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:

• 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 been experiencing unusually heavy or prolonged periods?
• When did you first notice your unusually heavy or prolonged periods?
• How are your unusually heavy or prolonged periods now?
• Have you previously experienced unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual periods?
• 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