Understanding and Addressing Unusual Menstrual Periods

It's essential to know that a menstrual period lasting for a full month is not normal. If you have had your period starting from April 21 and it has continued until now, you should seek immediate medical attention. Facing such an unusual situation can cause anxiety and fear, but it's crucial to address the issue promptly.[1]

Seeking Medical Help

It's recommended to visit the emergency room or healthcare provider at a local hospital. They can provide you with a proper medical diagnosis and treatment. Most hospitals offer services on a sliding scale based on your income, making it accessible for you to receive the necessary care without financial burden.[2]

Understanding Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is a condition where a menstrual period is excessively heavy, prolonged, or irregular. Several factors can contribute to this condition, including:

Medications: Some medications can affect the menstrual cycle and cause irregular bleeding. Hormone imbalance: Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to heavy or irregular periods. Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, or thyroid issues can impact menstrual regularity. Anovulation: When a follicle doesn't release an egg, it can result in irregular periods.

Recognizing Abnormal Menstrual Patterns

While every woman's menstrual period is unique, the average menstrual cycle ranges from 24 to 34 days, with blood flow typically lasting about four to five days, and a blood loss of around three tablespoons.[3] However, these are merely averages, and your personal “normal” may fall outside of these ranges. If your flow consistently falls outside these parameters, it's important to evaluate further.

Signs of Abnormal Menstrual Flow

Soaking through more than one tampon or sanitary pad in an hour for several hours at a time. Waking up during the night because you need to change protection. Passing large blood clots in your menstrual flow. Menstrual flow lasting more than a week.

While heavy blood flow isn't always a sign that something is wrong, excessive blood loss can lead to anemia, a condition that causes fatigue and weakness when mild, and painful cramping or dysmenorrhea when severe.[4] If you experience excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual periods that interfere with your daily life, it's important to seek medical advice.

Contacting Healthcare Providers

If you have any further questions or doubts, don't hesitate to reach out. Healthcare providers are here to support you and help you understand your condition. Remember, your health is the priority, and seeking help is taking a proactive step towards addressing any potential issues.