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How long do periods usually last?
Find out what’s considered typical and when you should seek medical advice
Top things to know:
A typical period length for someone not using hormonal birth control is eight days or less
Hormonal birth control methods—like the pill, patch, ring, or hormonal IUD—often make bleeding shorter or lighter
Copper IUDs may cause longer and heavier periods
Track your period, flow, and spotting with Clue to get personalized insights and predictions
What is menstruation?
Menstruation is the shedding of your endometrium (the lining of your uterus), with blood and endometrial tissue flowing through your cervix and vagina (1). The first day of your period marks the beginning of your menstrual cycle. The length of your menstrual period is the number of continuous days of bleeding during each menstrual cycle (1). The menstrual cycle is more than just your period: it runs from the first day of one period to the day before the next one begins.
Periods are a healthy and typical part of the menstrual cycle. However, prolonged or heavy periods are associated with iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia and symptoms like fatigue or dizziness (2). Long or heavy periods may also signal an underlying health condition that should be discussed with a healthcare provider (3). It’s possible to have heavy menstrual bleeding even when your period length is within the “normal” range (3).
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Spotting—bloody vaginal discharge that isn’t heavy enough to need menstrual products like a pad, tampon, or menstrual cup (4)—can sometimes be mistaken for a light period if it lasts a few days. Spotting is not considered part of the period and should be tracked in Clue as “Spotting” to ensure accurate predictions.
Bleeding (heavier than spotting) in between your periods is considered intermenstrual bleeding and is not typical (4). Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience this type of bleeding. If your period is “irregular” or prolonged, it is also recommended to reach out to your healthcare provider. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, uterine polyps, or bleeding disorders could be the cause (4).
When do periods typically start?
People typically get their first period (menarche) between the ages of 12–13, but it can vary (5). During the first few years after menarche, periods are often unpredictable as the body develops its hormone production and regulation systems. Over time, they become more predictable (5).
What is the typical period length for people not on hormonal birth control?
Adult period length
For adults not using hormonal birth control or an IUD, a typical period lasts up to eight days (4). The first two days are usually the heaviest, followed by progressively lighter bleeding (6). Period and cycle length can vary across a person’s reproductive life (4). If your period consistently lasts longer than eight days, consider speaking to your healthcare provider (4).
Adolescent period length
Around menarche, period length can vary. Unpredictable cycles are common for the first few years, with periods coming at different times and lasting for different lengths. Over time, cycles become more predictable, though some variability remains (5).
What is the typical period length for people on hormonal birth control?
The pill, the ring, the patch
Hormonal birth control methods like the pill, vaginal ring, and patch regulate estrogen and progesterone levels. When used consistently, they prevent ovulation (7).
Bleeding typically occurs during “no hormone” days (when taking placebo pills or pausing between rings or patches) (7). This is called withdrawal bleeding and is not a true menstrual period. It happens because hormone levels temporarily drop (8).
The number of days you bleed while on hormonal birth control can vary, and many people experience lighter bleeding or no bleeding at all (9). This is because the uterine lining does not thicken as much as it would without hormonal birth control (7). Some people also choose to avoid withdrawal bleeding by skipping their no-hormone days.
Certain types of hormonal birth control allow for extended cycles, meaning bleeding might only happen once every three months or even once a year (7).
The mini pill, the shot, the implant
Some hormonal birth control methods contain only progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) (7). These include progestin-only pills (mini pill), the contraceptive shot, and the contraceptive implant (7).
Bleeding patterns on progestin-only methods vary (10). Some people experience shorter, lighter, or absent bleeding, while others have spotting or prolonged bleeding, especially when first starting the method (10,11). Over time, bleeding tends to become more predictable (10).
What’s the typical period length for people with intrauterine devices (IUDs)?
Hormonal IUDs
Hormonal IUDs often cause unpredictable or lighter bleeding, and some people stop bleeding altogether (7). This happens because the lining of your uterus doesn’t thicken as much as it would without hormonal birth control (7).
Copper IUDs
Copper IUDs are non-hormonal, so your cycle continues naturally (12). However, they are linked to longer, heavier periods—especially in the first 6–12 months (13). You may also experience larger blood clots and increased cramping (3). NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like ibuprofen) can help manage these symptoms (12).
Factors affecting period length
Several factors can influence how long your period lasts, including:
Age (periods tend to be more unpredictable during adolescence and perimenopause)
Hormonal fluctuations (natural or from birth control)
Stress
Body mass index (BMI) (periods tend to be more unpredictable at a very high or low BMI)
Exercise habits
Diet and nutrition
Underlying health conditions (e.g., hormonal imbalances, fibroids, bleeding disorders)
Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol use) (4,5,7,14-22)
When to talk to a healthcare provider
Speak to a healthcare provider if:
Your period regularly lasts longer than eight days
You notice sudden changes in your period’s length or heaviness
You are bleeding (heavier than spotting) in between periods
You experience prolonged spotting or unpredictable bleeding on birth control after the first three months
Your period is accompanied by severe pain, large clots, or signs of anemia (e.g., fatigue, dizziness)
You suspect an underlying health condition like PCOS, fibroids, or an infection (3,4,7)
