Abnormal Bleeding

What is abnormal bleeding?

The average menstrual cycle occurs every 21-35 days and lasts anywhere from 3-7 days. Bleeding is abnormal if you experience:

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Using more than one tampon or pad per hour during periods
• Periods longer than seven days
• Menstrual cycle longer than 35 days
• Menstrual cycle shorter than 21 days
• Irregular periods, with significant menstrual cycle variance
• No period for 3-6 months
• Bleeding after menopause

Abnormal bleeding may happen along with other problems like painful intercourse, but it can occur with no other obvious issues as well. 

What causes abnormal bleeding?

Abnormal bleeding can happen with many gynecological issues, including:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): enlarged ovaries with cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: infection in the upper reproductive organs
• Endometriosis: uterine lining growing outside the uterus
• Adenomyosis: uterine lining growing within the uterine muscle walls 
• Uterine polyps: growths on the inner uterine walls
• Uterine fibroids: tissue masses made of the uterine lining
• Bleeding disorders
• Endometrial cancer
• Ovulation problems
• Copper intrauterine devices (IUD)
• Birth control pills
• Hormone imbalance 

Some causes of abnormal bleeding may resolve naturally. For example, adenomyosis usually goes away following menopause.

How is the reason for abnormal bleeding diagnosed?

To determine the cause of your abnormal bleeding, you’ll need a pelvic exam, and you’ll likely need diagnostic testing like lab tests or pelvic ultrasound. You could need a diagnostic procedure, like a hysteroscopy as well.

How is abnormal bleeding treated?

The team at The Women’s Health Group, P.A. treats abnormal bleeding based on the underlying issue, how your symptoms are affecting you, and other factors specific to your case. 

Many women experience good results with birth control pills, hormone therapy, or other hormone-based treatments.

If your condition doesn’t improve with conservative treatments, the team may recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure like fibroid removal. 

While it can provide years of relief, surgical removal isn’t always a permanent solution for some women with conditions like fibroids and endometriosis. If abnormal bleeding and other troublesome symptoms persist after trying nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, uterus removal (hysterectomy) may be an option for lasting relief.

Abnormal bleeding is usually a clear sign that there’s an issue with hormones or one of your reproductive organs — but once you know the issue, you can get the medical help you need. Book your appointment by calling The Women’s Health Group, P.A. office nearest to you or clicking on the online scheduler now.