What causes menstrual periods lasting more than seven days without stopping, and what should be done?

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Menstruation, commonly referred to as a period, is considered prolonged if it lasts more than seven days without completion. This may be caused by emotional fluctuations, irregular lifestyle, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial polyps, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other factors. Improvement can be achieved through emotional regulation, maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), and medication. If there is heavy bleeding or accompanying abdominal pain, prompt medical attention is necessary. 1. Emotional fluctuations: Long-term anxiety and excessive stress can affect hormone secretion.

Menstruation, commonly referred to as a period, is considered prolonged if it lasts more than seven days without ending. This may be caused by emotional fluctuations, irregular sleep patterns, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial polyps, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other conditions. Symptoms can be improved through emotional regulation, regular作息 (daily routines), and medication. Seek prompt medical attention if there is heavy bleeding or accompanying abdominal pain.

1. Emotional fluctuations: Long-term anxiety and excessive stress can disrupt hormone secretion, leading to incomplete shedding of the endometrium and prolonged, irregular menstrual bleeding. It is recommended to maintain a positive mood and relieve stress through activities such as listening to music or taking walks, avoiding intense emotional swings.

2. Irregular作息 (sleep patterns): Staying up late and inconsistent daily routines can disrupt endocrine rhythms and impair ovarian function, thereby prolonging menstrual bleeding. It is advised to maintain regular作息 habits, avoid staying up late, and ensure sufficient daily sleep to help stabilize the endocrine system.

3. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding: Endocrine disorders can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, characterized by prolonged menstrual periods and variable blood flow. Patients may take medications such as dydrogesterone tablets, estradiol valerate tablets, or tranexamic acid tablets under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.

4. Endometrial polyps: Localized overgrowth of the endometrial tissue forms polyps, interfering with normal endometrial shedding and resulting in prolonged menstruation and increased menstrual flow. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate tablets, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems, or metronidazole tablets to relieve discomfort.

5. Pelvic inflammatory disease: Bacterial infection causes inflammation in the pelvic region, leading to congestion and swelling of the endometrium, which prolongs the menstrual period and is often accompanied by lower abdominal pressure and abnormal discharge. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, or Gynecological Qianjin tablets to improve symptoms.

Maintain good genital hygiene and change sanitary pads frequently. Eat a light diet and avoid spicy or cold foods. Get adequate rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Keep emotions stable to support recovery and reduce abnormal bleeding.

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What should I do if a student hasn't had her period for several months?

In general, if a student has not had a menstrual period for several months, it may be due to excessive academic stress, extreme dieting for weight loss, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, uterine endometrial adhesions, or other causes. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, surgery, or other treatments.

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Does having very strong menstrual symptoms mean there's no hope of getting pregnant?

A strong "period-like" sensation usually refers to the typical feelings associated with menstruation. Generally, if this sensation is intense and followed by an actual menstrual period, pregnancy is unlikely. However, if the symptoms are due to early pregnancy discomfort instead, pregnancy may still be possible. If a strong period-like sensation is followed shortly by a normal menstrual flow (with bleeding amount and duration consistent with usual periods), pregnancy is typically ruled out.

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What are the quick pain-relief exercises during menstruation?

"Big Aunt" usually refers to menstruation. Quick pain-relief actions during menstrual periods include bending the knees and hugging the abdomen, abdominal massage, butterfly pose, cat-cow stretch, and wall squat holds. These methods help relax pelvic muscles and promote menstrual blood flow to alleviate pain, suitable for temporary relief in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by abnormal menstrual bleeding, prompt medical attention is recommended.

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Is the chance of getting pregnant high if having sex 8 days before menstruation?

If the menstrual cycle is regular (e.g., 28–30 days), ovulation usually occurs approximately 14 days before the next menstrual period. Eight days before menstruation, the ovulation period has typically already passed, and the egg has lost its ability to be fertilized; thus, the likelihood of pregnancy during intercourse at this time is low. However, it should be noted that even with a regular cycle, slight variations may occur due to factors such as emotional state or stress, potentially delaying ovulation and leaving a small chance of unintended pregnancy.