Period length: what’s considered a short or long period?
Because they are sometimes painful, sometimes bothersome, sometimes unexpected, sometimes irregular, sometimes absent, or sometimes more or less heavy, our **periods** or menstruation raise many questions for a **woman**.
Let’s look at another important aspect of periods: how long they last. How long do periods last normally? What is the normal length of a period? What is the average duration of menstruation? Just a few days. Yes, but how many exactly? Let’s go back over how periods work, marking the start of a new menstrual cycle.
Menopause, puberty, hormone levels, contraception, women’s health: we’ll look together at the many factors that can influence how long your period bleeding lasts.
🩷 Period length: the average duration of menstruation
The length of your period varies from one woman to another. It also varies from one cycle to the next and changes throughout a woman’s life. In short, as you’ve probably realized, period length is never fixed and is actually very variable. One month your period may last 3 days, and the next 5 days, without this being abnormal or surprising.
We can only give an average, a fairly wide range: periods last between 3 and 7 days.
🩷 Quick reminder: length of your period vs. length of your menstrual cycle
It’s generally accepted that an average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. Again, this is an average, not a fixed rule, and it varies. A woman’s menstrual or hormonal cycle can last between 21 and 35 days without it being a concern. Over the course of this ovarian cycle, several different phases follow one another: the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.
Menstruation occurs right at the beginning of the hormonal cycle. In fact, the first day of your period marks the first day of a new menstrual cycle. On average, it’s considered that:
The follicular phase lasts an average of 14 days. During this phase of the cycle, menstruation lasts 3 to 7 days. The ovarian follicles are working to reach maturity. Only one follicle will fully mature: the Graafian follicle.
Ovulation occurs around day 15, when your fertility is at its peak. This is when, in the middle of your cycle, you’re most likely to get pregnant, because you’re fertile.
Finally, the luteal phase lasts 14 days (this is when premenstrual symptoms, or PMS, can appear).
You can easily track your menstrual cycle (with a DIY calendar or an app) to know when your next period is due or to identify your fertile window and maximize your chances of conceiving.
🩷 Putting your period back into the menstrual cycle
Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries at the time of ovulation (the fertile window) to prepare the uterus for the embryo by thickening the uterine lining. At ovulation, in the middle of the hormonal cycle, progesterone levels rise.
If the egg is not fertilized by a sperm, the endometrium (uterine lining), which has thickened during the menstrual cycle, then breaks down. A new menstrual cycle can begin and a new period occurs. Menstruation is simply the body expelling the endometrium in the form of blood loss and small clots.
Did you know that very short periods are called hypomenorrhea? In this case, bleeding is light and lasts only two days.
On the other hand, periods lasting more than 8 days and rather heavy are called menorrhagia. In this case, iron deficiency is likely.
The absence of periods is called amenorrhea, irregular periods and painful periods are called dysmenorrhea. At the slightest doubt, never hesitate to consult a healthcare professional: a gynecologist, a doctor or a midwife.
🩷 Length of periods: short periods or long periods – what are the reasons?
This month you notice that your period is shorter than usual, or that your bleeding is dragging on. Why? What are the reasons your period might be shorter or longer than usual?
Your contraception can affect how long your period lasts: the copper IUD can make your bleeding heavier and longer.
Hormones (progesterone and estrogen), and especially a hormonal imbalance (the level of hormones in your body), can affect how long your period lasts.
If you’re going through puberty or perimenopause, it’s completely normal to have slightly irregular and variable periods.
Your lifestyle has a direct impact on how much you bleed and for how long: high-level sports, diet (issues like bulimia or anorexia), lack of sleep, periods of stress (such as exam time) or emotional shocks.
Finally, infections or illnesses can explain short or long periods: a simple flu, fibroids, uterine cancer, ovarian cysts (polycystic ovaries), endometriosis or an STI.
We’d like to remind you that it’s essential to see a gynaecologist regularly. If you feel pain or have symptoms, make an appointment! It’s important to rule out any potential illness by getting checked and having a yearly smear test.
🩷 Whether your cycle is average, long or short, manage your period in the best possible way!
Alternatives to tampons and disposable pads, find the washable, long-lasting period protection that matches your needs and expectations. Menstrual cups, panties and even swimsuits – Louloucup offers a full range of high-quality menstrual products at affordable prices.
What makes Louloucup special? Transparent composition, custom bundles, a wide variety of styles for all menstrual flows and all body types, plus a large choice of sizes (from XXS to 5XL).
Discover our different ranges and collections for everyone: teen period panties, plus-size period panties, postpartum period panties, etc. At Louloucup, no one is left out!
🌸 With a vegan, French-made menstrual cup
The cup, or menstrual cup, revolutionizes your monthly flow! This small reservoir made of medical-grade silicone collects your blood very efficiently and in complete discretion! This invisible internal period protection is washable, long-lasting and eco-friendly, as well as hygienic.
Discover, if you haven’t already, our two Loulou menstrual cup models: the classic pink menstrual cup and the extra-soft turquoise menstrual cup. Both cup styles are available in small and medium sizes.
🌸 With organic and absorbent menstrual panties
Period panties have one clear advantage: they’re super reliable. With them, there’s very little risk of ending up with stained pants or sheets. Thanks to their absorbent pad, period panties go on and feel just like regular underwear. They’re very discreet—no one can tell you’re wearing period underwear.
Organic cotton or organic bamboo, shorties, thongs, or high-waisted styles—treat yourself to Louloucup’s varied and seriously gorgeous range of period lingerie! Thanks to the technical fabrics used, our Louloucup menstrual underwear is highly absorbent and suitable for all women, all body types, all sizes, all cycles, all levels of bleeding, and all menstrual flows (light, normal, heavy, or very heavy).
🌸 With fun and reliable menstrual swimsuits
Swimming and enjoying the pool or beach with total peace of mind is no longer a dream or a luxury! Say goodbye to irritating tampons with a dubious, murky composition, and hello to high‑quality, low‑cost but super reliable menstrual swimwear!
Absorbent on the inside, waterproof on the outside, period swimwear rises to the challenge! Louloucup offers several styles and sizes of period swimwear: period bikini bottoms as well as one-piece swimsuits. The choice is yours!
Did you enjoy this article? Pin it!
