5 Conditions That Cause Vaginal Bleeding

Most menstruating women expect to bleed each month. A menstrual cycle is generally 21-35 days. Bleeding more heavily or beyond your normal cycle may signal other issues that need attention.

Compassionate OB/GYN Dr. Dean Hildahl treats women experiencing abnormal bleeding and other gynecological issues at North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics in Naples, Florida.

5 reasons for abnormal vaginal bleeding

Various conditions can trigger irregular bleeding, including:

1. Uterine fibroids

When noncancerous growths, such as uterine fibroids, increase in size, they may cause vaginal bleeding, along with back pain, bloating, and other troublesome symptoms.

2. Thyroid issues

An underactive (hypothyroid) or overactive (hyperthyroid) thyroid gland can cause menstrual problems, such as heavy bleeding. Hypothyroidism might also lead to longer or more frequent periods.

3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS causes small cysts full of fluid-filled immature eggs to develop along the edges of your ovaries. That may create less-than-typical or excessive bleeding during menstruation.

4. Bleeding disorders

Conditions such as hemophilia, which slows blood clotting, a vitamin K deficiency, or side effects from blood thinners or other medications may all increase bleeding.

5. Cancer

Approximately 90% of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer noticed bleeding beforehand. This cancer is often curable, especially when caught early. Reproductive system cancers include the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and endometrium lining of your uterus.

Additional risk factors for abnormal bleeding

Other factors may contribute to vaginal bleeding, such as:

Infection

Infections such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or bacterial vaginosis may also cause abnormal bleeding.

Weight gain or loss

A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher can produce inflammation within the uterus that may contribute to heavier menstrual periods. Unexplained weight loss, on the other hand, may signal uterine cancer, which can cause bleeding between periods or following menopause.

Blood thinners

About 2 in 3 women experience excessive menstrual bleeding while taking blood thinners.

Stress

Stress may prompt spotting between periods and other issues. Dr. Hildahl may recommend regular exercise and meditation to reduce stress.

How we treat abnormal bleeding

Once Dr. Hildahl diagnoses the reason for your vaginal bleeding, he may recommend:

Medication
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) to help regulate hormone levels
Birth control pills for patients not trying to conceive

When fibroids or other growths cause abnormal bleeding, Dr. Hildahl might suggest surgical options, such as a myomectomy to remove your fibroids.

Another option is NovaSure® endometrial ablation, a 15-minute procedure that reduces heavy bleeding by removing the lining of your uterus.

If you’d like to discuss abnormal vaginal bleeding, ask about other issues from infertility to obstetric care, or book a routine gynecological exam, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hildahl by phone or online today.