What is an abnormal menstrual cycle or abnormal bleeding in women?
An abnormal menstrual cycle implies abnormal bleeding: • that occurs in between your menses (period) or • menstrual bleeding that is prolonged or heavy enough • to result in anemia (drop in iron count in your blood) or • to interfere with your normal activities Abnormal bleeding in women also includes bleeding: • in young girls before they begin their menstrual periods, frequently due to hormonal problems (more serious causes must be excluded) • in postmenopausal women (bleeding after the menopause or change) Abnormal bleeding in women may come from sites (places) other than the uterus including the: • vagina • bladder • vulva (external female parts) • rectum After menarche (the first menstrual cycle or period), most women have a menstrual cycle every 21-35 days that lasts 3-7 days. There are certain conditions that can cause a woman to have menses much less frequent than 35 days; this should be discussed with your doctor if this applies to you. As a woman approaches the menopause, it
