Is it normal to menstruate for 2 days

A long period can also result from hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism or a bleeding disorder. Many women struggle with long and heavy periods for years without knowing there are ways to manage and improve their symptoms. I encourage all patients to seek out medical care if they have questions about their menstrual cycle or other gynecologic issues.

The first step to managing long periods due to a specific condition is to treat it. This can include things like removing an endometrial polyp or correcting hypothyroidism.

Hormonal contraceptives things like the pill, the patch or a hormonal IUD are commonly used to help regulate abnormal cycles resulting from a wide variety of causes. Various forms of birth control can affect the frequency and duration of your period. The birth control pill tends to produce a regular period that occurs every month and lasts for three to five days.

A hormonal IUD usually results in a lighter period less bleeding or no period at all. Most women experience spotting for the first few months after getting the IUD. Periods can become longer and more irregular as women approach menopause. Minkin says, and many women have a lighter flow or even no period when they have one of those implanted. Also, there could be slight hormonal differences in generic versions that could affect your cycle length, so make sure to check the packaging.

Beyond the birth control pill, certain medicines could also affect your period, thanks to the chemicals in them. Dweck says. The way each of these medications lighten your flow varies slightly. PCOS is a condition where women overproduce amounts of male hormones, which can suppress ovulation. Premature ovary failure typically shows up around age 27, but occurs in one in 1, women between the ages of 15 and 29 and one in women between the ages of 30 and 39, according to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

Translation: If you think you may have premature ovarian failure and want to get pregnant in the future, talk to your doc about getting tested as well as your fertility options. Scarring in the uterus can lead to shorter periods. The more scarring that is involved, the less bleeding will occur. This condition would be diagnosed by hysteroscopy, says Dr. Richardson, and the adhesions or scars would have to be removed surgically in order for your flow to return to normal and to improve your ability to conceive, if desired.

It sounds strange, but your thyroid can actually affect your period. Usually these conditions are accompanied by other symptoms, so look for other changes to alert your doctor about.

Keep track of your period in a journal or calendar if you're concerned about a menstrual cycle that's too short. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Premenstrual Syndrome.

Reviewed: February 17, Medically Reviewed. Is a Short Menstrual Period Normal?