About one third of women experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, also known as abnormal uterine bleeding, at some point in their lives. The timing, volume, frequency, duration, and regularity of bleeding can be abnormal.
Most of the time, benign (non-cancerous) processes cause bleeding or spotting, and hormonal fluctuations are usually the culprit.
However, abnormal vaginal bleeding is also one of the most common symptoms when women suffer from gynecological cancers such as cervical cancer and endometrial cancer. Cancer, uterine, or ovarian cancer.
The following types of vaginal bleeding should be careful!
- heavy menstrual bleeding : Heavy menstrual bleeding can affect your quality of life. This includes sudden, heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks at least one sanitary napkin every hour for 24 hours. This needs to be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 to 8 days is also considered major bleeding.
- Menstrual bleeding or spotting: A healthcare provider should evaluate for heavy spotting or additional cycles that occur more than two cycles in a month.
- Bleeding during or after sex or douching: Bleeding after sex and douching are bothsymptoms of cervical and vaginal cancer.
- Abnormally short or long menstrual cycles: Menstrual cycles that last fewer than 24 days or last more than 38 days.
- Irregular menstruation: Menstrual cycles that vary in length by more than 8 to 10 days.
- Postmenopausal bleeding: Any woman who is in menopause (12 months without a period) and experiences vaginal bleeding should see her doctor.
- Menopause: Three to six months of menopause.
At what age is abnormal vaginal bleeding more common?
Abnormal bleeding can occur at any age. It is common when girls first menstruate. Most girls start menstruating between the ages of 12 and 13.
Perimenopause (the time leading up to menopause) is also a common age to experience skipped, irregular or changed menstrual cycles and bleeding. Perimenopause usually occurs in women in their 40s or early 50s. 1 3 Both age estimates are averages and may vary from person to person.
How long does abnormal vaginal bleeding last?
Abnormal bleeding is considered chronic (or long-term) when it occurs frequently over a six-month period. When menstrual bleeding lasts more than 8 days, it is considered abnormal.
Acute, sudden heavy bleeding that occurs when you soak a sanitary pad or tampon every 24 hours. If this happens, immediate medical attention is required.
Can pressure cause abnormal vaginal bleeding?
Yes, studies have shown that high levels of chronic stress can lead to menstrual irregularities.