Breakthrough bleeding refers to any vaginal bleeding or spotting that occurs between your expected menstrual periods or during pregnancy.
Understanding Breakthrough Bleeding
Essentially, breakthrough bleeding disrupts the typical menstrual cycle pattern. While it can be alarming, it's often not a sign of a serious medical issue. However, any unusual bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying causes.
Common Causes of Breakthrough Bleeding
Several factors can contribute to breakthrough bleeding, including:
- Hormonal Birth Control: Starting, stopping, or changing hormonal birth control methods (such as pills, patches, or IUDs) is a very common cause. The body needs time to adjust to the altered hormone levels.
- Missed Birth Control Pills: Forgetting to take birth control pills, especially combination pills, can lead to a drop in hormone levels and cause bleeding.
- Infection: Certain infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can inflame the cervix and lead to bleeding.
- Polyps or Fibroids: These growths in the uterus or cervix can sometimes cause irregular bleeding.
- Pregnancy Complications: In early pregnancy, spotting can occur. However, heavier bleeding could indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Thyroid Problems: An overactive or underactive thyroid can affect hormone levels and cause menstrual irregularities.
- Stress: High levels of stress can impact the menstrual cycle and lead to breakthrough bleeding.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of experiencing breakthrough bleeding.
- Other Medical Conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis can also contribute to irregular bleeding.
When to See a Doctor
It's essential to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours).
- Bleeding accompanied by pain, fever, or dizziness.
- Bleeding after menopause.
- Unexplained bleeding that persists or worsens.
- Bleeding during pregnancy.
A doctor can perform a physical exam, Pap smear, and other tests to determine the cause of the bleeding and recommend appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis typically involves reviewing your medical history, performing a pelvic exam, and possibly ordering tests like blood tests to check hormone levels, ultrasound to visualize the uterus and ovaries, or a biopsy to examine tissue samples.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. For example, adjusting birth control dosage may resolve bleeding related to hormonal contraception. Infections require antibiotics. Polyps or fibroids may require surgical removal.
Breakthrough bleeding can be caused by several factors, many of which are not serious; however, it's important to consult with your doctor if you notice any abnormal changes in your cycle.
