Abnormal Period
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Missed period
Heavy periods
Long periods
Period not stopping
Increased bleeding during periods
Irregular period
Decreased period bleed
Lighter periods
Menstruation is very short
Periods are very short
Periods last only 2 days
Spotting
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:
- Luteal Insufficiency
A condition caused by low levels of progesterone, the female hormone that controls menstruation. An imbalance in the level of progesterone affects normal egg release (ovulation) and can cause irregular periods. This is also seen as a possible risk factor in early miscarriage and difficulty getting pregnant. Known causes include anorexia, excessive exercise, obesity, diabetes or other hormonal problems (e.g. thyroid disorders).
- Uterine Hypoplasia
Uterine hypoplasia, also known as a hypoplastic uterus, occurs when a girl is born with an abnormally small uterus. Symptoms may include failure to start having periods at puberty (primary amenorrhea), abdominal pain, a small or no vaginal opening, or infertility.
- 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
- Cesarean Scar Syndrome
- Anovulatory Menstruation
- von Willebrand Disease (vWD)
- Menopause
- Graves' Disease
- Cervical Cancer
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Have you noticed any unusual changes in your period?
- When did you first notice changes in your period?
- How are your changes in period progressing?
- How often do you experience changes in your period?
- Do you hardly have any bleeding during your periods?
Reviewed By:
Ravi P. Chokshi, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Critical Care)
Current Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow with Dual board certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. | 5+ years experience managing a general Ob/Gyn practice and working in the Intensive Care Unit. | Previously Physician Lead of a large single specialty practice with 8 Physicians and 10+ Advanced practitioners. | Member of the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Patient education committee. | Frequent Medscape Consult contributor.
Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD (Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN))
Dr. Kanazawa graduated from the Niigata University Faculty of Medicine and received his Ph.D. from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine. He is working on the front line of the General Perinatal Center, including the Tokyo Tama General Medical Center and the National Center for Research in Fertility Medicine, where he provides maternal and fetal care and undertakes clinical research. At Ubie, Dr. Kanazawa has been designing the Ubie AI Symptom Checker and has taken on the role of general obstetrics and gynecology consultation at FMC Tokyo Clinic by providing fetal ultrasound and prenatal consultation.
Content updated on Mar 2, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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With a free 3-min Abnormal Period quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Heavier period than normal
- Decreased bleeding during periods
- Period lasting longer than usual
- Unexpected period
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Decreased menstrual bleeding
- I have only a 2 day period
- Longer than usual periods
- Lighter bleeding than normal
- Prolonged heavy periods
- Vaginal spotting
- Periods last only a day
- Having long periods
- Abnormal period
- Very light period
See full list
Find Similar Symptoms
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FAQs
Q.
Does a staggered period like this mean I might have PCOS or another condition?
A.
A staggered period might be related to conditions like PCOS, but it's important to consider other factors and consult a healthcare provider for a clear diagnosis. See below to understand more.
References:
Elbohoty AE, Amer M, & Abdelmoaz M. (2016). Clomiphene citrate before and after withdrawal bleeding .... The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research, 27126971.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27126971/
Sabbadin C, Andrisani A, Zermiani M, Donà G, Bordin L, Ragazzi E, et al. (2016). Spironolactone and intermenstrual bleeding in polycystic .... Journal of endocrinological investigation, 27072668.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27072668/
La Marca A, Grisendi V, Dondi G, Sighinolfi G, & Cianci A. (2015). The menstrual cycle regularization following D-chiro- .... Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology, 25268566.
Q.
How do I tell if this is breakthrough bleeding or just a split period?
A.
Breakthrough bleeding is unexpected bleeding between periods, often linked to hormonal contraceptives, while a split period might be a natural variation in the menstrual cycle. It's important to monitor your cycle and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider. See below to understand more.
References:
Thomas AM, Hickey M, & Fraser IS. (2000). Disturbances of endometrial bleeding with hormone .... Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 11041216.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11041216/
Schreiber CA, Teal SB, Blumenthal PD, Keder LM, Olariu AI, & Creinin MD. (2018). Bleeding patterns for the Liletta® levonorgestrel 52 mg .... The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception, 29560743.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29560743/
Dean J, Kramer KJ, Akbary F, Wade S, Hüttemann M, Berman JM, & Recanati MA. (2019). Norethindrone is superior to combined oral contraceptive .... BMC women's health, 31138184.
Q.
Should I track this as one period or two separate cycles?
A.
Without specific information from the provided references about tracking periods, it is unclear how to categorize your menstrual cycle as one or two periods. See below to understand more.
References:
Steiner M, Lamont J, Steinberg S, Stewart D, Reid R, & Streiner D. (1997). Effect of fluoxetine on menstrual cycle length in women .... Obstetrics and gynecology, 9380321.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9380321/
Harlap S. (1979). Gender of infants conceived on different days of the .... The New England journal of medicine, 449885.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/449885/
Schreiber CA, Sober S, Ratcliffe S, & Creinin MD. (2011). Ovulation resumption after medical abortion with .... Contraception, 21843685.
Q.
Can penetration push menstrual blood back inside or block it from flowing?
A.
There is no evidence that penetration can push menstrual blood back inside or block it from flowing. See below to understand more.
References:
Cutler WB, Friedmann E, & McCoy NL. (1996). Coitus and menstruation in perimenopausal women. Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology, 8892161.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8892161/
Mansour D, Korver T, Marintcheva-Petrova M, & Fraser IS. (2008). The effects of Implanon on menstrual bleeding patterns. The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception, 18330814.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18330814/
Phipps WR, Martini MC, Lampe JW, Slavin JL, & Kurzer MS. (1993). Effect of flax seed ingestion on the menstrual cycle. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 8077314.
Q.
Could my period stopping after sex mean I’m pregnant?
A.
If your period stops after sex, it could be for many reasons, not just pregnancy. Pregnancy is possible if sex happened around ovulation time. See below to understand more.
References:
Wilcox AJ, Weinberg CR, & Baird DD. (1995). Timing of sexual intercourse in relation to ovulation. Effects .... The New England journal of medicine, 7477165.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7477165/
Schreiber CA, Sober S, Ratcliffe S, & Creinin MD. (2011). Ovulation resumption after medical abortion with .... Contraception, 21843685.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21843685/
Wilcox AJ, Baird DD, & Weinberg CR. (1999). Time of implantation of the conceptus and loss of pregnancy. The New England journal of medicine, 10362823.
Q.
Did having sex on my period make my bleeding stop early, or is that a sign something’s wrong?
A.
Having sex during your period might change your bleeding pattern, but it's not usually a sign of a problem. See below to understand more.
References:
Cutler WB, Friedmann E, & McCoy NL. (1996). Coitus and menstruation in perimenopausal women. Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology, 8892161.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8892161/
Lyster RL, & Houle SK. (2013). Abnormal vaginal bleeding following pharmacist .... The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 24285770.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24285770/
Mansour D, Korver T, Marintcheva-Petrova M, & Fraser IS. (2008). The effects of Implanon on menstrual bleeding patterns. The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception, 18330814.
Q.
Can menopause cause prolonged heavy bleeding?
A.
Yes, menopause can lead to prolonged heavy bleeding, particularly during the menopausal transition, which is the period leading up to menopause known as perimenopause. This phase is characterized by hormonal fluctuations that can significantly affect menstrual patterns.
References:
Paramsothy P, Harlow SD, Greendale GA, Gold EB, Crawford SL, Elliott MR, Lisabeth LD, Randolph JF Jr. Bleeding patterns during the menopausal transition in the multi-ethnic Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN): a prospective cohort study. BJOG. 2014 Nov;121(12):1564-73. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.12768. Epub 2014 Apr 16. PMID: 24735184; PMCID: PMC4199918.
El Khoudary SR, Qi M, Chen X, Matthews K, Allshouse AA, Crawford SL, Derby CA, Thurston RC, Kazlauskaite R, Barinas-Mitchell E, Santoro N. Patterns of menstrual cycle length over the menopause transition are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis after menopause. Menopause. 2021 Oct 11;29(1):8-15. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001876. PMID: 34636354; PMCID: PMC9178927.
Q.
What conditions should be considered if heavy menstrual bleeding persists?
A.
Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, can be a significant concern for many women. If this condition persists, it is essential to consider various underlying causes to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management.
References:
Brenner PF. Differential diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1996 Sep;175(3 Pt 2):766-9. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9378(96)80082-2. PMID: 8828559.
Borzutzky C, Jaffray J. Diagnosis and Management of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Bleeding Disorders in Adolescents. JAMA Pediatr. 2020 Feb 1;174(2):186-194. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.5040. PMID: 31886837.
Q.
What should I do if my period flow is light but continues beyond my normal period?
A.
Light but persistent bleeding outside of your normal period isn't typical and warrants a visit to your doctor. While it might not be serious, it's important to rule out any underlying issues.
References:
Wouk N, Helton M. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Premenopausal Women. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Apr 1;99(7):435-443. PMID: 30932448.
Q.
Why is my period lasting for 3 weeks straight?
A.
A period lasting for three weeks straight, known as prolonged menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia, can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, uterine abnormalities, or underlying health conditions. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and management.
References:
Maybin JA, Critchley HO. Medical management of heavy menstrual bleeding. Womens Health (Lond). 2016 Jan;12(1):27-34. doi: 10.2217/whe.15.100. Epub 2015 Dec 23. PMID: 26695687; PMCID: PMC4728737.
James AH. Heavy menstrual bleeding: work-up and management. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2016 Dec 2;2016(1):236-242. doi: 10.1182/asheducation-2016.1.236. PMID: 27913486; PMCID: PMC6142441.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
ACOG Patient FAQ Abnormal bleeding
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/abnormal-uterine-bleedingACOG Patient FAQ Heavy periods
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/heavy-and-abnormal-periodsMenstruation 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