Ladies! These could be the reasons for your prolonged period

Normally, a menstruation cycle lasts for 3 to 5 days. But if it goes beyond that mark, it becomes a matter of concern. It not only causes discomfort but could also indicate a few underlying health conditions. We spoke with Dr Sonia Naik, Obstetrician And Gynaecologist, Associate Director and Head of Unit - 2, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket in a bid to find out some reasons behind this condition and what can be done to prevent it.

WHAT EXPERT SAYS: According to Dr Sonia, a prolonged menstrual cycle is a condition where periods are very heavy or long-lasting. A prolonged menstrual cycle is common at puberty and perimenopause. It can also be caused by other factors such as fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps and thickening of the lining of the uterus.

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: Another factor responsible for a stretched period cycle is if you’re on birth control pills or certain anti-inflammatory medications. They can make bleeding heavier.

CHILDBIRTH OR MISCARRIAGE: After child-birth, heavy blood flow is normal. It can last up to 2 to 6 weeks. Even miscarriages can lead to a prolonged menstrual cycle. You may also experience back pain and severe cramps.

ENDOMETRIOSIS: One of the common symptoms of endometriosis is an extreme pain in pelvic area. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue lining, the inside of the uterus, starts growing on the outer surface of the uterus. It could cause prolonged periods and heavy flow.

UTERINE FIBROIDS: This is another reason which could lead to a long menstrual cycle. Statistics say that uterine fibroids could affect 20 to 50 per cent women of childbearing age and approximately, 70 per cent of women on the onset of menopause. Even obese women are prone to it. You must keep a check on any strange change in your body such as heavy or long periods and severe abdominal or lower back pain.

PCOS: Polycystic ovarian syndrome can also cause other health issues, including prolonged periods. PCOS could also be responsible for abnormal thickening of the endometrial tissue lining, the inside of the uterus beyond a normal period cycle.

POLYPS: Polyps or commonly referred to as noncancerous growths on the uterus lining or cervix can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding. This condition is common during menopause.

IS IT A NORMAL CONDITION? “It is common to have prolonged periods during puberty or perimenopausal stage, not otherwise,” says Dr Naik.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT PROLONGED PERIOD? Dr Sonia says that one of the ways to prevent this condition is by keeping a strict check on your weight as increasing weight may lead to thickening of the line of the uterus. Also, as an increased BMI can lead to hormonal imbalance as well.