Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding – Healthnile.com

Vaginal bleeding can happen in many ways besides a normal period. Some people may notice small amounts of blood, called spotting, or have bleeding that is much heavier than usual. You might see these changes on toilet tissue or need to change pads or tampons more often than normal. Spotting between periods or a heavy flow can signal a health issue, such as problems with the uterus, cervix, or ovaries.

Abnormal bleeding can affect people of all ages. Teenagers and women going through menopause may notice changes in their cycle, such as longer periods, skipped cycles, or heavier bleeding. Hormonal changes, polyps, fibroids, infection, birth control pills, and, in rare cases, cancer of the uterus, cervix, vagina, or ovaries can cause these changes. Other conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, or blood clotting disorders may also lead to abnormal bleeding.

Common Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Bleeding that happens outside of your usual cycle can be caused by several factors:

Hormonal Imbalance

Shifts in hormone levels—such as estrogen and progesterone—can affect the uterine lining and cause spotting or irregular periods. Stress, weight changes, eating disorders, or thyroid conditions can trigger these changes.

Birth Control Methods

Starting or stopping birth control pills, patches, implants, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) can lead to spotting. Skipping doses or changing types of contraception may also affect bleeding.

Uterine Fibroids or Polyps

These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, cramping, or bleeding between periods. Polyps are usually small and soft, while fibroids are larger and firmer.

Infections

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or vaginal infections can irritate the reproductive organs and cause bleeding or spotting, especially after sex.

Pregnancy-Related Bleeding

Light bleeding or spotting may occur in early pregnancy. Heavier bleeding could signal a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which needs urgent medical care.

Perimenopause and Menopause

As people get closer to menopause, their periods often become less regular. Some may experience heavier or longer bleeding before periods stop altogether. Bleeding after menopause is not normal and should always be evaluated.

Medical Conditions

Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or clotting disorders can affect your menstrual cycle. In rare cases, abnormal bleeding may be linked to cancers of the uterus, cervix, or ovaries.

When to See a Doctor

Some changes in bleeding may not be serious, but others require medical attention. Contact a healthcare provider if you:

Bleed heavily and need to change pads or tampons every hour for several hours.
Have periods that last more than seven days.
Experience spotting or bleeding between periods often.
Have bleeding after sex.
Notice bleeding after menopause.
Develop pelvic pain along with bleeding.
Feel dizzy, lightheaded, or unusually tired due to blood loss.
Have unusual discharge or signs of infection.

If you are pregnant and have any bleeding, call your doctor right away.

What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office

Your doctor will ask questions about your cycle, recent changes, sexual activity, medications, and overall health. They may perform:

A pelvic exam to look for infection or growths.
A Pap smear to check for cervical changes.
Blood tests to check hormone levels or rule out anemia.
Ultrasound to view the uterus and ovaries.
Pregnancy test if pregnancy is possible.

In some cases, your doctor may order a biopsy to test the lining of the uterus, especially if you’re over age 40 or have risk factors for cancer.

Managing and Treating Vaginal Bleeding

Treatment depends on the cause of the bleeding. Options may include:

Hormonal therapy, such as birth control pills or hormone patches.
Medications to treat thyroid disorders, infections, or clotting problems.
Iron supplements if heavy bleeding causes anemia.
Surgery to remove fibroids or polyps if needed.
Lifestyle changes, such as stress management, weight control, or treating underlying health conditions.

In rare cases, more advanced procedures like endometrial ablation or hysterectomy may be considered if other treatments do not work.

Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding

Keeping a record of your bleeding patterns helps you and your doctor understand what’s normal and what’s not. Include:

Start and end dates of your period.
Number of pads or tampons used.
Any spotting or unusual discharge.
Symptoms like pain, fatigue, or dizziness.

There are also many free mobile apps that can help you monitor your menstrual cycle easily and accurately.