Is it abnormal to have a 4-week long period?

Menstruation can be assessed according to frequency (24 -38 days), regularity (+/- 7days), duration (<8 days) and volume (whether heavy, normal or light).

If you have been bleeding for about 4 weeks, it is considered as a form of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and you should probably seek a medical consult.

AUB can be both pregnancy or non-pregnancy related causes. Examples of pregnancy related causes can be threatened miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or early miscarriage.

Non-pregnancy related causes can be due to endometrial polyps, inflammation or infection of the genital tract, hormonal imbalance (e.g. thyroid disorders), non ovulation or fibroids.

A clinical assessment with a pelvic ultrasound scan should be able to evaluate for most of these causes.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Dr Fong Yoke Fai

Hi Nurul

It is generally accepted that a menstrual period of longer than 8 days is abnormal, even if it is merely staining that you are now experiencing.

A properly taken history, detailing the background menstrual pattern and the characteristics of this index abnormal period will shed light on the underlying cause.

If it is not pregnancy related, a potential reason would be a polypoidal growth inside the womb or on the cervix itself. A vaginal speculum examination and a pelvic scan will be most helpful.

When no structural abnormality is detected on the ultrasound scan, the need to rule out hormonal disturbance from medication, herbal remedy and excessive phyto-chemicals in food becomes necessary.

No matter what, vaginal bleeding or having a period lasting four weeks is not usual and deserve a thorough check up.