Sudden prolonged menstruation: everything you need to know to deal with it

Every woman has her period, but what if that period suddenly lasts much longer than usual? Of course, this can feel strange and maybe even a little frightening. In this blog post we take a closer look at suddenly prolonged menstruation and what you can do if you experience this.

Let's start with the basics: what is normal when it comes to menstrual duration? On average, a menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, and menstruation itself lasts about three to seven days. This of course depends on the individual and can vary per person. If your period lasts longer than seven days, it can be considered prolonged.

But what if you suddenly have a period that lasts much longer than usual? This can have several causes. Let's look at some possible reasons:

Hormonal changes

Our bodies are influenced by hormones, and hormones play a major role in our menstrual cycle. If there are sudden changes in our hormones, this can also lead to a longer period. This can happen, for example, during menopause, when our body produces less estrogen and progesterone. Certain medicines, such as birth control pills, can also affect the hormones and therefore affect the duration of menstruation.

Pregnancy

Another possible cause of suddenly prolonged menstruation is pregnancy. If you are pregnant, your period may be delayed or even stop altogether. However, if you have a miscarriage, it can lead to bleeding that lasts longer than usual. If you think you are pregnant and suddenly have prolonged periods, it is wise to take a pregnancy test and see a doctor for further evaluation.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids, are benign tumors that occur in the uterus. They can lead to abnormally long periods, especially if they are large. Uterine fibroids are most common in women between the ages of 30 and 40, but can occur at any age. Uterine fibroids can come in different sizes, from very small to larger than an orange. They can also come in different shapes, from round to elongated. Uterine fibroids can lead to heavy and prolonged periods, bleeding between menstrual periods, pain during menstruation, and even difficulty getting pregnant. If you think you have uterine fibroids, it is wise to see a doctor for advice and treatment.

Other medical conditions

There are also other medical conditions that can suddenly cause prolonged periods. Some examples of this are:

Endometriosis: This is a condition where tissue similar to uterine tissue is located outside the uterus. This tissue can bleed during menstruation, leading to prolonged bleeding.

Adenomyosis: This is a condition where uterine tissue is in the wall of the uterus. This can lead to heavy and prolonged periods.

Polyps: These are small, benign growths in the uterus or cervix. They can lead to prolonged periods or even bleeding between menstrual periods.

Therefore, if you think you have one of these conditions or if you suddenly have prolonged menstruation for no apparent reason, see a doctor if you think there is something more going on than just your menstrual cycle.

What to do if you suddenly have a long menstrual period

If you suddenly find yourself in a prolonged period, it is important to stay calm and remember that many of the causes of prolonged periods are treatable. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Make an appointment with your doctor or gynaecologist. They can help identify the cause of the prolonged periods and prescribe the right treatment.
• Try to reduce stress. Stress can negatively affect our entire body, including our periods. Try to reduce stress by, for example, meditating, relaxing, drinking tea or exercising.
• Use medicine if necessary. If the prolonged period is caused by, for example, uterine fibroids or endometriosis, medications can help to reduce bleeding under the supervision of your doctor.
• Menstrual underwear is specially designed to prevent leakage during menstruation and can be a solution if you are dealing with prolonged menstruation. You may be concerned about leakage and discomfort. Menstrual underwear can make you worry less and get through the day without feeling uncomfortable. If you want to know more about this solution, visit My Flower Days menstrual underwear !
• Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can help balance menstruation and prevent complications. This means, among other things, enough exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient rest.

Conclusion

Sudden prolonged menstruation can be due to a variety of reasons, from hormonal changes to medical conditions. If you suddenly have prolonged periods, it is important to remain calm and see a doctor for advice. Several treatments are available to address the cause and bring menstruation back into balance. Also remember that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent complications and keep menstruation balanced.