Menstrual Bleeding Problems

Menstrual bleeding usually lasts from 2 to 7 days. It occurs about every 28 days.

Signs & Symptoms

• Spotting of blood between periods
• Menstrual periods that occur more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days
• Periods last longer than 7 days
• Two or more times the average amount of blood is lost during a period.
• A tampon or a sanitary pad is soaked through every hour for 6 hours in a row.

Treatment

• Iron supplements to treat anemia, if present.
• Medicines. Examples are birth control pills; GnRH agonists; Danazol (low dose); and a medicine called tranexamic acid.
• Surgery, as needed, for the cause of the problem.

Causes

• It is normal for changes to occur at certain times. This includes: When monthly periods begin; during peri-menopause; and when some birth control methods are started, stopped, and changed.
• Light bleeding can occur for 2 to 3 days when you ovulate. This is usually normal, too.
• Starting or stopping estrogen therapy. Using an IUD for birth control.
• Weight gain or loss. Too much exercise. Anorexia nervosa.
• Vaginal irritation or infection.
• Endometriosis. Fibroids. Ovarian cysts.
• Ectopic pregnancy. Miscarriage.
• Cancer of the cervix or uterus.
• Hypothyroidism. Pituitary and adrenal gland disorders.
• Side effects of blood-thinners or corticosteroids.
• Bleeding or clotting disorders. One example is Von Willebrand disease. This is a genetic bleeding disorder. Often, it is not diagnosed. Bleeding is excessive with menstrual periods and after surgery, dental work, etc. Nosebleeds occur often. Bruises occur easily.
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is caused by an excess of a certain hormone. It can result in irregular periods or no periods.

Self-Care

• Keep track of how many days and how much you bleed to know what is normal for you.