Your OBGYN treats a number of common gynecological conditions, including irregular vaginal bleeding. It’s a concern that can be related to anything from stress, chronic conditions, or reproductive problems. Learn the common causes of irregular bleeding in gynecology, and how you can get your menstrual cycle back to normal. 

Irregular Vaginal Bleeding

In their reproductive years, women menstruate about every 28 days as the uterine lining sheds itself. The bleeding is often moderate to heavy during the first couple of days, then tapers off during the next few days. A normal menstrual cycle lasts up to a week. If the process does not repeat every 28 days or so, or a cycle is missed, or the flow of blood is too heavy or too light, that is considered irregular bleeding. Additional symptoms may include poor mood, problems sleeping, and sharp abdominal pains.

Possible Causes

You should talk to your OBGYN if your menstrual cycle starts to change or becomes irregular. Irregular bleeding can be caused by one or more of the following factors:

• Certain medications (including birth control pills).
   
• Endometriosis (tissue that’s supposed to be inside of the uterus grows on the outside).
   
• Stress and lifestyle.
   
• Blood clotting disorders.
   
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (a hormonal problem).
   
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection usually caused by an STD).
   
• Uterine fibroids (benign growths in the uterus).
   
• Cervical or uterine cancer.
   
• Chronic medical conditions (not necessarily related to the reproductive system).

Treatments for Irregular Bleeding

In some cases, irregular bleeding resolves on its own. For instance, if the irregularity is related to stress, de-stressing activities may help, like light exercise, dietary changes, or bed rest. If the problem is your birth control, your gynecologist will discuss other birth control options. If it’s related to another gynecological condition, the treatment may require an ultrasound and further testing. In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary.

See Your OBGYN

Schedule a visit to your OBGYN if you’re experiencing irregular bleeding. It could an easily treatable issue that your gynecologist can resolve with medications or a minor procedure.