Is your period lasting longer than usual? 8 possible reasons why

Most of us expect our periods to be consistent from month to month, but sometimes they show up with surprises, like lasting longer than usual. 

If you’ve noticed your period dragging on, it’s natural to wonder what might be going on and if something might be up. There are quite a few factors that can cause prolonged periods. Here’s why your cycle might have shifted and what you need to know. 

Key takeaways

• Periods typically last two to seven days, but they can be different from person to person and even from cycle to cycle.
• Bleeding that lasts longer than usual could happen due to lots of factors, from perimenopause to medication changes and health conditions.
• You can use a cycle-tracking app like Flo to figure out what’s typical for you and whether any cycle changes should be checked out by a doctor.
• Book an appointment with a health care professional if your periods are regularly longer than seven days or if they’re accompanied by symptoms like heavy bleeding or pain.

How long do periods usually last?

Periods don’t always look exactly the same from month to month. So if you notice your period length varies from cycle to cycle, it might not necessarily be anything to worry about. Two to seven days is considered a “normal length” for bleeding, explains Dr. Jenna Flanagan, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, University of Utah, Utah, US. You’ll likely find that your period is heaviest for the first three days, she adds.

“People might find their period lasts the same amount of time each cycle or that they have different bleeding durations sometimes,” she says. 

Tracking your cycle with an app like Flo can help you understand what’s typical for you so you can quickly identify when something feels off.

What can cause your period to last longer than usual?

A whole bunch of things can affect your cycle and cause prolonged periods, says Dr. Flanagan, from underlying medical conditions to changes in your lifestyle. Here are some common causes of a period that lasts longer than usual and what to do if it’s affecting your quality of life.

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome

About 1 in 10 of us have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It’s a common hormonal condition that can make periods unpredictable, heavier, or longer than usual. Other signs of PCOS include excess body and facial hair, acne, and difficulty losing weight. Tracking your cycle and symptoms with an app like Flo can help you understand what’s going on inside your body better, and working with a doctor can make managing symptoms easier. 

2. Uterine fibroids or polyps

Fibroids and polyps are noncancerous growths in your uterus that can cause periods to be longer or heavier than usual. Lots of us have them. In fact, one study found that up to 35% of us will get uterine polyps, and up to 70% of us will develop fibroids during our reproductive years. Fibroids can also cause symptoms like pelvic pressure and pain, so always see a doctor if your periods are getting in the way of your daily activities. They’ll be able to do some tests to see if fibroids or polyps are the problem and suggest treatment options to make your periods more manageable. 

3. Perimenopause 

If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and your periods are lasting longer than usual or have been irregular in any other way, perimenopause could be the reason. Perimenopause is the name given to your transition through menopause (when your periods stop completely). During this time, your hormones (like estrogen and progesterone) fluctuate, which can cause irregular and unpredictable cycles. Some people notice their bleeding gets heavier and longer because of these hormonal changes.

Other perimenopause symptoms can include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. It’s a natural stage of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with frustrating symptoms. There are lots of things that can help, including hormone therapy and some healthy lifestyle changes. So always chat with your doctor if you need help. 

4. Thyroid issues 

Medical conditions involving your thyroid gland — which produces hormones that control body functions including how fast you burn calories — can disrupt your menstrual cycle. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) often leads to longer or heavier periods, while hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can cause irregular or absent periods. Other symptoms that suggest your thyroid might be out of whack include weight changes, fatigue, and feeling too hot or too cold. Speak to your doctor if you’re at all concerned. They’ll be able to run some tests, if necessary.

5. Certain medications 

Medications can sometimes affect your menstrual cycle, leading to longer periods in some cases. Drugs like blood thinners, steroids, birth control pills, the implant, or other forms of contraception like progestin-releasing or copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) can sometimes cause longer periods than normal. If you’ve noticed a change in your period after starting a new medication, talk with your doctor about how to manage it.

6. Pregnancy loss

Very occasionally, prolonged bleeding can be linked to pregnancy loss either by an ectopic pregnancy  or a miscarriage. If you didn’t know you were pregnant, it may be easy to mistake bleeding from either of these complications for a heavy or prolonged period. That’s why if you’re having abnormal bleeding and think there’s any way you could be pregnant, it’s best to do a pregnancy test. If it’s positive, see a doctor right away. And if you do experience pregnancy loss, be kind to yourself and lean on your loved ones or specialist organizations for support. 

If you’re pregnant and have noticed light bleeding, try not to get ahead of yourself with worry. Bleeding in early pregnancy can happen for all sorts of reasons, and it doesn’t always mean a pregnancy loss, but a doctor will be able to figure out what’s going on and hopefully reassure you.

7. Blood conditions 

People with bleeding disorders like von Willebrand disease might have longer or heavier menstrual cycles. Other symptoms of this condition include easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, and heavy bleeding after minor cuts. Bleeding disorders often run in families, so if you have a close relative with a blood clotting disorder, and your periods last longer than seven days, talk to your doctor.

8. Cancer

In very rare cases, longer than usual periods or heavy periods can be a symptom of endometrial  cancer (a type of cancer of the uterus) or cervical cancer. It’s more likely to be something else, but always check in with your doctor if you’re experiencing abnormal periods, vaginal bleeding between periods, unusual discharge, or pain in your pelvic area. 

“Endometrial cancer is relatively rare in menstruating women,” says Dr. Flanagan. “However, it can sometimes present as prolonged and heavy periods. Typically, it’s diagnosed in cases of bleeding after menopause.” Never put off going to the doctor about something like unusual bleeding, whatever your age. It will either help you figure out the cause or put your mind at rest — and either one is a good thing.

When to see a doctor about long or heavy periods

Although the occasional long period is likely nothing to worry about, it’s a good idea to talk with a health care professional if your period regularly lasts longer than seven days. Also go see them if it’s very heavy, painful, or comes with any other symptoms that aren’t usual for you.

Changes in your cycle can sometimes signal underlying health issues, so reaching out to a doctor can give you peace of mind and access to the right treatment, if needed. Using a period-tracking app like Flo can help you spot changes in your cycle and also provide handy reports to share with your doctor. 

Long and heavy periods can put you at a higher risk of iron deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count), which can cause symptoms like extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. “So if your periods are long or heavy, it should always be evaluated,” says Dr. Flanagan. “If all of sudden [they] become much longer over three or more cycles, it’s a good idea to check in with [a doctor].” Usually, anemia is easily treated with medication and eating iron-rich foods.