What's Considered Abnormal Bleeding?

Periods aren’t always regular and on schedule. While it’s normal to have periods that arrive a little earlier or last longer than usual on occasion, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) refers to additional or excessive bleeding outside of your normal menstrual cycle. 

Our gynecologist, Dr. Yana Markidan, and our team at Markidan Gynecology and Women’s Health offer a range of gynecology and women’s health services at our office in Princeton, New Jersey.

What’s considered abnormal bleeding?

Generally, a normal menstrual cycle lasts an average of five days and occurs between 21 to 35 days. However, everyone is different, and it can vary from month to month. While it’s normal for some months to be heavier than others, bleeding is abnormal if it happens outside of your regular menstrual cycle, is heavier than usual, and lasts longer than what’s considered typical for your usual period.

Excessive bleeding can either be related to your menstrual cycle (known as heavy menstrual bleeding), or it can also be unrelated to your menstrual cycle (known as abnormal uterine bleeding). 

While having unusually heavy periods occasionally or a bit of spotting may be normal, it’s important to keep track of your periods and schedule an appointment if you notice unusual bleeding or other symptoms. 

Causes of abnormal uterine bleeding

Many possible factors contribute to abnormal bleeding, from stress and hormone imbalances to medical issues like uterine fibroids or cancer. Even struggling with weight challenges can affect your hormone balance and possibly contribute to uterine bleeding. 

Some light bleeding is standard during pregnancy. However, a miscarriage causes heavy bleeding. 

Other possible causes of abnormal bleeding include:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Fibroids
• Polyps
• STIs (sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea)
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Liver or kidney disease
• Cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancers

If you’re unsure whether your bleeding is normal or you’re experiencing other symptoms like pelvic pain, blood clots, or signs of an infection, schedule an appointment for an exam as soon as possible.

Depending on the severity and underlying cause, abnormal bleeding can be treated with medication like hormonal birth control or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). In some cases, ovarian cysts or fibroids may require surgery. 

While you may not be able to prevent abnormal bleeding, you can do a few things to stay healthy and keep your hormones balanced, like maintaining a healthy weight and managing your stress.

For more information about abnormal uterine bleeding and what to do, or if you have any questions or concerns about your sexual and reproductive health, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Markidan at our office in Princeton, New Jersey.