Period duration: what are short and long periods?

Because they are sometimes painful, sometimes embarrassing, sometimes surprising, sometimes irregular, sometimes absent or sometimes more or less abundant, our periods or menstruation are a source of many questions for a woman.

Let's discuss together another important aspect of periods: their duration. How long last periods normally ? What is the normal duration of periods ? What is the average duration of menstruation ? A handful of days. Yes, but how many exactly? Let's go back together to the mechanism of the rules, marking the beginning of a new period .

Menopause, puberty, hormone levels, contraception, women's health, we will see together the many factors that can influence the duration of menstrual bleeding.

Period duration: the average length of menstruation

La duration of periods varies from one woman to another. This duration also varies from one menstrual cycle to another and also evolves throughout the woman's life. In short, you will have understood, the duration of the rules is never fixed and is rather very variable. You will have rules that last 3 days, then the following month rules that last 5 days without this being abnormal or surprising.

We can therefore only put forward an average, a fairly wide range: the rules last between 3 and 7 days.

Quick reminder: duration of periods and duration of the menstrual cycle

It is accepted that an average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. Again, this is an average that is never fixed and varies. A female cycle or hormonal cycle The woman's period can last between 21 and 35 days, without this being a cause for concern. During this ovarian cycle, several different phases occur: the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.

Menstruation occurs at the very beginning of the hormonal cycle. In fact, the first day of your period is the first day of a new menstrual cycle. On average, it is established that:

• La follicular phase lasts 14 days on average. During this phase of the cycle, menstruation lasts 3 to 7 days. The ovarian follicles work to reach maturity. Only one follicle will be mature: the Graafian follicle.

• Ovulation occurs around the 15th day, the fertile period is then at its peak. It is at this time, at mid cycle that you have the best chance of getting pregnant because you are fertile.

• Finally, the luteal phase lasts 14 days (this is the time of the month when the pre menstrual symptoms or SPM may appear).

You can easily calculate your menstrual cycle (DIY menstrual calendar or downloadable app) to find out the date of your next period or to know your fertile period in order to put all the chances on your side to conceive a child.

Putting periods back into the menstrual cycle

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries at the time of ovulation (fertile period) in order to prepare the uterus to receive the embryo by thickening the uterine wall. At the time of ovulation, in the middle of the hormonal cycle, the progesterone level rises.

If there is no fertilization of the oocyte by a sperm, theendometrium (uterine lining) that has thickened during the menstrual cycle then breaks down. A new menstrual cycle can then begin and another period occurs. Menstruation is simply the body's shedding of the endometrium in the form of blood loss and small clots.

Did you know that very short periods are calledhypomenorrhea ? In this case, it is light bleeding lasting only two days.

On the contrary, periods lasting more than 8 days and rather heavy are called menorrhagia. In this case, iron deficiency are likely.

The absence of rules is called amenorrhea, irregular periods and painful periods are called dysmenorrheaIf you have any doubts, never hesitate to consult a health 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 periods are shorter than usual or that your bleeding is prolonged. Why? What are the reasons that explain that periods are shorter or longer than usual?

• Ta contraception can influence the length of your period: copper IUD or IUD can make your bleeding longer and heavier.

• The hormones (progesterone and estrogens) and in particular a hormonal imbalance (the level of hormones in your female body) can cause the length of your period to vary.

• If you are in full puberty or if you are in pre-menopause, it is not surprising to have slightly irregular and variable periods.

• Your lifestyle has a direct impact on the nature of your blood loss and its duration: high-level sport, diet (problems with bulimia or anorexia), lack of sleep, periods of stress (typically exam periods) 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 is essential to consult a gynecologist regularly. If you feel pain, if you have symptoms, consult! It is important to rule out any risk of any disease by having yourself examined and having an annual smear test.

Whether it's average, long or short, manage your periods in the best possible way!

Alternatives to tampons and pads can be, find the washable and durable feminine protection that meets your needs and expectations. Menstrual cup, panties or even swimsuits, Louloucup offers you a set of menstrual products of high quality at low prices.

The advantages of Louloucup? A transparent composition, custom-made batches, very varied models for all menstrual flows and for all body types as well as a large choice of sizes (from XXS or 5XL).

Discover without delay our various ranges and collections for everyone: menstrual panties for teens, plus size menstrual panties, postpartum menstrual panties, etc. At Louloucup, we don't forget anyone!

With a vegan and French menstrual cup

The menstrual cup revolutionizes your monthly losses! This small reservoir in medical silicone get your back blood very effectively and with absolute discretion! This invisible internal periodic protection is above all washable, durable and ecological in addition to being hygienic.

Discover, if you haven't already, our two models of Loulou menstrual cups : the classic pink menstrual cup and extra soft turquoise menstrual cup. Both of these period cup models are available in small and medium sizes.

With organic and absorbent menstrual panties

La pair of period panties or period panties have this definite advantage: they are super reliable. With them, there is little risk of finding your pants or sheets stained. Super absorbent thanks to their pad, menstrual panties are put on and worn like traditional or classic panties. They are very discreet, no one can guess that you are wearing a menstrual underwear.

Du organic cotton or organic bamboo, shorty, thong or high waist, treat yourself with the lmenstrual ingery varied and above all Louloucup's canon! Very absorbent thanks to the technical fabric used, the Louloucup menstrual panties are aimed at all women, to all bodies, to all sizes, to all morphologies and to all cycles, to all bleeding, to all menstrual flows (light, normal, heavy or very heavy).

With fun and reliable menstrual swimwear

Swimming and enjoying the pool or the beach in complete peace is no longer a dream or a luxury! Exit the for irritant with dubious and obscure composition, make way for our period swimsuit low priced quality, but super reliable!

Absorbent on the inside, waterproof on the outside, the period swimsuit rises to the challenge! Louloucup offers you various models and sizes of menstrual swimwear : menstrual swim briefs but also one-piece swimsuits. It's up to you to choose!