women s health issues
Vaginal Bleeding
Causes of Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding may result from Malfunction of the Hormones and menstruation None A disorder of the vagina, uterus, cervix, or another reproductive organ, such as fibroids, infection, or cancer Disorders that cause excessive bleeding (uncommon) Likely causes of vaginal bleeding depend on the woman’s age. Newborn girlsmay have a small amount of vaginal bleeding. Before birth, they absorbestrogenthrough the placenta from the mother. After birth, these high levels ofestrogendecrease rapidly, sometimes causing a little bleeding during the first 1 to 2 weeks of life. Duringchildhood,vaginal bleeding is abnormal and uncommon. When it occurs, it is most often caused by A foreign object (body), such as toilet paper or a toy, in the vagina An injury, or possible sexual abuse Overview of Vaginitis (Vaginal Infection or Inflammation) (vaginitis) During thechildbearing years, the most common cause is Hormonal imbalance that causes ovulation to be delayed or not happen (ovulatory dysfunction), which can cause Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) None Uterine bleeding due to ovulatory dysfunction occurs when the Overview of Menstrual Cycle Problems changes and the lining of the uterus sheds irregularly. It is more likely to occur in adolescents (when menstrual periods are just starting) or in women in their late 40s (when periods are nearing an end). Other common causes of vaginal bleeding during the childbearing years include Complications of pregnancy (sometimes when a woman who does not know she is pregnant) Uterine Fibroids (muscle masses) inside the uterus Cervical Polyps or uterus Bleeding when the egg is released (at ovulation) during the menstrual cycle Use of birth control pills ( Oral Contraceptives ), if there is spotting or bleeding between periods (called breakthrough bleeding) Menopause , Age-related thinning of the lining of the vagina (formerly called atrophic vaginitis) or uterus (part of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause) Cervical Cancer , Certain hormonal disorders (such as Hypothyroidism ) are a less common cause of bleeding. Excessively heavy menstrual periods may be the first sign of a . Children may have hormonal abnormalities that cause puberty to begin too early—a disorder called Early Puberty . In these children, menstrual periods start, breasts develop, and pubic and underarm hair appears too soon. Rarely, bleeding is caused by a tumor or an injury resulting from unsuspected child abuse. 