Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Causes

Common reasons for abnormal uterine bleeding include:

• Anovulation Lack of normal menstrual bleeding due to problems with hormone secretion by the ovary. A doctor can usually diagnose anovulation by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. Blood tests for hormone levels are sometimes helpful. Treatment usually involves medication to correct the hormone imbalance.
• Abnormalities of the vagina and cervix Infections or other conditions of the vagina and cervix can cause bleeding, though the bleeding is usually light and may be associated with intercourse. Post-menopausal women may have thinning of the vaginal walls, which can lead to light bleeding. Abnormalities of the cervix, including cervical cancer, also can cause bleeding. These conditions can be diagnosed by physical examination and office tests.
• Uterine Fibroids Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths that develop within the uterus. Most women with fibroids have no symptoms and don't need treatment. When symptoms occur, women should seek medical attention.
• Endometrial polyps These are benign growths in the uterine lining that can lead to irregular uterine bleeding. They can be removed by hysteroscopy, a procedure in which a slender telescope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity to allow examination of the cavity and removal of the polyps.
• Endometrial cancer In women who have experienced menopause, abnormal bleeding can sometimes be a sign of endometrial cancer, or cancer of the lining of the uterus. This usually can be diagnosed by tests in the office, including an endometrial biopsy, in which some cells are removed from the endometrius. Endometrial cancer can be treated with surgery if diagnosed early.