Menstruation usually lasts for how many days?
Disease description:
The duration of my period varies each time—it sometimes lasts four to five days, and sometimes seven to eight days. I'd like to know what the normal duration of a menstrual period usually is.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Menstruation, also known as a period, typically lasts 3-7 days, although the exact duration may vary.
The length of the menstrual cycle and the duration of menstruation vary from person to person. Generally, a healthy menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days, with an average of 28 days. The menstrual period, or the time of bleeding, usually lasts 3-7 days, with an average of about 5 days. During this time, the uterine lining sheds and is expelled from the body along with blood, forming menstrual blood.
If the menstrual period is very short, lasting less than 2 days, it may be related to a thin endometrium (uterine lining) or hormonal imbalances. For example, extreme dieting for weight loss can affect estrogen secretion, limiting the growth of the endometrium and resulting in a shorter period.
Conversely, if menstruation lasts longer than 8 days, it could indicate conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometritis. These conditions can affect uterine contractions, prolonging blood vessel rupture and bleeding. If the duration of menstruation is significantly longer or shorter than the normal range, or if it is accompanied by pain, irregular bleeding, or other symptoms, it is advisable to seek timely medical consultation with a specialist.
