Why is This Period 14 Days?
Question
Okay, here goes. I started my period 14 days ago and it hasn’t stopped. I am not bleeding excessively heavy, but it is pretty constant. Why would I be having a period for two weeks when I started my period in 6th grade and from then up until now I have been normal. I’m 16 now so I’ve been regular for almost six years. What causes could there be for a 14 day period that is still going?
Thanks for your time.
Becky
Answer
Last Updated: September 25, 2013
Dear Becky,
Unusual bleeding in young girls and pre-menopausal women is sometimes due to the bleeding from the basal level of a very thin endometrium (the lining of the uterus that is normally shed as menstruation). It may also be seen with use of implants or some of the injectable contraceptives that cause the endometrium to become thin with increased capillaries. It can also just be a temporary response to stress, or a change in diet or exercise. If bleeding is heavy you may become anemic and this can be treated with iron supplements. If it continues or concerns you, determining the underlying cause of the bleeding is the key. I caution you because in an effort to regularize your cycles you may be given synthetic hormones (the pill) to replace your normal hormones. The adverse effects of these hormones on the developing ovulatory mechanism, cervix, vagina, and endometrium of a young woman should be considered carefully because her future fertility may be irreparably damaged.
By charting the observations made according to the Billings Ovulation Method one will be able to determine if a bleed is normal or not. After the peak (ovulation), menstruation will occur in two weeks. Irregular cycles may be normal but abnormal bleeding should be treated. When charting you will be able to use the information in order to explain the cause of bleeding or if medical attention is needed. Please take the time to learn what is normal for you.
Angie Frausto
Unusual bleeding in young girls and pre-menopausal women is sometimes due to the bleeding from the basal level of a very thin endometrium (the lining of the uterus that is normally shed as menstruation). It may also be seen with use of implants or some of the injectable contraceptives that cause the endometrium to become thin with increased capillaries. It can also just be a temporary response to stress, or a change in diet or exercise. If bleeding is heavy you may become anemic and this can be treated with iron supplements. If it continues or concerns you, determining the underlying cause of the bleeding is the key. I caution you because in an effort to regularize your cycles you may be given synthetic hormones (the pill) to replace your normal hormones. The adverse effects of these hormones on the developing ovulatory mechanism, cervix, vagina, and endometrium of a young woman should be considered carefully because her future fertility may be irreparably damaged.
By charting the observations made according to the Billings Ovulation Method one will be able to determine if a bleed is normal or not. After the peak (ovulation), menstruation will occur in two weeks. Irregular cycles may be normal but abnormal bleeding should be treated. When charting you will be able to use the information in order to explain the cause of bleeding or if medical attention is needed. Please take the time to learn what is normal for you.
Angie Frausto
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