There are numerous causes for menstrual bleeding lasting over 10 days, which may indicate ovarian cysts or other abnormalities involving the uterus and hormonal imbalances
1. Menstrual Bleeding Lasting Over 10 Days
Typically, menstruation lasts 2 to 7 days per cycle. However, some women may exeprience periods that are slightly longer or shorter by 1–2 days. If there are no alarming symptoms, such as severe pain or excessive bleeding, there is usually no cause for concern. However, a gynecological consultation is recommended if the following conditions persist for at least 3 consecutive cycles:
Menstrual bleeding lasting over 10 days.
Changes in menstrual flow (e.g., heavier bleeding).
Sudden abnormal vaginal bleeding unrelated to menstruation.
These symptoms could indicate gynecological conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), blood and hormonal disorders, thyroid disease, or uterine lesions, which are potentially serious.
2. Risk of Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are common, accounting for approximately 40% of gynecological disorders in women, affecting around 10% of women of reproductive age. This condition can disrupt hormone levels and lead to complications, including:
Excessive hair growth in women.
Weight gain.
Prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Infertility.
Mortality.
Details of fetal development about which parents should know.
In its early stages, ovarian cysts are generally benign with moderate size. However, without timely detection and treatment, ovarian cysts can progress silently and develop rapidly into malignant stages.
Abnormal cell clusters form cystic masses within the ovaries, which can compress the surrounding tissue, causing lesions, erosion, and detachment of the endometrial lining. This results in abnormal vaginal bleeding and prolonged menstrual periods lasting 7–14 days or even up to a month. Menstrual blood in such cases tends to be thick, dark, and accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
Ovarian cysts can occur at any age and significantly threaten women’s health. Among its variations, ovarian cyst torsion is considered the most dangerous as it can be life-threatening.
3. Other Causes of Prolonged Menstruation
3.1. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
The insertion of an IUD is a common cause of prolonged menstruation. There are two main types:
Non-hormonal IUDs: A frequent side effect is prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Hormonal IUDs: These can shorten the duration of menstruation or even induce amenorrhea. However, heavy bleeding may occur during the initial cycles post-insertion.
If menstruation does not return to normal after at least 3 cycles, a medical examination is recommended. Misplacement or incompatibility of the IUD may also cause abnormal vaginal bleeding.
3.2. Miscarriage
Miscarriage may occur without women realizing they were pregnant. A common symptom is prolonged, heavy bleeding. Typically, menstruation stabilizes 1–2 cycles after miscarriage. However, if prolonged bleeding persists for over 3 consecutive cycles, medical evaluation is necessary.
According to statistics, for every 100 miscarriages, there is 1 woman who has multiple miscarriages. Therefore, women should conduct the necessary tests to diagnose disorders in the body that affect the ability to conceive, as well as reproductive health.
3.3. Thyroid Disorders
On average, 1 in 8 women may experience hypothyroidism at some point in their lives. The thyroid, located in the neck, regulates critical hormones that control various bodily functions, including:
Metabolic rate: Hypothyroidism may lead to weight gain.
Heart rate regulation: Thyroid disease often causes fatigue and hair loss.
Menstrual regulation: Decreased thyroid hormone levels may result in prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding.
3.4. Uterine Lesions
Uterine abnormalities often present as abnormal vaginal bleeding and may include:
Uterine fibroids: Common in women under 50, uterine fibroids are generally benign but can cause prolonged menstruation lasting over 10 days.
Cervical cancer: Symptoms may include prolonged menstruation, post-coital bleeding, or abnormal intermenstrual bleeding.
Endometriosis: This condition may also cause prolonged menstruation
3.5. Menopause
Menopause occurs when menstruation ceases for at least 12 months, commonly in middle-aged women. However, early menopause can affect women in their 20s–30s. Hormonal changes during menopause may result in:
Longer or shorter menstrual periods.
Irregular cycles.
Reduced sexual activity.
Insomnia.
3.6. Other Causes
Pregnancy: While missed periods are a hallmark of pregnancy, abnormal bleeding may also occur.
Side effects of oral contraceptives: Most contraceptives influence hormone levels, leading to prolonged menstruation.
Blood disorders: Prolonged periods may indicate coagulation disorders or deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
To address abnormal prolonged menstrual bleeding effectively, identifying the underlying cause is essential. Women experiencing menstruation lasting over 10 days, particularly with other symptoms mentioned above, should seek gynecological examination. Early detection and treatment of conditions like ovarian cysts, uterine cancer, or endometriosis are crucial.
Vinmec International Hospital offers a Basic Gynecological Screening Package, designed to detect gynecological infections and diseases early, facilitating effective and cost-efficient treatment. This package includes screening for cervical cancer.
Services provided include:
Specialized gynecological consultation.
Transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries.
Bilateral breast ultrasound.
Diagnostic tests such as:
+ Rapid Treponema pallidum test.
+ Rapid Chlamydia test.
+ HPV genotype PCR.
+ Cervical and vaginal cytology.
+ Vaginal bacterial staining microscopy.
Automated urinalysis.
For a healthy pregnancy, both partners should undergo reproductive health assessments 3–5 months before conception.
For women:
Preconception vaccinations (e.g., rubella, which poses severe risks during pregnancy).
Genetic testing for hereditary conditions.
Screening for gynecological infections.
Detailed health evaluations for women over 35, given the higher risks of ovarian failure, preterm birth, fetal abnormalities, and preeclampsia.
For men:
Reproductive health screening to identify testicular disorders, infertility, or weak sperm quality.
Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially untreatable ones.
Vinmec offers comprehensive healthcare programs for couples, pregnant mothers, and fetuses, including pre-marital basic and advanced health screenings and full maternity care packages. Vinmec’s team of experienced specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, IVF, stem cells, and genetics ensure the delivery of cutting-edge reproductive care.
For more health, nutrition, and beauty tips, visit Vinmec International General Hospital to safeguard the health of yourself and your loved ones.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
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