Author -Dr Preety Aggarwal

MBBS, DGO, DNB,

Medical Director (Gurgaon)- Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

What Causes Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding

Periods are considered abnormal if they last for more than 7 days, have less than 24 days of cycle, or more than 35 days. Moreover, heavy bleeding is also considered abnormal. According to Dr Preety Aggarwal, MBBS, DGO, DNB, Medical Director (Gurgaon)- Obstetrics and Gynaecology,  menstrual bleeding is considered heavy if you have to change tampons or pads more than every two hours, or if you are passing clots larger than 1 inch. In such cases, you should visit the best gynaecologist & obstetrician doctors in Gurgaon as early as possible.

What is Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding? 

Most women experience menstrual periods lasting for four to seven days. Your menstrual cycle usually ranges from 21 days to 35 days; with an average cycle length of 29 days. A lot of factors can cause irregular periods including stress, other health conditions, medications, and so forth. 

How to Identify Irregular Periods? 

Your period will be considered abnormal or irregular by the best gynaecologist & obstetrician doctors in Gurgaon if it varies from the normal cycle. Your periods will be considered abnormal in the following cases:

1. Periods occurring fewer than 21 days or more than 35 days apart. 
2. Missed three or more periods in a row. 
3. Menstrual flow that is much heavier or lighter than usual. 
4. Periods that last more than seven days. 
5. The length of time between cycles varies by more than nine days.  
6. Periods are accompanied by severe pain, cramping, nausea, or vomiting. 
7. Bleeding or spotting between periods, after menopause, or after intercourse. 
8. Using more than one tampon or pad in an hour.

What are the Conditions Related to Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods are categorized as follows based on your medical condition:

1. Amenorrhea: A condition where your periods have stopped suddenly or absence of periods for 90 days or more. 
2. Oligomenorrhea: A condition where periods occur infrequently. 
3. Dysmenorrhea: A condition with painful periods and severe cramps. 
4. Abnormal uterine bleeding: Abnormal bleeding between monthly periods.

What are the Causes of Irregular Periods?

According to the best gynaecologist & obstetrician doctors in Gurgaon, a variety of factors can contribute to irregular periods, such as:

1. Endometriosis: It is a condition when endometrial tissue grows outside of your uterus. It may lead to abnormal bleeding, cramps, and severe pain. 
2. Pelvic inflammatory disease: This is a bacterial infection caused by a sexually transmitted infection. It may also cause heavy vaginal discharge, irregular periods, and pelvic pain. 
3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): The higher levels of a hormone called androgen lead to PCOS. This also causes irregular periods. 
4. Bleeding disorders: You may also have heavy menstrual bleeding in between periods if you have a bleeding disorder.

Apart from this, any kind of disruption or change in your daily routine can also impact your menstrual cycle. This includes:

1. Stress. 
2. Sudden weight loss or weight gain. 
3. Exercise routine resulting in very low body fat. 
4. Viruses or other illnesses.

The other causes of abnormal bleeding include:

1. Birth control pills: Certain birth control pills contain a variety of hormones. Going on or off on birth control pills can also affect menstruation. 
2. Medications: Certain medications including steroids or anticoagulant drugs. 
3. Ectopic pregnancy: Fertilized egg implants outside your uterus. 
4. Surgery: Any kind of surgery in your uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. 

Abnormal menstrual bleeding is a combination of different factors put together. The best way to avoid this is by following a healthy lifestyle, taking rest, and avoiding birth control pills. You can also consult Dr Preety Aggarwal at the Motherhood Hospitals for any issues.