What is irregular bleeding?
In women, a normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, with a period that lasts four to seven days.
Anything outside of the normal menstrual cycle may indicate irregular bleeding, such as:
- Periods that occur sooner than 21 days or later than 35 days
- No bleeding for three or more months
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding that is lighter than normal
- Bleeding or spotting in between your periods
Your irregular bleeding may be a symptom of an underlying gynecological condition, so you’ll benefit from an evaluation at The Women's Center, PC.
What causes irregular bleeding?
There are many factors and conditions that cause irregular bleeding.
Some of the most common include:
- Stress
- Illness
- Change in routine
- Losing or gaining a significant amount of weight
- Birth control pills
- Uterine fibroids or polyps
- Endometriosis
- Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Gynecological cancer
- Perimenopause and menopause
Other health conditions may also cause irregular bleeding, such as a bleeding disorder, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism.
What happens during an evaluation for irregular bleeding?
When you visit The Women's Center with concerns about irregular bleeding, you can expect a comprehensive assessment.
The women’s health practice schedules long appointment times so you never feel rushed. They also spend time getting to know to better understand your health concerns.
During your visit, your provider asks questions about your menstrual cycle, symptoms, gynecological and sexual history, and medical and family history. They also perform a physical and pelvic exam.
To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, your provider may conduct various diagnostic tests, such as a Pap smear, testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or an ultrasound to evaluate your reproductive organs.
How is irregular bleeding treated?
Your provider at The Women's Center develops a customized treatment plan for your irregular bleeding based on the underlying cause. They offer both medical and surgical management options.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Birth control pills
- An intrauterine device (IUD)
Another treatment option may be minimally invasive surgery to remove fibroids or endometrial tissue.
During your consultation, your provider reviews the details of your diagnosis and your options for treatment. They then work closely with you to help you decide what treatments to pursue.
Your irregular bleeding may be a sign of an underlying health issue. To get the help you need, call The Women's Center, PC, or request an appointment online today.
