Menstruation: When the body releases the uterine lining and eggs. In this stage, irregularity is most common. Typically, as girls age, their cycles become more consistent, but some degree of irregularity is always possible.
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