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As women, we have a number of bodily behaviors we must closely monitor, but it can be difficult to know what is considered “normal,” and what is considered “abnormal,” when you are a sample size of one. Women should always feel comfortable speaking with their gynecologists about any concerns that they may have. Asking, “Is that normal?” is a smart way to stay informed, and stay safe. If you have been asking yourself if your level of uterine bleeding is normal, consider the following factors, and as always, never be afraid to ask your doctor.

What is Normal Uterine Bleeding?
Normal uterine bleeding, also known as vaginal bleeding, or menorrhea, is characterized by the periodic blood flow from the uterus. Normal vaginal bleeding occurs as a result of cyclic hormonal changes.

What is Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding?
In general, abnormal bleeding is defined as a flow of blood from the vagina that occurs either at the wrong time during the menstrual cycle, or in inappropriate amounts. In women who are ovulating regularly, it typically involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. More specifically, the following are considered abnormal:

• Bleeding between periods.
• Bleeding after sex.
• Spotting anytime in the menstrual cycle.
• Bleeding after menopause.
• Bleeding for too long a period of time, known as hypermenorrhea, or menstrual cycles that are longer than 35 days.
• Bleeding for too short a period of time, known as hypomenorrhea, or menstrual cycles that last fewer than 21 days.
• A menstrual period that occurs too frequently, known as polymenorrhea.
• A menstrual cycle that does not occur frequently enough, known as oligomenorrhea.
• The lack of menstruation for three to six months, known as amenorrhea.
• If the volume of blood is too much, known as menorrhagia.
•  If the volume amount of blood is too little, known as hypomenorrhea.

Diagnosing Abnormal Bleeding
To determine if what you are experiencing is normal or abnormal, your gynecologist will need to know the following:

• Your personal and family health history.
• The timing of your typical menstrual cycle.
• The typical pattern of your bleeding, including the days, lengths, flow type (light, medium, heavy, or spotting).
• If you are ovulating.
• If you are pregnant.

Causes of Abnormal Bleeding
If you are experiencing prolonged bleeding at irregular intervals after not having a menstrual period for several moths, it may be a sign that you are not ovulating regularly.

• Unless you are newly pregnant, the bleeding may be associated with complications such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
• Growths or problems in or around the uterus.
• Blood-clotting problems.
• Changes in hormone levels.

If you are monitoring your menstrual cycles and monthly blood flow and believe you may be experiencing abnormal levels of bleeding, talk to your doctor. He or she will help you determine what is normal for you, and help you address the underlying reasons for anything out of the ordinary.

And if you are looking for a new gynecologist and live in the Western New York area, please give our practice a call. We are accepting new patients.