Menstrual disorders are characterized by abnormal bleeding, which can include any of the following:

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Spotting anytime in the menstrual cycle
• Excessive/heavy bleeding, for example:
  • Bleeding heavier or for more days than normal
  • Soaking through a super tampon or pad every hour for two or more consecutive hours
• Prolonged bleeding (a menses [period] that lasts longer than seven days)
• Irregular cycle (menstrual cycles that are shorter than 21 days and longer than 35 days)
• Bleeding after menopause
• Absence of bleeding/periods
  • This warrants evaluation if 3 periods have been missed or if you have gone 3 months or 90 days since last having a period and have had negative pregnancy tests

Abnormal bleeding should always be evaluated. It can have many causes, some of which are minor and easy to treat. Others can be more serious.

Some common causes of abnormal bleeding include:

• Pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Problems linked to some birth control methods
• Infection of uterus or cervix
• Fibroids
• Problems with blood clotting
• Polyps
• Certain types of cancers
• Chronic medical conditions (i.e., thyroid problems)

Click here for more information on abnormal uterine bleeding

Click here for more information on bleeding during perimenopause and bleeding after menopause