Any vaginal bleeding or spotting that occurs outside your regular menstrual cycle is considered abnormal. Younger women may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding due to anovulation caused by a hormone imbalance. By the same token, older women approaching menopause may also experience abnormal vaginal bleeding due to a hormonal imbalance.
What is considered abnormal vaginal bleeding
Here are three examples of abnormal vaginal bleeding:
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Extremely heavy bleeding during your period
• Heavy bleeding that lasts more than seven days
Causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding
The most common cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding is a hormonal imbalance. Here are additional reasons a woman might have abnormal vaginal bleeding, including:
• One or more noncancerous polyps or lesions on the genitals
• Cancer of the vagina, cervix, uterus or ovaries
• Ovarian cysts
• Cervicitis or other vaginal infections
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Uterine fibroids
• Low levels of estrogen
• Medications (particularly anticoagulants)
• Bleeding disorders (e.g., Von Willebrand disease or hemophilia)
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
You should seek medical treatment by an experienced gynecologist for any abnormal vaginal bleeding. However, if you’re experiencing additional symptoms like fever, lightheadedness or severe abdominal pain you should seek immediate medical care from your regular doctor or visit an emergency room.
Treatment options for abnormal vaginal bleeding
Effective treatment for abnormal vaginal bleeding depends on the underlying cause. Once your gynecologist performs a thorough physical and pelvic exam, they will identify what is causing the bleeding and begin treatment. Possible treatments include:
• Medication (birth control)
• Intrauterine device (IUD)
• Endometrial ablation (surgical removal of the uterine lining)
• Myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids)
• Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus)
If you’ve experienced worrisome, abnormal vaginal bleeding, contact the skilled gynecologists at Adriatica Women’s Health. We are a team of highly capable OB/GYNs dedicated to using the most advanced techniques to treat women’s health issues. Call 972-542-8884 for an appointment.