Irregular Bleeding

Irregular bleeding is underreported and underdiagnosed. Many women either don’t realize that their bleeding is abnormal or are embarrassed to talk about their symptoms. At MORE901 in Memphis, TN, Tennessee, Susan Lacy, MD, FACOG, and her team provide compassionate education about women’s health and diagnose and treat the conditions that cause irregular bleeding.

All Your Questions Answered

What is irregular bleeding?

Every woman is unique; however, the average menstrual cycle lasts 21-35 days, with a period of around five days. If your menstrual cycle is longer or shorter or if your period lasts longer than seven days, you should make an appointment with Dr. Lacy and the team at MORE901 to find out what’s happening in your body and get the treatment you need. Other signs of irregular bleeding include:

Bleeding between periods
Bleeding after sex
Menstrual cycles that vary by more than seven days each month
Bleeding after menopause
Heavy bleeding

Your period is considered heavy or abnormal if it lasts for more than seven days or if you need to change your sanitary product more frequently than every two hours for several consecutive hours. Also, if you need to wear two sanitary products at a time, like a tampon and a pad, you should talk to Dr. Lacy about your periods.

What causes irregular bleeding?

Many reproductive health issues can contribute to irregular bleeding. Some of the prevalent causes include:

Uterine fibroids or polyps
Endometriosis
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Medications including birth control, steroids, or blood thinners
Thyroid disorders
Uterine or cervical cancer
Ectopic pregnancy
Miscarriage
Hormonal imbalances

You might also experience irregular bleeding as you go through perimenopause and your estrogen levels begin to decline.

What tests diagnose the cause of irregular bleeding?

At MORE901, Dr. Lacy provides comprehensive exams and testing to identify the cause of your irregular bleeding. During your exam, she reviews your medical history, lifestyle, and collects details about your menstrual cycle and periods. Dr. Lacy has been serving women for over 25 years, and has helped hundreds of women optimize their reproductive health — you can tell her anything about your period or health. In addition to your consultation, Dr. Lacy might order blood tests to check for hormonal issues or infections that could contribute to your symptoms. She may refer you for ultrasound or hysteroscopy to examine your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.

What does treatment for irregular bleeding depend on?

Treatment for irregular bleeding depends on the condition causing it. Depending on your needs, Dr. Lacy might recommend medication management, endometrial ablation, or surgical procedures to remove uterine fibroids or polyps. Dr. Lacy tailors your treatment plan to address your specific condition and symptoms.