How Long Does a Period Last?
- Fysiobasen
- Nov 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Menstruation — often called a period — is a natural part of the reproductive cycle for people with a uterus.
It marks the start of a new menstrual cycle and occurs when the uterine lining (endometrium) sheds because no fertilization has taken place.
While nearly everyone who menstruates experiences it, the duration and flow can vary greatly from person to person.
Typical Duration – But Variation Is Normal
Most periods last between three and seven days, with five days being the average.
Shorter or longer bleeding within this range is completely normal, as long as your cycle pattern remains relatively consistent.
However, sudden or significant changes in duration should be assessed, as they may signal stress, hormonal imbalance, contraceptive effects, or underlying medical conditions.
Benefits of a Stable Menstrual Cycle
A regular and predictable period length is often a sign of hormonal balance and reproductive health.
A stable cycle helps with planning, fertility tracking, and identifying irregularities that may indicate medical issues.
Challenges of Irregular or Prolonged Periods
For some, menstruation can be unpredictable or last longer than usual, which may cause several problems:
Risk of iron deficiency anemia due to prolonged or heavy bleeding
Difficulty identifying ovulation, affecting fertility
Possible link to underlying conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or uterine fibroids
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should consult a healthcare professional if:
Your period regularly lasts longer than seven days
You have spotting between periods or bleeding after sex
You experience very heavy bleeding (needing to change pads/tampons every 1–2 hours)
You have severe pain or symptoms that interfere with daily life
These may require further testing — such as ultrasound, blood work, or referral to a gynecologist.
What Affects How Long a Period Lasts?
Age
Adolescents and women nearing menopause often experience irregular cycles and fluctuating durations.
Hormonal Contraceptives
Birth control methods like pills, patches, and hormonal IUDs can shorten or even stop periods completely.
Lifestyle
High stress, lack of sleep, or rapid weight changes can alter hormone balance, affecting both cycle length and bleeding duration.
Health Conditions
Disorders such as thyroid disease, blood clotting disorders, PCOS, or endometriosis may disrupt normal patterns.
Menstruation After Childbirth and in Menopause
After giving birth, it can take weeks or months for menstruation to return — particularly while breastfeeding.
When it does resume, irregular cycles are common at first.
During perimenopause (ages 45–55), bleeding often becomes less predictable and may stop entirely over time.
Summary
A typical menstrual period lasts three to seven days, though individual variation is entirely normal.
Length and pattern are influenced by hormones, lifestyle, age, and underlying health conditions.
Sudden changes, excessive bleeding, or prolonged duration should be evaluated, as they may signal a need for treatment or monitoring.
Understanding what’s normal for your own body is key to maintaining good menstrual health.
Sources
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Azziz R, Carmina E, Dewailly D, et al. (2006). Criteria for defining polycystic ovary syndrome: an Androgen Excess Society guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 91(11):4237–4245.
Vercellini P, Viganò P, Somigliana E, Fedele L. (2014). Endometriosis: pathogenesis and treatment. Nat Rev Endocrinol, 10(5):261–275.
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