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Usually a period cycle is of 21 to 35 days, in which bleeding occurs for 2 to 7 days. If the bleeding is more than 7 days or very heavy, then the pad or tampon has to be changed every hour. This is called menorrhagia.

Periods are a normal physical process for women, when this process lasts longer than normal or there is excessive bleeding then it is important to worry. Many researches have revealed that periods lasting for more than 7 days or excessive bleeding (menorrhagia) gives signals of many serious diseases. Let's know about it. 

What is the normal duration of periods?

Usually a period cycle is of 21 to 35 days, in which bleeding occurs from 2 to 7 days. A woman loses 20 to 90 ml of blood during her periods, but if the bleeding is more than 7 days or very heavy, then the pad or tampon has to be changed every hour. This is called menorrhagia. Let us tell you that about 20 percent of women face menorrhagia at some point in their lives. This condition can also be a symptom of many serious health problems.

What are the causes of long periods?

Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal fluctuations during polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders or perimenopause can cause longer and heavier periods. Women with PCOS often experience irregular and longer-lasting periods.

• Uterine problems: Fibroids (non-cancerous tumors), polyps (abnormal growth of the endometrium) or adenomyosis (growth of endometrial tissue in the wall of the uterus) in the uterus can cause heavy bleeding.
• Endometriosis: This is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body. This can cause painful and long periods.
• Bleeding disorders: Bleeding disorders like von Willebrand's make it difficult for blood to clot, leading to excessive bleeding during periods. 
• Medications and contraceptives: Using blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or hormonal contraceptives such as IUDs can also cause longer periods.
• Pregnancy-related problems: Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (when the fetus develops outside the uterus) can also cause abnormal bleeding.

This danger is caused by long periods 

• Anemia: Excessive bleeding can lead to iron deficiency in the body, which causes anemia. This can cause symptoms like fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and dizziness. The risk of anemia increases by 30 percent in women suffering from menorrhagia.
• Heart related problems: Irregular and heavy periods for a long time can increase the risk of heart disease. This problem can be more common in women who suffer from PCOS or obesity.
• Pregnancy-related problems: Problems like endometriosis or fibroids can affect fertility, which may cause difficulty in getting pregnant.
• Effect on mental health: Problems caused by long periods can increase anxiety, depression and tension.
• Risk of infection: Using tampons or pads for a long time can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome or other ovarian infections.