Irregular bleeding between periods | Glengarry Private Hospital

Causes of irregular bleeding

There are many cause for irregular bleeding from the vagina. Many are important to diagnose.

• Implantation bleeding in pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Fluctuations of hormones, especially leading up to menopause
• Starting, stopping, or missing out the pill
• The Mirena causes spotting for a few months after insertion
• Polyps in the womb, or on the cervix
• Cervical ectropion or erosion
• Fibroids
• Overgrowth of the lining of the womb
• Cancer of the cervix or womb
• Infections, both sexual and non-sexual.
• Vaginal dryness
• Spotting at ovulation

Investigations for irregular bleeding

• Full blood count
• Thyroid function
• Swabs
• Smear
• Colposcopy
• Ultrasound of the pelvis
• Hysteroscopy – the gold standard test

Investigating irregular bleeding is important, particularly in older women. Ultrasound is very helpful, but can’t always pick up the smallest lesions, like small polyps. Therefore, it’s important to not rely on ultrasound. If irregular bleeding continues, then direct examination using the hysteroscope at day case surgery at Glengarry Private Hospital is recommended as the gold standard test. Hysteroscopy will detect the most subtle lesions, and allow targeted removal.