How Long Do Menstrual Periods Last?

Menstrual periods mark the maturity and fertility of a woman. They signify that her body is ready to bear life. Girls usually experience their first menstruation at age 12. However, some are late bloomers and may experience it for the first time when they reach 15. While menstruation is associated with childbirth, it can be a source of distress for many women.

Menstruation can be a cause of pain and discomfort for almost all women. Cramps, PMS, hormonal changes and bloating are just some of the usual symptoms of menstruation. With all these upsetting menstruation signs, it begs the question: How long do menstrual periods last?

Normally, menstrual periods last for six days. A girl’s first period, however, may run for ten days. But once her menstrual cycle regularizes, she’ll have a minimum of three days. Take note, however, that the length of menstrual periods depends largely on a woman’s personal and other individual circumstances.

If a woman is on birth control pills, menstrual cycles would greatly vary since many different pills have distinct effects. However, most pills cause a 28-day menstrual cycle. Generally, menstrual periods last between two to nine days when on birth control pills.

Anything that runs other than a 30-day menstrual cycle is irregular; thus, a cycle of twenty-seven days or 32 days is irregular. However, if the length of the menstrual cycle is consistent, that is deemed regular. For women having irregular periods, the time span may be between three to ten days. It is normal for most teens to experience irregular menstrual cycles.

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