Exploring the causes and impact of long-lasting periods

When it comes to menses or periods, there is a lot of unpredictability in what is considered NORMAL. Did you know? Your periods can be light and last for a few days or they can go on for even 10 days with heavy bleeding. Shockingly, over 17% of women tend to experience heavy, painful, or irregular periods. It is the need of the hour to keep track of your periods and seek timely intervention when required.The average length of one’s menses is from 23 to 35 days and during your period, bleeding can last 3 to 7 days. But, this can vary from person to person. Heavier or longer periods raise the chances of anemia. Menorrhagia means the period lasts longer than a week or it’s heavier than what’s known as normal.
The causes of long periods
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): creates havoc on hormone levels, making one pile oodles of weight, excess hair growth, and prolonged periods.
• Blood thinners: Tend to prevent blood clots in your vessels. Anticoagulants slow the body’s clotting process. Antiplatelets prevent clot formation. These medications help to keep stroke at bay. But, they can lead to heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• Fibroids or polyps: Fibroids are noncancerous growths consisting of muscle and connective tissue from the wall of the uterus. They induce pain and heavy menstrual bleeding because they don’t allow the uterus to contract correctly. Polyps are found in the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, and can also cause irregular or heavy periods.
• Adenomyosis: This happens when the tissue lining of your uterus grows into your uterine wall, enlarging the uterus. This can cause heavy and longer periods.
• Thyroid problems: The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone and is situated at the base of your neck. A large number of women have thyroid problems. The thyroid is vital for regulating your metabolism and menstrual cycle. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can raise the chances of heavier or lighter periods.
• Cancer: Certain cancers including cervical and endometrial that impact the reproductive system can cause heavy or prolonged periods.
• Obesity: Having excessive body weight can lead to fluctuation of reproductive hormones, which can cause you to have changes in your period. One can also witness longer and heavier periods.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This is an infection of the upper genital tract that is seen when the bacteria spread from sexual contact travels from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvis and causes menstrual problems like long-lasting periods.
Working women having long-lasting periods will get irritated, frustrated, agitated, and depressed as they will not be able to concentrate on their work, meet the deadlines, or feel uncomfortable. This can result in low productivity in the workplace.
The last word: It is necessary to consult an expert who will help you understand the exact cause behind long-lasting periods and devise an appropriate treatment and management plan.
Authored by: Dr. Shruti Ugran, Consultant -Gynaecologist, Gyn Endoscopist and Minimal invasive gynaecologist (MIG. Motherhood Hospital Kharghar Mumbai