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How long does a menstrual period usually last?

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Diagram of the menstrual cycle showing hormone levels, follicle development, and endometrial changes across 28 days. It highlights menstruation, ovulation, and the follicular and luteal phases, with labeled curves for estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH. — menstruation Cyclical changes during a woman's normal ovulatory menstrual cycle.

Each menstrual period typically lasts for about five days. However, it is important to note that both the duration of the flow and the total amount of blood lost can vary considerably, even among individuals in perfect health.12