Unusual vaginal bleeding also includes heavy or irregular periods.
This article discusses the possible causes of vaginal bleeding and how to manage it.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
When Are Vaginal Bleeding Symptoms Abnormal?
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Vaginal bleeding is normal during yourmenstrual period.
However,bleeding between periodsis considered abnormal.
If you experience bleeding after sex or between periods, see your healthcare provider.
Even very light bleeding or spotting is not normal between periods.
Very heavy or prolonged periods are also considered abnormal bleeding.
Bleeding for more than seven days in a cycle is also atypical.
Abnormal bleeding may occur if yourmenstrual cycle is irregular.
If you have already gone through menopause and no longer have menstrual periods, no vaginal bleeding is expected.
In most cases, unusual vaginal bleeding is brought on by ahormonal imbalance.
Bleeding between periods can be resulting from several different factors.
For people who menstruate,ovulation(when the ovaries release a mature egg) occurs every cycle.
When ovulation does not happen, it can lead to a hormonal imbalance.
This can lead to heavy menstrual periods and spotting between periods.
People in their 40s and 50s may experience irregular periods and abnormal vaginal bleeding.
This triggers when your body does not ovulate.
After Menopause
Any vaginal bleeding after menopause is considered abnormal.
You may experience bleeding due to low levels of estrogen, which cause a thinning of the vaginal wall.
This can increase the risk of vaginal bleeding.
As you age, the risk of cancer of the reproductive organs increases.
After Hysterectomy
Hysterectomyis a pop in of surgery to remove the uterus.
Some vaginal bleeding or blood-tinged discharge is normal after a hysterectomy.
Bleeding after hysterectomy should become lighter over days and weeks until it goes away.
Abnormalbleeding after a hysterectomyis sudden and heavy.
See a healthcare provider right away if the bleeding is not improving or you experience large blood clots.
Pregnancy
It is common to experience vaginal bleeding or spotting early inpregnancy.
A Word From Verywell
Sometimes vaginal bleeding resolves on its own.
However, any abnormal vaginal bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out underlying issues.
Gathering information, such as frequency, duration, and associated symptoms, is helpful.
How to Treat Unusual Vaginal Bleeding
Fortunately, abnormal vaginal bleeding can be successfully treated.
A healthcare provider will work with you to determine the cause of your bleeding.
This may include bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, and bleeding after menopause.
Possible causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding are hormonal changes, medication side effects, and chronic health conditions.
Certain types of cancer may also cause bleeding.
If you are experiencing unusual vaginal bleeding, see a healthcare provider.
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