Patient's question:
Each menstrual period lasts for half a month. I don't know what the reason is? What kinds of diseases could it be related to? Does uterine fibroids have this characteristic?Doctor's answer:
Normal menstrual duration is 2 to 7 days, with a minority lasting 3 to 5 days. If menstrual duration exceeds 7 days, it is considered menstrual prolongation. Menstrual prolongation should be taken seriously, with thorough investigation into the underlying causes, which are typically associated with the following conditions:(1) Blood disorders such as thrombocytopenic purpura and aplastic anemia often accompany menstruation. Severe uterine bleeding may occur, leading to prolonged periods. Other conditions like chronic anemia, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and nephritis can weaken blood vessel walls, increase permeability, and cause bleeding.
(2) Pelvic inflammation, uterine polyps, and endometritis are all caused by poor uterine cavity blood circulation, degeneration, necrosis, or pelvic congestion, leading to menorrhagia and prolonged periods.
(3) Chronic uterine hypertrophy (uterine myositis) is due to pelvic congestion and sustained high estrogen levels from the ovaries, causing thickening of the uterine muscle layer, leading to menorrhagia and prolonged periods.
(4) Uterine fibroids, especially submucosal fibroids, can cause menorrhagia and prolonged periods due to enlarged uterine cavity area and abnormal contractions.
(5) Functional uterine bleeding disorders, such as anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding and irregular endometrial shedding, are caused by endocrine dysfunction, leading to prolonged periods.
(6) Endometriosis often results in menorrhagia or prolonged periods by affecting uterine muscle contraction or enhancing endometrial growth.
(7) The use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) can also lead to prolonged periods.
Therefore, menstrual prolongation may be caused by systemic diseases or various gynecological conditions. It is important to distinguish and identify the specific causes before initiating targeted treatment.