Women’s menstrual cycles are always varied, making it challenging to define what’s ‘normal’ as each person’s body is so different. While a typical ‘healthy’ period spans 4-7 days, deviations from this range can leave many wondering: is a long period a cause for concern, and why me?
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What is a long period?
Extended menstrual cycles, lasting beyond the typical timeframe that your body is used to, might be a cause for attention. The factors contributing to a ‘long period’ could range from stress and hormonal fluctuations to changes in medication or underlying health conditions:
A long period can be caused by hormonal imbalance
Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, pivotal hormones governing the menstrual cycle, can result from conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In PCOS, ovaries may produce higher androgen levels, disrupting regular ovulation and leading to extended periods.
Similarly, thyroid disorders or obesity can upset hormone levels, causing irregularities in the menstrual cycle and resulting in prolonged bleeding episodes due to altered hormone production and function within the body.
You’re too stressed
Elevated stress levels trigger the release of cortisol, impacting the delicate balance of reproductive hormones. Chronic stress disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, affecting the release of hormones crucial for menstruation regulation. This disruption can lengthen the duration of periods by altering the menstrual cycle, causing irregularities in the shedding of the uterine lining, and prolonging bleeding episodes.
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It could be your meds
Certain medications, such as anticoagulants, corticosteroids, or antipsychotics, can interfere with hormone levels, resulting in prolonged periods. These drugs might disrupt the intricate hormonal balance required for normal menstrual cycles, leading to irregular bleeding patterns or extended menstruation as a side effect of their impact on hormonal regulation within the body.
It may be what you’re eating
High intake of processed foods or a diet high in refined sugars can cause insulin spikes, impacting estrogen levels. Fluctuations in estrogen, a key hormone in regulating the menstrual cycle, can disrupt ovulation and the shedding of the uterine lining. This disruption can lead to prolonged periods as the menstrual cycle’s normal rhythm is disturbed by dietary habits affecting hormone levels.
Lifestyle is important
Excessive alcohol consumption impacts the liver’s ability to metabolize hormones, affecting estrogen levels and disrupting the menstrual cycle. Inadequate sleep alters hormone regulation, affecting the release of reproductive hormones.
Both alcohol intake and insufficient sleep can contribute to hormonal imbalances, leading to irregular menstrual patterns and potentially causing longer and irregular periods due to disrupted hormonal regulation within the body.
See a doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions
Uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus, or conditions like endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause abnormal bleeding. These conditions affect the uterus or reproductive organs, causing changes in the uterine lining or inflammation, leading to irregular and prolonged menstrual bleeding episodes as a result of underlying structural or inflammatory issues in the reproductive system.
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