Why am i bleeding for 8 days

Hormonal contraceptives

Irregular bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, is common during the first few months of starting hormonal contraception, such as the:

• combined oral contraceptive pill
• progestogen-only contraceptive pill
• contraceptive patch (transdermal patch)
• contraceptive implant or injection
• intrauterine system (IUS)

If you're concerned about bleeding or it lasts longer than a few months, you should seek medical advice.

You may also bleed between periods if you:

• miss any combined pills
• miss any progestogen-only pills
• have a problem with your patch or vaginal ring
• are on the pill and are also sick or have diarrhoea

Other causes

Some other causes of bleeding between periods include:   

• taking the emergency contraceptive pill
• injury to the vagina – for example, from having penetrative sex
• recently having an abortion – seek medical advice if you're bleeding heavily
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia – it's a good idea to get tested if you've recently had unprotected sex with a new partner
• recently having a miscarriage
• reproductive hormones not working normally – this is common in women approaching the menopause or in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• stress
• vaginal dryness
• harmless changes to the neck of the womb (cervix) – this may be called cervical ectropion or cervical erosion
• cervical cancer – if you're aged 25 to 64, you should be having regular cervical screening tests to detect any changes to your cervix; even if you're up-to-date with screening tests, you should see a GP about irregular bleeding, particularly bleeding after sex, to eliminate the possibility of cervical cancer
• womb (uterus or uterine) cancer – this is more common in post-menopausal women and most cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed in women over the age of 50; see a GP if you're over 40 and have bleeding between periods to eliminate the possibility of uterine cancer
• vaginal cancer or vulval cancer
• cervical or endometrial polyps – non-cancerous (benign) growths in the womb or the lining of the cervix
• fibroids

When to seek medical advice

If you're concerned about bleeding between periods, you should:

• see a GP
• visit a sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic

A healthcare professional will talk to you about your symptoms. Depending on your situation, they may suggest doing some tests, such as:

Let's not be coy here: Bleeding out of your vagina every single month is already kind of a pain. So when your period decides to extend its visit a little longer than usual, it can be downright infuriating—and concerning, TBH.

Hey, in a perfect world your period would come a-knockin' at the same time each month, without all those crappy symptoms, and hang around for a few days before quietly bidding you adieu. But this isn't a perfect world (alas), and menstruation—what it looks like, feels like, and how long it lasts—is different for every woman.

You might have a period that goes on for a full week, while others might be more accustomed to only a few short days of bleeding. For some women, though, long periods happen from time to time—and it can be nerve-wracking when you're just not sure why your period won't go away.

So, here's a quick refresher on what a typical period length looks like, why long periods can happen, and how to know if it's time to ask a doc about how long your period is hangin' around.

How long does a period typically last?

There's a pretty big range of normal when it comes to period length. "Usually, it can last anywhere between five to seven days," says Jessica Shepherd, MD, a minimally invasive gynecologist in Dallas. "But there are times at which it can be a few days longer or shorter."

Here's a little Menstrual Cycle 101: During each cycle, your body's sending hormones to thicken the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to make it a nice little home for a potentially fertilized egg. About midway through your cycle, one of your ovaries releases an egg, which then travels down the fallopian tubes to this newly plush uterus where, if it's not fertilized by a sperm, it flows out of the body, along with the uterine lining that built up.

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While this process is the same for nearly every woman, the length of their periods might differ depending on their specific hormonal shifts over the course of their cycle, which affects the endometrium development, and in turn, the number of days it takes for it to shed, Dr. Shepherd explains.

So, if your period is a day or two longer or shorter than your usual period length and you don't notice any other symptoms or issues that seem unusual for you (like extreme menstrual pain or cramps or very heavy bleeding), it's probably not a reason to be concerned.

When should you call your doc about long periods?

If your period lasts longer than seven days, or if it suddenly changes significantly in length for three or more cycles in a row, that warrants a call to your ob-gyn, says Tom Toth, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at Boston IVF. It's also worth seeing your doc if you're soaking a pad or tampon every hour for several hours or passing clots.

That doesn't necessarily mean you're dealing with something serious, but you want to get to the root of your period problem sooner rather than later. That's because once you're north of seven days and still bleeding, you're at an increased risk for menorrhagia.

Simply put, menorrhagia is when bleeding is too heavy and interferes with your quality of life or requires interventions like blood transfusions, iron transfusions, medications or surgical procedures, Dr. Shepherd explains. Menorrhagia can also lead to other issues, like anemia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Anemia can cause you to experience fatigue, weakness, and, in severe cases, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Taking iron supplements can help improve symptoms, but you need to see your doc to get an the cause of the heavy bleeding.

How might your doctor diagnose a long period?

“Your doctor will ask how often you get your period, how many days it lasts, and do you have bleeding in between your period or after sex,” says Jodie Horton, MD, an ob-gyn in Oakton, Virginia, and chief wellness advisor for Love Wellness. “Other important clues to determine what is causing your abnormal uterine bleeding is how heavy your periods are, what medications you’re taking, if you’ve been tested for sexually transmitted infections and are up to date on your Pap smears.” So you'll want to know that info before your visit.

Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to evaluate the cervix and the size and regularity of the uterus, as well as a pelvic ultrasound or hysteroscopy to see inside your cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries for any abnormalities.

It sounds scary, but most causes of prolonged menstrual bleeding (like many of the ones below) aren't a big deal and can be fixed or improved with the help of your doctor, Dr. Toth notes. And you deserve to have a normal period that doesn't totally suck.

Here's what might be causing your super long periods, and what you can do about each cause.

1. You have an IUD.

One of the most common causes of long periods in younger women are intrauterine devices (IUDs), a type of birth control placed directly into your cervix. There are two main types: a non-hormonal, copper-based IUD (like Paraguard), and a hormonal, progestin-based IUD (like Mirena and Skyla).

If you experienced a prolonged period for three or more cycles, see your doctor.

It turns out that both can cause abnormally long bleeding, especially right after insertion, Dr. Toth says. Longer, heavier periods are a known side effect of the copper IUD. The progestin IUD, however, is often marketed to women as a way to reduce or even eliminate their periods. And while it typically does have that effect over time, the first few cycles may have more or longer bleeding than usual, he explains.

With either IUD, if the prolonged periods don't settle down after three cycles, it's time to go back to your doctor, as it's possible the IUD moved out of position or simply doesn't play nice with your body.

2. You're ovulating.

Menstruation is your body's way of getting rid of the extra blood and tissue it saved up in case your egg got fertilized, but sometimes the hormonal signals get crossed and you can bleed when you release the egg too, says Sherry Ross, MD, an ob-gyn and author of She-ology.

This occurrence is known as "intermenstrual bleeding," and it happens as a result of the slight dip in estrogen that happens around ovulation, which can cause spotting. If the bleeding lasts a few days or happens close to the end of your last cycle, it may seem like your period is continuing forever. It's not normally something to worry about, but if it changes suddenly or if you have serious pain, see your doctor.

3. You're pregnant (yes, really).

Wait just a second: Isn't the tell-tale sign of pregnancy no periods? Yes, but not all the time, Dr. Toth says. "A common cause for abnormal menses, including longer bleeding, is pregnancy," he explains, adding that typical symptoms of pregnancy, like nausea, may be absent. "Any time a woman has unusual bleeding, it's always best to eliminate possibility of pregnancy with a blood test for pregnancy for reassurance," he says.

4. You're on hormonal birth control.

Anything that manipulates your hormones has the potential to make your periods longer, says Dr. Toth. This includes all types of hormonal birth control like the pill, patches, rings, shots, and implants. The good news is that there are lots of options with varying levels and types of hormones, so if your body doesn't respond well to one type or dosage, there's a good chance you can find a different one that will work.

The length of your period is just one factor your doctor will use to help you determine which type of birth control works best for you.

5. You had an early miscarriage.

Early miscarriages are much more common than you may realize. Up to half of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, often before the woman even realizes she was pregnant, according to the March of Dimes.

Sometimes the only sign is an extra-heavy or long period. Your menstrual cycle length should return to normal within one to two cycles; if it stays abnormally long after three cycles, call your doctor, Dr. Toth says.

About one in 100 women suffer from repeat miscarriages, so it's important to rule out a condition that affects fertility, like endometriosis.

6. You have PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects about 10 percent of women of childbearing age, per the Office of Women's Health (OWH). It's named for the cysts that grow on the ovaries, preventing eggs from maturing, and often causing fertility issues.

PCOS also wreaks havoc on hormone levels, causing weight gain, excess hair growth, and (you guessed it) prolonged periods, Dr. Toth says. You'd think that not ovulating would give you a free pass on bleeding, but the opposite is often true, he adds—no egg means long, wacky cycles.

If you're experiencing super-long periods along with other signs of PCOS, like migraines, facial hair growth, and weight gain, talk to your ob-gyn about getting tested for the condition.

7. You have thyroid issues.

One in eight women will suffer from low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, at some point in their lives, according to the OWH.

Your thyroid is a little butterfly-shaped gland that controls the hormones that regulate many systems in your body, including how fast you burn calories, how fast your heart beats, and yes, menstruation. Having too little thyroid hormone can cause your period to be super long and heavy, the OWH explains.

Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss, so if you're experiencing any of those, along with longer-than-normal periods, bring it up to your doctor, says Dr. Ross.

8. You have an underlying blood disorder.

It's rare, but it's possible that extra-long periods are a sign of an underlying illness, like a hematologic (blood) disease, says Dr. Toth. Some of the underlying diseases associated with bleeding, like hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease, are genetic, so if you have this you likely already know about it.

Still, if your periods are lasting a super-long time, and you've already been cleared for other conditions, it's worth checking in with your doctor about tests to rule out a blood disorder that you might not be aware of.

9. You have uterine polyps or fibroids.

"Uterine abnormalities, such as polyps or fibroids, can cause prolonged periods because they distort the endometrial cavity which can lead to increased blood flow," Dr. Toth explains. Basically, your body senses something in your uterus that isn't supposed to be there, and tries extra hard to get rid of it.

Polyps and fibroids sound scary, but they're pretty common—up to 80 percent of women will have at least one before they're 50, per the OWH. On their own, they don't indicate a serious disease, like cancer. Important to note: Black women are two to three times more likely to have fibroids than white women, and the reasons for their increased risk are not well understood or well studied due to lack of representation of Black women in research, notes Dr. Horton. “Black women are also more likely to be hospitalized due to fibroids due to heavy, prolonged vaginal bleeding, pain, and symptoms from anemia.”

But for many people, these benign growths don't have any symptoms, and if they do, it's usually prolonged periods, says Dr. Toth. Most likely your doc will just recommend keeping an eye on them, but if they cause pain or grow very large they can be surgically removed.

10. You have undiagnosed cervical cancer.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding—such as bleeding after vaginal sex or bleeding and spotting between periods—can be a sign of cervical cancer. (Yet another reason to check in with your doctor if you notice something strange going on with your period.)

Because cervical abnormalities can be detected through Pap and HPV tests, make sure you stay on top of those, and always tell your doctor about your family history of female cancers.

11. Your body's gearing up for menopause.

Oh yes, simply getting older can mess with your period. Menopause, which technically means you've gone 12 or more months without a period, hits women around age 50. However, your body starts the natural decline in hormones that leads up to menopause (a.k.a. perimenopause) as early as 35, says Christiane Northrup, MD, author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom.

When this happens, you may notice your periods getting longer or shorter, your cycle becoming more random, and other slight changes in your menstruation.

If you've ruled out everything else, and you're in your mid- to late-30s, your prolonged periods might simply be due to the natural process of aging. There is, however, such a thing as early menopause, which can affect women even in their twenties. So talk to your doctor if this runs in your family or if you're showing other signs of menopause, like a low sex drive or insomnia.

12. You’re under a lot of stress.

The body’s reaction to stress can change the levels of many hormones that cause your period to last longer than necessary, says Dr. Horton.

“Stress can cause delayed ovulation, causing your period to start later than expected, which can make your periods longer and heavier than usual,” she explains. “Identifying and eliminating stressors in your life will help regulate your periods over time. Meditation, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise are also effective ways to manage stress.”

13. You’re taking certain medications.

Medications such as anti-inflammatories, aspirin, or other blood thinners can also affect your menstrual cycle, says Dr. Horton.

“Aspirin and blood thinners prevent blood clots but can increase the flow of your period,” she explains. “These medications can thin the blood so much that it causes your menstrual cycle to be heavy and last longer than usual.”

As such, it is important to take medicines as directed and if your period becomes heavier or prolonged, to contact your doctor, says Dr. Horton. You may need blood work to determine if you are taking too much medicine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories may be used to treat your heavy and prolonged periods.

14. You’re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.

An unusually heavy period can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy found outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes), says Dr. Horton. Taking a pregnancy test can help you figure out if that's what's going on.

“If you have a positive pregnancy test and have pain and vaginal bleeding, you should be evaluated,” she says. “Your doctor will get blood work and a pelvic ultrasound to see where the pregnancy is located and, if it is ectopic, treat it with medicine or surgery.” Unfortunately, it's not safe for a mother to carry an ectopic pregnancy.

15. You’re actually pregnant and have placenta previa.

This type of heavy vaginal bleeding is actually unrelated to a period, though you might think it is one if you don't yet know you're pregnant. Placenta previa is a condition that happens during pregnancy where the placenta covers the cervix, explains Dr. Horton.

Patients will usually have heavy vaginal bleeding throughout their pregnancy and will need to deliver their baby by C-section. Take a pregnancy test and see your doctor to figure out the best treatment method.

16. You have adenomyosis.

Adenomyosis is a condition where the uterus lining, called the endometrium, is found in the muscular portion of the uterus. It is common in women who are in their 40s and have heavy, prolonged, and painful periods, says Dr. Horton. It’s also common to experience painful sex and frequent miscarriages with this condition, which is often difficult to diagnose until other possibilities are ruled out.

“With adenomyosis, the uterus is usually larger than average, and that leads to heavy, painful periods,” she explains. Your doctor may order a pelvic ultrasound or MRI to help make the diagnosis.”

There is, unfortunately, no cure for adenomyosis, though symptoms are treatable, says Dr. Horton, so talk to your doc about your options.

17. You have pelvic inflammatory disease.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, like that from gonorrhea and chlamydia, traveling from the cervix into the fallopian tube. PID can cause bleeding that is heavier than normal, spotting between menstrual cycles or spotting after sex.

“If you have abnormal bleeding and pain, get a pelvic exam and get tested for sexually transmitted infections,” says Dr. Horton. They can be treated with medication, which will stop the progression of PID too. Left untreated though, and PID can cause lasting issues with fertility.

18. You’re medically overweight or obese.

Obesity can affect your menstrual cycle, says Dr. Horton, because larger bodies produce excess estrogen, which can affect how often you have your periods and eventually cause you to stop ovulating regularly. “When you stop having periods every month, the lining of the uterus will become thick, and eventually shed, resulting in very heavy and prolonged bleeding.”

Losing weight (ideally 15 percent of your body weight) can help you regulate your periods, she says. Your doctor may also prescribe birth control pills or progesterone to help with the prolonged heaving bleeding.

Elizabeth Bacharach is the Assistant Editor at Women’s Health where she writes and edits content about mental and physical health, food and nutrition, sexual health, and lifestyle trends across WomensHealthMag.com and the print magazine. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, lives in New York City, and dreams of becoming best friends with Ina Garten, who is, undeniably, an absolute queen.

Emilia Benton is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor. In addition to Women's Health, she has contributed health, fitness and wellness content to Runner's World, SELF, Prevention, Healthline, and POPSUGAR, among other publications. She is also a 10-time marathoner, frequent traveler and avid amateur baker.

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