How long does the typical period last?
- 2-3 days
- 3-5 days
- 6-7 days
Show Sources
Photo Credit: E+/Getty Images
SOURCES:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: "Menstruation in Girls and Adolescents -- Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign," "FAQ Especially for Teens: Menstruation," "FAQ: Gynecologic Problems, Premenstrual Syndrome."
Association of Reproductive Health Professionals: "Menstrual Suppression," "Menstruation and Menstrual Suppression Survey."
Center for Young Women's Health, Children's Hospital Boston: "Medical Uses of the Birth Control Pill," "Menstrual Periods."
Chavez-MacGregor, M. Breast Cancer Research & Treatment, March 2008.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: "Endometriosis."
Gollenberg, A. Journal of Women's Health, May 2010.
Halifax Health: "True or False: Women Who Live Together Tend to Have Synchronized Menstrual Periods."
National Health Service, United Kingdom: "Can I Get Pregnant Just After My Period Has Finished?" "Periods, heavy," "Vaginal Bleeding."
National Institutes of Health: "Prior Stress Could Worsen Premenstrual Symptoms, NIH Study Finds."
Nemours Center for Children's Health Media: "Expert Answers On … Is Period Blood Always Red?"
Penn Medicine: "Menstrual Periods -- Heavy, Prolonged, or Irregular."
Society for Menstrual Cycle Research: "Menstrual Synchrony: Do Girls Who Go Together Flow Together?"
University of Arizona Campus Health Service, SexTalk: "Is It Safe to Have Sex During Menstruation?"
University of Maryland Medical Center: "Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods -- Overview."
Office on Women's Health: "Menstruation and the Menstrual Cycle Fact Sheet," "Premenstrual Syndrome Fact Sheet," "Your Menstrual Cycle."
