Abnormal Period

About the Symptom

Abnormal period describes menstrual bleeding that is abnormally heavy or irregular and unpredictable in timing. The normal length of the menstrual cycle is typically between 21 and 35 days. A normal menstrual period generally lasts up to 7 days. If the bleeding is excessively heavy (soaking through a pad or tampon) every hour, that is also considered abnormal.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Fine tremor of the fingers
• Low back pain
• Palpitation
• Recent weight loss
• Intermenstrual bleeding
• Fever
• Edema
• Abdominal pain

Possible Causes

Generally, Abnormal period can be related to:

• Drug-Induced Menorrhagia

  Abnormally heavy menstrual periods caused by blood-thinning medications, such as Aspirin and Warfarin.

• Asherman Syndrome

  This is a rare condition that can occur after uterine procedures and is diagnosed by findings bands of scar tissue (adhesions) in the uterine lining. While a dilation and curettage procedure is the most common reason patients can develop Asherman Syndrome, most patients can safely undergo such procedures without any complications. It can also occur from some genital infections such as Tuberculosis, and other less common conditions.

• Adenomyosis

  Adenomyosis is a condition of the uterus (womb) that can occur in women. It occurs when cells of the uterine lining (endometrium) migrate or grow into the muscle layer (myometrium). This can cause the uterus to enlarge, and make menstruation more painful and heavier than normal. While it is not dangerous on its own, it can be very uncomfortable for patients and can affect their enjoyment of life. The heavy bleeding can also make patients anemic and affect their medical health. The exact cause is not known but uterine adenomyosis is more common in women who are in their 30's and 40's and have had children.

• Luteal Insufficiency
• Uterine Hypoplasia
• von Willebrand Disease (vWD)
• Cesarean Scar Syndrome
• Miscarriage
• Uterine Fibroids
• Peri-/Post-Menopausal Symptoms

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Have your periods become longer or heavier than usual?
• How long have you had abnormal periods (in duration or amount of bleeding)?
• How have your abnormal periods changed since it started?
• Have you experienced abnormal periods before?
• Do you experience minimal blood loss during your periods?

Find Similar Symptoms

References

• ACOG Patient FAQ Abnormal bleeding

  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/abnormal-uterine-bleeding

• ACOG Patient FAQ Heavy periods

  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/heavy-and-abnormal-periods

• Menstruation in Girls and Adolescents: Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign

  https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2015/12/menstruation-in-girls-and-adolescents-using-the-menstrual-cycle-as-a-vital-sign