What Causes Menstruation to Persist Without Ending?
Apr 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Whether menstruation has started or not indicates a prolonged menstrual duration. If heavy menstrual bleeding is present, a comprehensive analysis is required, incorporating factors such as the woman’s age, menstrual history, contraceptive history, and obstetric history (including prior pregnancies and deliveries). In women of childbearing age, if menstruation is absent despite sexual activity, pregnancy must be considered—including the possibilities of spontaneous abortion and ectopic pregnancy.
Women experience menstruation each month. However, some women encounter prolonged menstrual bleeding—meaning their period does not stop as expected. What causes this phenomenon?
What Causes Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding?
“Menstruation that won’t stop” indicates abnormally prolonged menstrual duration. If accompanied by heavy menstrual flow, a comprehensive evaluation is required—including the woman’s age, menstrual history, contraceptive history, and obstetric history (e.g., prior pregnancies or deliveries). For women of childbearing age who are sexually active, pregnancy must be ruled out, along with possible complications such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Pregnancy testing and pelvic ultrasound can provide clear diagnostic information.
Other potential causes of prolonged vaginal bleeding include: extended menstrual periods following intrauterine device (IUD) insertion; use of hormonal medications—such as oral contraceptives—which may trigger irregular or prolonged uterine bleeding; and organic gynecological conditions, including uterine polyps, endometrial cancer, and cervical polyps, all of which may contribute to prolonged menstruation.
For adolescent girls or women with low sexual activity, pharmacologic therapy is typically the first-line treatment—options include short-term oral contraceptives or progestin combined with androgen therapy. In contrast, for women with prior sexual activity, hysteroscopic endometrial ablation or curettage is often the preferred intervention. We hope this information is helpful to you.
