Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Causes & Treatment

Spotting during the monthly menstrual cycle is normal for older girls and women. However, some women experience abnormal bleeding other than periods due to different reasons. A gynecologist can diagnose this problem, and treatment options are also available to get rid of it. If you are suffering from abnormal vaginal bleeding, here are the causes and effective treatments to get rid of this condition.

Before we discuss the causes and treatment of abnormal vaginal bleeding, let’s understand the condition first.

What is Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding?

A particular amount of bleeding during the menstrual cycle is normal. Unlike the normal spotting during periods, some women may experience abnormal bleeding between periods too. Irregular bleeding also refers to bleeding after vaginal intercourse. In general, there can be multiple causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. 

According to experts, about 2 tablespoons of blood will be considered normal, and every woman is aware of the amount she has during periods. However, a woman can experience more than five tablespoons of blood due to abnormal vaginal bleeding. This specific kind of heavy spotting can last for 4 to 5 days.

Possible Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

There are several reasons for unusual bleeding from the vagina. Often teenagers and women approaching menopause have heavy bleeding between periods due to the buildup of the endometrium (lining of the uterus).

A large number of women tend to experience abnormal vaginal bleeding due to problems in their hormones. The factors mentioned in the following list can cause hormonal imbalance, which leads to abnormal bleeding:

• Fast weight gain or loss
• Physical or emotional stress
• An intrauterine device (IUD)
• Birth control pills and other medicines

Sometimes, a defect in the uterus leads to unusual bleeding. For example, fibroid, polyp, and adenomyosis are often linked to heavy uterine bleeding. Though significantly less common, the following can also cause abnormal vaginal bleeding:

• Infection of the endometrium/cervix
• Cancer of the cervix, uterus, or endometrium
• Blood-thinning medicines, bleeding or clotting disorders
• Diseases that affect your kidneys, adrenal glands, liver, or thyroid.

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Treatments

Gynecologists use different techniques such as ultrasound, hysteroscopy, biopsy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to identify abnormal vaginal bleeding. Once the problem is diagnosed, there are different options to cure it. Some common treatments include:

• Birth control pills
• Surgical intervention
• Endometrial ablation
• Dilation and curettage (D&C)
• Uterine fibroid embolization
• Hormone-releasing intrauterine devices

The method of treatment is chosen on the basis of the cause of abnormal bleeding. Some types of chronic diseases can be the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in some women. If this is the case, the gynecologist will try to control the symptoms of that chronic illness first.

Similarly, for women who want to conceive later in life, gynecologists have to develop a treatment option that does not make a woman unable to have children later. Before performing surgery, doctors prefer to get abnormal bleeding cured through medications.

Key Takeaways

You can be a good candidate for an abnormal vaginal bleeding treatment if you have symptoms of irregular bleeding from the vagina. However, you need to consult with an expert before getting treatment. If you need some more information, one of our gynecologists at Euromed Clinic Center would love to help you. You can schedule your consultation session by calling our number or filling our online form.