Period length: what’s considered a short or long period?
Because periods are sometimes painful, sometimes inconvenient, sometimes surprising, sometimes irregular, sometimes absent, or sometimes heavier or lighter, our periods (or menstruation) are a source of many questions for women.
Let’s talk about another important aspect of periods: how long they last. How long do periods normally last? What is the normal duration of a period? What is the average length of menstruation? Just a few days. But exactly how many? Let’s go over how periods work, marking the start of a new menstrual cycle.
Menopause, puberty, hormone levels, birth control, women’s health—we’ll look at the many factors that can affect how long your period lasts.
🩷 Period length: average duration of menstruation
The length of your period varies from woman to woman. It can also change from one cycle to another, and throughout a woman’s life. In short, your period’s duration is never fixed and is actually quite variable. You might have a period that lasts 3 days, and the next month it lasts 5 days—this is totally normal and nothing to worry about.
So, all we can really give is an average, a fairly wide range: periods last between 3 and 7 days.
🩷 Quick reminder: period length and menstrual cycle length
It’s generally accepted that the average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. Again, this is just an average and is never exact—it varies. A woman’s menstrual or hormonal cycle can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days, and that’s perfectly normal. During this ovarian cycle, several different phases follow one another: the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
Your period occurs right at the start of the hormonal cycle. In fact, the first day of your period is the first day of a new menstrual cycle. On average, it’s established that:
The follicular phase lasts an average of 14 days. During this phase, menstruation lasts 3 to 7 days. Ovarian follicles are at work, maturing. Only one follicle will fully mature: the Graafian follicle.
Ovulation occurs around day 15, which is when your fertility is at its peak. This is the time, in the middle of your cycle, when you are most likely to get pregnant because you are fertile.
Finally, the luteal phase lasts 14 days (this is when PMS symptoms can appear)
You can easily track your menstrual cycle (with a DIY calendar or an app) to know the date of your next period or to find your fertile window and maximize your chances of conceiving.
🩷 Putting periods back into the menstrual cycle
Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries during ovulation (the fertile period) to prepare the uterus for a potential embryo by thickening the uterine lining. At ovulation, in the middle of the hormonal cycle, progesterone levels rise. If the egg isn’t fertilized by a sperm cell, the endometrium (uterine lining) that thickened during the menstrual cycle then breaks down. A new cycle can then begin and a new period occurs. Menstruation is simply the body expelling the endometrium as blood and small clots. Did you know that very short periods are called hypomenorrhea? This means light bleeding for only two days. On the other hand, periods lasting more than 8 days and that are quite heavy are called menorrhagia. In this case, iron deficiency is likely. The absence of periods is called amenorrhea, while irregular periods and painful periods are called dysmenorrhea. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional: a gynecologist, doctor, or midwife.
🩷 Period length: short or long periods, what are the reasons?
This month, you notice your period is shorter than usual, or your bleeding is dragging on. Why? What are the reasons for periods being shorter or longer than usual?
Your birth control can affect your period length: the copper IUD can make your periods longer and heavier.
Hormones (progesterone and estrogen), and especially a hormonal imbalance (the level of hormones in your body), can affect the length of your period.
If you’re going through puberty or perimenopause, it’s not unusual to have periods that are a bit irregular or variable.
Your lifestyle has a direct impact on the nature and duration of your bleeding: high-level sports, diet (issues like bulimia or anorexia), lack of sleep, periods of stress (like 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 even an STI.
We remind you that it’s essential to see a gynecologist regularly. If you feel pain or have symptoms, make an appointment! It’s important to rule out any potential health issues by getting checked and having an annual Pap smear.
🩷 Whether your period is average, long, or short, manage it in the best way possible!
Looking for alternatives to tampons and disposable pads? Find the washable, long-lasting feminine protection that fits your needs and expectations. Menstrual cups, period underwear, and even swimsuits—Louloucup offers a full range of high-quality menstrual products at affordable prices.
What sets Louloucup apart? Transparent ingredients, custom bundles, a wide variety of models for every menstrual flow and every body type, plus a huge selection of sizes (from XXS to 5XL).
Check out our different collections for everyone: teen period underwear, plus size period underwear, postpartum period underwear, and more. At Louloucup, no one is left out!
🌸 With a vegan, French-made menstrual cup
The cup or menstrual cup is revolutionizing your monthly flow! This small medical-grade silicone reservoir collects your blood very effectively and with total discretion! This invisible internal period protection is washable, durable, and eco-friendly, as well as hygienic.
Discover, if you haven’t already, our two models of Loulou menstrual cups: the classic pink menstrual cup and the extra soft turquoise menstrual cup. Both models are available in small and medium sizes.
🌸 With organic, absorbent period underwear
The period panty has a clear advantage: it’s super reliable. With it, you’re unlikely to find your pants or sheets stained. Its absorbent pad makes it just as easy to use and wear as regular underwear. It’s very discreet—no one will know you’re wearing period underwear.
Whether you prefer organic cotton or organic bamboo, boyshorts, tangas, or high-waisted styles, treat yourself to Louloucup’s stunning and diverse period underwear! Highly absorbent thanks to advanced technical fabrics, Louloucup period panties are made for all women, all bodies, all sizes, all shapes, all cycles, all flows, and all levels of menstrual bleeding (light, normal, heavy, or very heavy).
🌸 With fun and reliable period swimwear
Swimming and enjoying the pool or beach with total peace of mind is no longer just a dream or a luxury! Say goodbye to irritating tampons with questionable ingredients, and hello to high-quality, affordable, and super reliable period swimwear!
Absorbent on the inside, waterproof on the outside—period swimwear rises to the challenge! Louloucup offers you a variety of period swimwear models and sizes: period swim bottoms as well as one-piece swimsuits. The choice is yours!
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