How many days is normal for a woman's menstrual period?

Menstruation is an important sign of women's physiological maturity. But in many cases, if a woman's menstruation is irregular, it can also indicate many problems. Among them, the changes in the number of menstrual days make many friends ignore its importance. So, how many days of menstruation are normal for women? In fact, the average menstrual period for women lasts 3 to 5 days. If it is slightly extended, it will not exceed 7 days.

After people enter puberty, the endometrium is affected by ovarian hormones, and periodic uterine bleeding occurs, which is called menstruation. The cyclical changes in the endometrium are called the menstrual cycle, which is also the human reproductive cycle.

The period from the first day of menstruation to the day before the next menstruation is usually called a menstrual cycle, and each menstrual cycle lasts an average of about 28 days. According to the histological changes of the endometrium, the menstrual cycle is divided into three phases: (1) proliferative phase (preovulatory and follicular phases). Equivalent to the 5th to 14th day of the menstrual cycle. The follicles secrete female hormones, which gradually repair and thicken the endometrium, proliferate blood vessels and glands, and allow the follicles to develop until they mature and ovulate; (2) Secretory phase. From ovulation to the next menstruation, that is, the 15th to 28th day of the menstrual cycle. The corpus luteum grows and matures, and secretes large amounts of progesterone and estrogen. Under the action of hormones, the endometrium and glands continue to grow and secrete mucus, preparing conditions for the implantation and development of the fertilized egg. (3) Menstrual period. If the egg cell is not fertilized, the corpus luteum gradually shrinks, hormone secretion decreases sharply, and the endometrial blood vessels spasm, causing the endometrium to become ischemic, necrotic and detached. Blood vessels rupture and bleed, and blood and detached endometrial fragments are discharged through the vagina. It lasts about 3 to 5 days, and the amount of bleeding varies from 50 to 100 ml. Generally, girls begin to have their first menstruation at the age of 13 to 14, which is called menarche. The menstrual period ends at 45 to 50 years old. The human nervous system regulates ovarian activity, and mental stress or excessive anxiety can cause menstrual cycle disorders. There is usually no menstruation during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Common causes

There are five common reasons for prolonged menstrual periods:

First: pelvic inflammatory disease. Pelvic inflammation, intrauterine polyps, endometritis, etc. are all caused by poor intrauterine blood circulation, degeneration and necrosis, or pelvic congestion, which lead to excessive menstruation and prolonged menstruation.

Second: uterine fibroids. Especially for submucosal uterine fibroids, due to the expansion of the uterine cavity area and abnormal contraction, it can cause menorrhagia and prolonged menstruation.

Third: chronic uterine hypertrophy. Due to pelvic congestion, ovarian estrogen continues to increase, causing thickening of the uterine muscle layer, resulting in excessive menstruation and prolonged menstruation.

Fourth: Endometriosis. It often causes menorrhagia or prolonged menstruation due to affecting the contraction of the uterine muscle layer or strengthening the endometrium.

Fifth: Dysfunctional uterine bleeding. For example, anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding and irregular endometrial shedding both cause prolonged menstruation due to endocrine dysfunction. Blood disease. Such as thrombocytopenic purpura, aplastic anemia, etc., are often accompanied by menstruation. If severe uterine bleeding occurs, the menstrual period will be prolonged. Other conditions such as chronic anemia, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, nephritis, etc. can make the blood vessel walls fragile, increase permeability and cause bleeding.