Irregular Or Unscheduled Bleeding
Many women struggle with both the heaviness and the timing, of their bleeding. The ideal ’28 day cycle’ seems pretty elusive for some! There are a number of causes of irregular bleeding, and what investigations need to be done depend a bit on the age and fertility plans of the patient.
Possible causes
Common causes of irregular bleeding can include:
Ectropion: a fragile area on the cervix that can cause bleeding after sex or randomly.
Endometriosis: often linked to painful periods, painful sex, spotting, and fertility issues.
Infection: cervical or vaginal infections can cause bleeding, discharge, and pain.
Hormonal fluctuations: commonly related to contraception such as the pill, implants, or IUDs, causing “break-through” bleeding.
Ovarian cysts: some cysts can trigger irregular bleeding.
Perimenopause: hormonal changes leading up to menopause can cause unpredictable, heavy, or light bleeding.
PCOS: can cause infrequent, irregular, or heavy periods and affect ovulation.
Polyps: small growths in the uterus or cervix that may cause bleeding.
Pregnancy: early pregnancy should always be ruled out in anyone sexually active and still having periods.
What to do
With such a range of possibilities, it can be tricky to make a quick diagnosis. Often blood tests, swabs, and a scan will be needed to investigate the cause. Occasionally a biopsy from the lining of the womb, or a surgical procedure such as hysteroscopy, colposcopy, or laparoscopy will be necessary.
We can help
If you are experiencing irregular or unscheduled bleeding and would like to talk with us about how we can help, please contact us. You can also request an appointment online.
Related conditions
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An ectropion is when the inside of the cervix becomes everted on to the outside of the cervix, and can bleed with contact.
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When endometrial tissue, which should only be found in the uterus, also grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain.
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An infection – the multiplication of microorganisms not normally present within the body – can cause abnormal bleeding.
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This is caused by low estrogen levels when the vagina and endometrium become prone to bleeding and spotting.
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A number of different types, with different symptoms and treatments. Often they resolve on their own without intervention.
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This starts a few years prior to menopause when a woman’s periods stop, and no further eggs are released from the ovaries.
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Symptoms vary, and can include irregular or absent periods, excess hair, weight gain or difficulty falling pregnant.
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Polyps are benign growths and can occur in the uterus, cervix or vagina. They can cause irregular or unscheduled bleeding.
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Ectropion is common, and treatment is generally not required.
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A procedure to remove a woman’s uterus. This can be achieved via either abdominal keyhole surgery, abdominal incision, or performed through the vagina.
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A small plastic contraceptive device is placed inside the uterus with strings extending out through the cervix. Can be used to treat adenomyosis and endometriosis.
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An infection – the multiplication of microorganisms not normally present within the body – can cause abnormal bleeding.