Bleeding from the uterus between menstrual periods is called metrorrhagia. This is a common problem, especially for teenagers and women nearing menopau
There are many reasons why women may have metrorrhagia.
They are:
- hormone imbalance (the imbalance is sometimes caused by improper use of hormone medicine, such as birth control pills)
- polyps, which are growths on the cervix (the opening of the uterus) or inside the uterus; polyps are usually noncancerous
- fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in the uterus
- infection or inflammation of the uterus, cervix, or vagina
- erosion of the cervix (loss of the surface skin of the cervix)
- use of an IUD (intrauterine device) or birth control pills
- endometriosis (uterine tissue growing outside the uterus)
- adhesions (scar tissue) inside the uterus
- dry vaginal walls from decreased estrogen after menopause
- chronic medical problems (for example, thyroid problems, diabetes, and blood-clotting problems)
- some medicines, such as blood thinners
- stress
- cancer of the cervix or other parts of the uterus and vagina