5 Potential Causes of Abnormal Bleeding
Abnormal bleeding has a variety of symptoms from longer and heavier periods to irregular timing. Read on to learn more about possible causes.
Pre-menopausal women expect bleeding at a certain time of the month but when this issue appears at an unpredicted time, it can naturally cause feelings of concern. The good news is, it's a common occurrence and typically nothing to worry about.
Whether you're suffering from a problem like abnormal vaginal bleeding, are pregnant, or simply seeking preventive care, Dr. Thomas Hatchett, our midwife nurse practitioner Britteny Barron, and our top-notch team at Habersham OBGYN in Demorest, Georgia, can help. We combine personalized attention with state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and procedures to provide the best possible care.
Abnormal bleeding can take a number of different forms and affects anywhere from 10 to 30% of women of childbearing age. Symptoms can include everything from cycles that are less than 21 or more than 35 days to periods that last more than a week. Spotting or bleeding between periods or after sex and cycles that are inconsistent also fall under this category.
Uterine polyps are growths on the endometrium and extend into the uterus. They are usually non-cancerous but they can cause issues with periods and fertility.
Uterine fibroids are growths of the uterus that are almost always benign. They can range in size from very tiny to so big the uterus becomes enlarged and distorted. Women may have one or multiple. Abnormal bleeding or heavy menstrual bleeding can be some of their symptoms.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows in places that it shouldn't. These locations can include under or on the ovaries, on the fallopian tubes, behind the uterus, and on the bladder or bowels. Heavy periods and spotting or bleeding between cycles are several of its symptoms.
Hormonal changes can also result in abnormal bleeding. These could stem from a variety of causes ranging from the first three months of using hormone-based birth control to perimenopause.
Bleeding can occur during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester where about 1 in 5 women experience this phenomenon. It could be during the initial six to 12 days after conception when the fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus. Miscarriage could be another cause, though many women also experience bleeding without losing the baby.
Certain sexually transmitted infections as well as an infection of the cervix can cause abnormal bleeding. It can also result from some health conditions including hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and liver disease.
Getting a proper diagnosis as to what's causing your abnormal bleeding is key, as there are treatment options available. If you're struggling with this issue, call our office at 706-229-4718 for an appointment today or book one online.
