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Vaginal Bleeding
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Vaginal Bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is distinct from a normal menstrual period and may manifest as bleeding between cycles, heavy flow, or bleeding outside of reproductive years.

Overview

Menstruation, or a period, is a woman's monthly bleeding. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is different from normal menstrual periods. It could be bleeding that is between periods, is very heavy, or lasts much longer than usual. It also includes bleeding that happens before puberty or after menopause.

Causes

Potential causes for abnormal vaginal bleeding include:

  • Uterine fibroids or polyps
  • Hormone problems
  • Hormone pills, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (menopausal hormone therapy)
  • Cancer of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, or vagina
  • Thyroid problems

Bleeding during pregnancy can have several different causes. It is not always serious, but to be safe you should contact your health care provider right away.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Pelvic exams, blood tests, imaging tests, and other procedures can help your health care provider diagnose the problem. Treatment depends on the cause. Treatments may include medicines, hormones, and surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you experience spotting or bleeding outside of your expected cycle, it is important to track the amount, color, and duration. Light spotting that lasts a few hours may be benign, but bleeding that is heavier than a normal period or lasts more than a day warrants a prompt appointment with your healthcare provider. Bring a record of your cycle and any accompanying symptoms such as pain or dizziness.
pelvic exam, ultrasound, and blood work (including hormone levels and complete blood count) are standard. An ultrasound can identify fibroids, polyps, or structural abnormalities, while blood tests can detect anemia, thyroid dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances. In some cases, a hysteroscopy or biopsy may be needed to examine the uterine lining directly.
Many hormonal contraceptives, especially those with lower estrogen doses, can cause breakthrough bleeding or spotting. If the bleeding is brief and not accompanied by pain, it often resolves after a few cycles. If it persists or becomes heavy, discuss alternative formulations or add a non-hormonal method with your provider.
Heavy bleeding is generally defined as losing more than 80 milliliters of blood in 24 hours, or soaking through one or more pads per hour for several hours. If you experience rapid soaking, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or a sudden drop in blood pressure, seek emergency care. Otherwise, a routine visit can help rule out fibroids, polyps, or hormonal imbalances.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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