Effects of Long and Heavy Period
A long and heavy period lasts more than seven days and requires you to change tampons or pads every hour or two multiple times. It can disrupt your life, especially if you need to take a break from work or other activities to change tampons or pads often or are in severe pain that prevents you from performing daily activities during your period. It can cause you to ask, “Why is my period lasting so long?”
You could develop anemia from blood loss from a long and heavy period, especially if it happens every month. This diagnosis could cause you to feel tired and have no energy throughout your cycle.
Your sex life may also suffer if you lack the energy to enjoy intimacy or experience heavy bleeding for more than four to eight days, indicative of a normal period. If other symptoms accompany a long period and heavy bleeding, it may be signs of uterine fibroids.
Severe Menstrual Cramps
Many times, severe menstrual cramps may accompany a more extended longer period. This is often an indication of a medical condition, especially with nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
You should see a doctor if the cramps are severe enough to disrupt your life or if the symptoms get worse. The doctor can order tests that will provide a diagnosis and allow you to begin a treatment plan. With this information, they can answer the question, “Why is my period lasting so long?”
Period Blood Color and Meaning
Blood can change color throughout your period, which can be more noticeable with an extended period length. Some changes are normal, while others may be cause for concern.
Pink period blood is often seen when you are spotting. It may also be the color at the beginning of a period. Because it is a sign of an infection or miscarriage you should report it to your doctor. Red blood is normal for your period, but you may see brown blood toward the end of your cycle. If your period is longer than usual, you may notice a darker color of blood, because it has been exposed to oxygen in your body.
Rust-colored or brown blood may indicate a problem, especially if accompanied by large period clots the size of a quarter or bigger. In this case, you may want to visit your doctor to discuss your concerns.
What to Do When a Period is Longer than Usual
If your period is lasting longer than usual, you should keep track of it each month. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average period length can last between two and seven days, with the length often getting shorter as you get older. However, what’s normal for you may differ from the average, so it’s important to note changes. Observe if there is heavy bleeding, which means changing a pad or tampon every hour for several hours. If the longer period occurs for three cycles or more in a row, you should schedule a visit with your doctor. Ask them to run tests to determine if you have a medical issue, such as uterine fibroids.
You can ask them several important questions, such as “Why is my period so long and heavy?” and “Why is my period lasting longer than usual?” Once they have the results from the tests and exam, your doctor may be able to provide some insight into your questions.
Longer Periods Caused by Fibroids
Fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, making a period last longer. It can also cause spotting or bleeding in the middle of the cycle, which can make you feel like your period never ends.
Other symptoms of fibroids include:
- Anemia
- Enlarged uterus
- Pain in the lower back or pelvic area
- Frequent urination
- Sudden or unexplained weight gain
If you experience these symptoms along with a longer period than average, you may want to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Should I Be Concerned with My Period Lasting Longer Than Usual?
There are a variety of reasons why you might be experiencing a longer period than usual, but you should consult your doctor about it.. You can ask them, “Why is my period lasting so long?” The doctor should order tests to determine the answer to your question.
If your period continues to last more than seven days, it may indicate that something is wrong, such as uterine fibroids.
Contact USA Fibroid Centers
If your heavy and extended period is caused by fibroids, USA Fibroid Centers can help. Our team of fibroid specialists provide uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure that can help alleviate symptoms as fibroids shrink and die. This FDA-approved treatment is an effective solution for treating fibroid symptoms –– with an 85 to 95 percent success rate. With this targeted treatment, only the fibroids are affected, meaning the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other surrounding structures are not damaged or removed. With UFE, you can enjoy a normal life again with a healthy period and normal period cycle length. To learn more about UFE, you can schedule a consultation online or give us a call at 855.615.2555 to visit one of our facilities.
