🌸 Common Causes of Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding: Causes & When to Seek Medical Help with Dr. Anuradha Sarkhel
Menstrual bleeding is a natural part of a woman’s cycle, but when it becomes irregular or unusually heavy, it can signal an underlying health issue. Abnormal menstrual bleeding includes anything that deviates from a woman’s usual menstrual pattern, such as heavy, prolonged, or irregular periods, or bleeding between cycles. Understanding the causes of abnormal menstrual bleeding and knowing when to seek medical help can help ensure better health outcomes.
Dr. Anuradha Sarkhel, an expert gynecologist, provides a detailed breakdown of the common causes of abnormal menstrual bleeding and offers insight into when it’s time to seek medical advice.
🩸 What is Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding?
Abnormal menstrual bleeding can present in many forms, such as:
- Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia): Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours.
- Irregular Periods: Cycles that are either too frequent (less than 21 days apart) or too far apart (more than 35 days).
- Prolonged Bleeding: A period lasting more than seven days.
- Spotting or Bleeding Between Periods: Light bleeding outside of the normal menstrual cycle.
These symptoms can often indicate various underlying issues, some of which may require medical attention.
🩺 Common Causes of Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Hormonal imbalances are one of the most common reasons for abnormal bleeding. The delicate balance between estrogen and progesterone can be disrupted by several factors, leading to irregular periods. Common causes of hormonal imbalances include:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A condition that affects ovulation, leading to irregular periods and sometimes heavy bleeding.
- Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can affect menstrual cycles.
- Perimenopause: The transition phase before menopause can cause erratic bleeding as hormone levels fluctuate.
- Hormonal imbalances are one of the most common reasons for abnormal bleeding. The delicate balance between estrogen and progesterone can be disrupted by several factors, leading to irregular periods. Common causes of hormonal imbalances include:
- Uterine Fibroids
- Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the uterus. While they are often asymptomatic, they can lead to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and even infertility. Fibroids are a common cause of menorrhagia, especially in women over the age of 30.
- Endometriosis
- Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it. This can lead to severe pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, and heavy periods. In some cases, women with endometriosis may also experience pain during sex and difficulty getting pregnant.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- PID is an infection of the reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Symptoms can include abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, fever, and unusual vaginal discharge. PID can cause long-term complications like infertility if not treated properly.
- Cervical or Uterine Cancer
- Though rare, cancer of the cervix or uterus can cause abnormal bleeding, particularly in postmenopausal women. Symptoms may include bleeding after intercourse, bleeding between periods, or postmenopausal bleeding. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Contraceptives and Birth Control
- Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, IUDs, or hormonal implants can sometimes cause irregular bleeding, especially in the first few months of use. Spotting or breakthrough bleeding may occur. If these issues persist, it’s a good idea to consult your gynecologist.
- Blood Disorders
- Certain blood disorders, such as von Willebrand disease or hemophilia, can affect the blood’s ability to clot properly, leading to heavy bleeding. If you experience unexplained bruising, frequent nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding, it may be worth discussing a possible blood disorder with your healthcare provider.
- Stress and Lifestyle Factors
- Emotional and physical stress, along with changes in weight, exercise, or diet, can have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. Chronic stress, for example, can affect the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls hormones), leading to irregular periods or missed cycles.
🤔 When Should You Seek Medical Help?
While some fluctuations in your menstrual cycle can be normal, there are certain signs that should not be ignored. Dr. Anuradha Sarkhel emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding that soaks through one or more pads/tampons per hour.
- Menstrual bleeding lasting longer than 7 days.
- Severe pelvic pain or cramping that disrupts daily activities.
- Spotting or bleeding between periods that doesn’t resolve after a few cycles.
- Pain during intercourse or pain when urinating.
- Postmenopausal bleeding (bleeding after 12 months of no periods).
- Unexplained weight loss, dizziness, or fatigue.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a gynecologist for a thorough evaluation. Early detection of conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or even cancer can make a significant difference in the outcome of treatment.
💡 Conclusion
Abnormal menstrual bleeding can be caused by a range of factors, from hormonal imbalances to structural issues like fibroids. While some irregularities are a normal part of the reproductive cycle, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored. Consulting with an experienced gynaecologist like Dr. Anuradha Sarkhel can help identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Remember, when it comes to your health, it’s always better to be proactive. If you notice any changes in your menstrual cycle or experience unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out for medical guidance. Early intervention is key to maintaining your health and well-being.