Bleeding Between Periods
Bleeding between periods, also known as intermenstrual bleeding or metrorrhagia, is a common gynecological symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors. It is characterized by vaginal bleeding that occurs at irregular intervals, outside of the normal menstrual cycle.
Causes
- Hormonal Imbalance: Changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can cause bleeding between periods. This can be due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or other endocrine conditions.
- Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause irregular bleeding, including bleeding between periods.
- Endometrial Hyperplasia: A condition where the lining of the uterus becomes too thick, leading to irregular bleeding.
- Cervical Polyps: Small growths on the cervix can cause bleeding between periods.
- Infections: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), yeast infections, or other infections can cause bleeding between periods.
- Contraceptives: Certain types of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or hormonal contraceptives, can cause irregular bleeding.
- Cancer: In rare cases, bleeding between periods can be a symptom of cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancerundefined.
Symptoms
Women experiencing bleeding between periods may notice:
- Light spotting or heavy bleeding
- Bleeding that occurs at irregular intervals
- Bleeding that lasts for a few days or persists for several weeks
- Pelvic pain or cramping
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of bleeding between periods, a healthcare provider may:
- Perform a physical exam and pelvic exam
- Take a medical history
- Order laboratory tests, such as blood work or urinalysis
- Conduct imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI
- Perform a biopsy or endometrial sampling
Treatment
Treatment for bleeding between periods depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Hormonal Therapy: To regulate hormone levels and reduce bleeding.
- Medications: Such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding.
- Surgery: To remove uterine fibroids, polyps, or other growths.
- Contraceptives: To regulate menstrual cycles and reduce bleeding.
- Lifestyle Changes: Such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing stressundefined.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Women should seek medical attention if they experience:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Severe pelvic pain or cramping
- Fever or chills
- Vaginal discharge or odor
- Bleeding that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness or faintingundefined.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is bleeding between periods?
Abnormal uterine bleeding that occurs outside of regular menstrual cycles.
What are common causes of bleeding between periods?
Hormonal changes, birth control, pregnancy, fibroids, polyps, infections.
Can stress cause bleeding between periods?
Yes, stress can affect hormone levels and lead to abnormal bleeding.
Is bleeding between periods a sign of cancer?
Possibly, but it's more often caused by non-cancerous conditions.
How is bleeding between periods diagnosed?
Pelvic exam, ultrasound, blood tests, and sometimes endoscopy or biopsy.
Can birth control pills cause bleeding between periods?
Yes, especially during the first few months of use.
What are symptoms that accompany bleeding between periods?
Cramping, pelvic pain, heavy flow, clotting, and fatigue.
Is bleeding between periods a common symptom during menopause?
Yes, hormonal changes during menopause can cause irregular bleeding.
Can infections cause bleeding between periods?
Yes, sexually transmitted infections or pelvic inflammatory disease.
When should I seek medical attention for bleeding between periods?
If bleeding is heavy, prolonged, or accompanied by severe pain or fever.
Article last updated on: 1st July 2025.
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