Understanding Extended Menstrual Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Care

Question
Hi, my name is Rachelle, thanks for taking the time to help me. I have been on my period for 26 days now. What are the possible causes? i am not all that heavy. im actually kind of lite but how lite is flunkuating back and forth and i have some blood clots with it sometimes. i dont have any pain. i never have had more than a stomach ache on my period though. normally i seem to be up to a month late. then my last two periods were "on time" but they were 9 days long. then i had this period two weeks early and it has lasted 26 days so far. and like i said its light not heavy. i bought some iron pills but i havent taken any yet. im debating on what i should do. should i go see a doctor? a gynocologist? ive never had an appointment with a gynocologist before. i am an 18 yr old female. thanks for the time, i hope you can help me.

Answer
Hi Rachelle,

It sounds like you should probably make an appointment with an ob/gyn who can do some bloodwork to see what is going on.  A prolonged period can be caused by your hormones not working properly.  Are you taking any medications such as the birth control pill?  Are you sexually active?  I would recommend calling an ob/gyn and explain your situation.  They will be able to get to the bottom of it.  Good luck.