Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding

What is Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding?

Abnormal menstrual bleeding also called abnormal or irregular periods, is when a woman experiences bleeding that differs from her normal menstrual cycle.

In general, menstrual bleeding:

• Occurs every 28 days
• Lasts about 5 days
• Involves the loss of 2 to 8 tablespoons of blood

All women are different and many variations in the timing, duration and amount of bleeding are considered normal.

However, in some cases, differences or changes in your menstrual bleeding are considered abnormal and may be a sign of another condition.

Examples of abnormal menstrual bleeding include:

• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Unusually heavy or unusually light flow during periods
• Periods that are longer or shorter than normal
• Menstrual cycles that occur less or more frequently than normal
• Bleeding after menopause
• Missing periods

There are many possible causes of abnormal menstrual bleeding, including:

• Menstrual dysfunction
• Change in hormone levels
• Tumors, polyps or fibroids of the vagina, cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes
• Endometrial hyperplasia (thickening/buildup of the lining of the uterus
• Cervical disorders
• Cancer
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Vaginal injury
• Pregnancy complications
• Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control
• Certain medications
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Birth control pills

Treatment of abnormal menstrual bleeding will depend on the cause, patient's age and other factors. Treatments can range from lifestyle changes to medical options to surgery.

Treatment options include:

Medical treatment. Using birth control pills or hormones to control bleeding

Surgical treatment. To remove growths such as polyps or fibroids that can cause abnormal bleeding. Surgery can often be performed using hysteroscopy, a minimally invasive approach to examine and treat the inside of the uterus.

Additional options when other forms of treatment have failed or aren't viable include endometrial ablation (to destroy the lining of the uterus) and hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus).

To schedule an appointment with a Baylor College of Medicine physician specializing in abnormal uterine bleeding, call the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at 832-826-7500.