Average Period Length: What's Normal and When to Worry

The typical menstrual period lasts 3 to 7 days, with a normal range of 2 to 9 days. Length can vary between women and even cycle-to-cycle for the same woman.

When to Consult a Doctor

• Periods consistently < 2 days or > 9 days
• Sudden change in usual pattern
• Excessively heavy bleeding (soaking pad/tampon hourly)
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Severe pain unrelieved by OTC medication

Track your cycles to know your personal baseline. Variations are common, but persistent abnormalities warrant evaluation.