What should I do if my menstrual period lasts too long?

Menstruation is a normal physiological process for all women, typically lasting 3–5 days. Menstruation lasting longer than this duration is considered prolonged.

What should be done if menstruation is prolonged?

Treatment for prolonged menstruation must always be targeted to the underlying cause. If excessive bleeding is the primary concern, hemostasis (stopping the bleeding) is the immediate goal. Once bleeding is controlled, menstrual cycle regulation is essential to prevent recurrence. Uterine fibroids are managed either medically or surgically, depending on their size. Luteal phase deficiency can be corrected with short-term hormonal therapy.

A normal menstrual period lasts 3–5 days; if bleeding persists beyond 7 days, it is defined as prolonged menstruation. When evaluating prolonged periods, consider the patient’s usual menstrual pattern. Chronic prolongation may indicate an endocrine disorder. If menstrual delay occurs alongside prolonged bleeding, further investigation is warranted. Initial evaluation often includes pelvic ultrasound, which may reveal endometrial hyperplasia, increased endometrial thickness, or endometrial polyps. Notably, many patients with prolonged menstruation have a history of cesarean delivery. Clinically, prolonged post-cesarean menstruation is frequently associated with poor wound healing or the development of a cesarean scar憩室 (cesarean scar niche).

Prolonged menstruation in women may result from endometrial thickening secondary to endometritis. Anti-inflammatory treatment with amoxicillin capsules is recommended. For patients with penicillin allergy, azithromycin is an appropriate alternative. Yunnan Baiyao may help alleviate symptoms. We hope this information is helpful to you!