Definition
Unusual vaginal bleeding is any vaginal blood that is different from your period. This might include small amounts of blood, also called spotting, between your periods. You might notice this on toilet tissue when you wipe. Or it could include a very heavy period. You know you have a very heavy period if blood is soaking through one or more tampons or pads every hour for more than four hours.
Vaginal bleeding from a period usually happens every 21 to 35 days. This is called the menstrual cycle. The blood comes from the lining of the uterus, which is shed through the vagina. When this happens, a new reproductive cycle has started.
Periods may last for just a few days or up to a week. Bleeding could be heavy or light. Menstrual cycles tend to be longer for teens and women nearing menopause. Also, menstrual flow might be heavier at those ages.
Causes
Unusual vaginal bleeding could be a symptom of an issue with your reproductive system. This is called a gynecological condition. Or it could be due to another medical problem or a medicine.
If you’re in menopause and notice vaginal bleeding, see your doctor or other health care professional. It could be a cause for concern. Menopause is commonly defined as having no periods for about 12 months.
You might hear this type of vaginal bleeding also called abnormal vaginal bleeding. Possible causes of unusual vaginal bleeding include:
Cancers and precancerous conditions
Cervical cancer
Endometrial cancer (uterine cancer)
Endometrial hyperplasia
Ovarian cancer
Uterine sarcoma
Vaginal cancer
Endocrine system factors
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Stopping or changing birth control pills
Withdrawal bleeding, a side effect of menopausal hormone therapy
Fertility and reproduction factors
Ectopic pregnancy
Fluctuating hormone levels
Miscarriage (which is pregnancy loss before the 20th week of pregnancy)
Perimenopause
Pregnancy
Random ovulatory cycles
Sexual intercourse
Vaginal atrophy , also called genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Infections
Cervicitis
Chlamydia trachomatis
Endometritis
Gonorrhea
Herpes
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Ureaplasma vaginitis
Vaginitis
Medical conditions
Celiac disease
Obesity
Severe systemic disease, such as kidney or liver disease
Thrombocytopenia
Von Willebrand disease (and other blood clotting disorders)
Medications and devices
Birth control pills.
Forgotten, also called retained, tampon
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Tamoxifen (Soltamox)
Withdrawal bleeding, a side effect of menopausal hormone therapy
Noncancerous growths and other uterine conditions
Adenomyosis
Cervical polyps
Endometrial polyps
Uterine fibroids
Uterine polyps
Trauma
Blunt trauma or penetrating injury to the vagina or cervix
Past obstetric or gynecological surgery. This includes cesarean sections.
Sexual abuse
