Bleeding 20 days a month during your period? Learn the causes of long periods

Dealing with the ebb and flow of hormones is torture enough, but it can be beyond annoying if your periods last longer than they should. For the uninitiated, your uterus sheds its lining in periods that usually last anywhere from 2 to 7 days. Longer periods can be a sign of concern and something you should not ignore.

In a conversation with Health Shots, Dr. Nidhi Khera, Director and Head, Department of Obstetrics and High Risk Pregnancy, BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, explains all about prolonged periods lasting longer than seven days.

Reasons why your period lasts longer than 7 days

There are many factors at play when it comes to your menstrual cycle. Your periods may last longer than usual, and the causes may vary with age.

“Hormonal imbalance is the main culprit in young adolescents. While fibroids and adenomyosis, pregnancy-related conditions and infections can affect the menstrual cycle in adults. Women of childbearing age may experience pregnancy-related conditions such as ectopic tubal pregnancy or spontaneous abortion,” emphasizes dr. Khera.

The expert also warns that women should not neglect it if their period lasts more than seven days or if they notice too many blood clots. Women should also have it checked if the blood is red, pink, brown, or even brown.

What does it mean if the period is extended to 20 days?

It goes without saying that bleeding that extends to 20 days in a month is definitely not normal and one should always look further if such a situation occurs, says the expert. When he gives reasons for longer periods of up to 20 days, he lists causes that include:

Hormonal imbalance

Imbalance between reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone may be the reason why your periods last up to 20 days.

Fibroids

Fibroids appear when the size of the uterus increases. These are benign masses in the uterus that are common in women. Severe menstrual cramps, heavy periods, pain during sexand severe back pain are some of the common symptoms of fibroids.

polyps

These are usually benign growths in the uterine cavity, which are caused by the growth of cells in the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus).

Cancer

Excessive bleeding during menstruation can be the result of cancerous growths in the uterus and/or cervix.

Basic health condition

Some medical conditions, such as HIV, rubella, mumps, etc., can thin your blood and cause excessive bleeding during periods.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

IUDs are small contraceptive devices that are placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A forgotten or misplaced IUD can also cause heavy menstrual bleeding.

Medicines

Certain medications, such as blood thinners or aspirin, can also cause problems. Incorrect input oral contraceptive pillsespecially if you miss it during the recommended period, it can also cause problems.

Pelvic infections

In certain situations, women may experience heavy periods or periods that are longer than usual due to pelvic infections, which can range from mild to severe.

Treatment would depend on the cause of the problem. You may receive certain medications or, in some cases, you may need a biopsy, says Dr. Khera.