Abnormal Bleeding Specialist

What is Considered Abnormal Bleeding for Women?

Many women can experience some form of abnormal bleeding at some point in their lives. It commonly occurs between periods. Bleeding is considered abnormal when it occurs:

• At a time when it is not expected, such as before the age of puberty, after menopause has occurred, or when the woman is pregnant.
• During a period but is excessively heavy or light.
• Between menstrual periods or when not expecting to have a menstrual period.

What Causes Abnormal Bleeding?

Bleeding can be caused by numerous different factors and usually when it occurs alone it is not an indication of something serious. Any bleeding experienced during pregnancy should be evaluated however as it could be a sign of a serious medical condition. Things that can cause abnormal bleeding include:

• Medicines such as birth control pills
• An IUD or intrauterine device
• Infection of the pelvic organs such as the cervix, uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Ovulation
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Fibroids
• Endometriosis

Occasionally, extreme emotional stress and excessive physical activity can also cause abnormal bleeding.

What Should I do if I Experience Abnormal Bleeding?

If you experience abnormal bleeding which causes you to lose consciousness, get to the hospital immediately. If you have severe abdominal or pelvic pain, excessive bleeding which continues for more that two hours, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or like you may faint contact the doctor or go into the office right away. You should also observe your symptoms closely and contact the doctor if you are or think you may be pregnant, the bleeding gets worse or lasts longer than a week, you develop a fever, or if new pain is felt. Once the cause of the bleeding is determined, the doctor will be able to treat the condition and ensure that it is stopped or kept under control.