Intermenstrual bleeding

Intermenstrual bleeding
Synonyms	Metrorrhagia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Vaginal bleeding between regular menstrual periods
Complications	Anemia, infertility
Onset	Any age after menarche
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Hormonal imbalance, uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, ovulation, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, contraceptive use
Risks	Age, obesity, smoking, family history of gynecological conditions
Diagnosis	Pelvic examination, ultrasound, hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometriosis, adenomyosis
Prevention	Regular gynecological examinations, hormonal therapy
Treatment	Depends on cause; may include hormonal therapy, surgery, antibiotics
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Intermenstrual bleeding is a clinical term that refers to vaginal bleeding occurring at any time during the menstrual cycle other than the normal menstrual period. It is also known as metrorrhagia or spotting between periods.

Causes

There are several potential causes of intermenstrual bleeding, including:

• Hormonal imbalances: These can occur due to changes in contraceptive methods, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or thyroid disorders.
• Uterine fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause bleeding between periods.
• Endometriosis: This is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, which can lead to intermenstrual bleeding.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Certain STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause bleeding between periods.
• Cancer: In rare cases, intermenstrual bleeding can be a sign of uterine cancer, cervical cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of intermenstrual bleeding typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, including a pelvic examination. Additional tests may include:

• Pap smear: This test checks for changes in the cells of the cervix, which can indicate cervical cancer.
• Endometrial biopsy: A small sample of the lining of the uterus is taken and examined under a microscope.
• Ultrasound: This imaging test can help identify any abnormalities in the uterus or ovaries.
• Hysteroscopy: A thin, lighted tube is inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and inside of the uterus.

Treatment

Treatment for intermenstrual bleeding depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

• Hormonal therapy: This can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce bleeding.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgical removal of fibroids or endometrial tissue may be necessary.
• Antibiotics: If an STI is the cause, antibiotics can treat the infection and stop the bleeding.

See also

• Menstrual cycle
• Menorrhagia
• Dysmenorrhea

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