Normal Vaginal Bleeding
Normal vaginal bleeding is a natural part of the menstrual cycle in women, typically occurring every 24 to 34 days. It is common for young girls who have just begun menstruating, as well as for women approaching menopause, to experience irregularities in the timing and duration of their cycles.
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Abnormal vaginal bleeding refers to the occurrence of bleeding from the vagina outside the normal menstrual cycle. There are various factors contributing to this condition, and some of the most significant causes are outlined below:
Fertility-Related Causes
Several fertility-related factors can lead to abnormal vaginal bleeding, including:
- Pregnancy: Women may experience implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining at the beginning of pregnancy. This can sometimes be accompanied by mild cramping.
- Miscarriage: Abnormal vaginal bleeding can also indicate a miscarriage, which can occur at any stage of pregnancy. It is worth noting that some women may miscarry even before they realize they are pregnant.
- Hormonal Contraceptives: The use of hormonal contraceptives may result in abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods. Examples include hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), patches, and vaginal rings. Typically, this issue tends to resolve within the first three months of using these contraceptive methods.
Other Causes
In addition to the aforementioned factors, other causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding include:
- Cancer of the uterine lining or cervix.
- Ovarian or vaginal cancer.
- Endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometritis.
- Wheat sensitivity or celiac disease.
- Kidney or liver issues.
- Injury or trauma.