Why girls and women may not have periods. Do you need menstruation? Causes of delay for physiological reasons

Delayed menstruation is a violation of the menstrual cycle, characterized by the absence of menstruation for more than 35 days. The reason for this may be physiological factors, for example, pregnancy or the imminent onset of menopause, as well as pathologies in the female body. Delayed menstruation occurs at any age. You need to see a doctor if there is no menstrual bleeding for more than 5 days after the due date. The gynecologist will help find the cause in order to determine further treatment.

Menstrual cycle

The female organism of reproductive age functions cyclically. The final stage of such a cycle is monthly bleeding. They indicate that the egg is not fertilized, and pregnancy has not occurred. A regular menstrual cycle indicates coherence in the work of the female body. The delay in menstruation is an indicator of some kind of failure.

A girl has her first menstruation between the ages of 11 and 15. At first, there may be delays that are not related to pathology. The cycle is normalized after 1-1.5 years. The pathology includes the onset of menstruation at the age of less than 11 years, and also if it did not begin at 17 years of age. If this age is 18-20 years, then there are problems that may be associated with impaired physical development, underdevelopment of the ovaries, malfunction of the pituitary gland, and others.

Normally, the cycle should be regular: menstruation begins and ends after a certain time. For most women, the cycle is 28 days, which is equal to the length of the lunar month. In about a third of women, it is shorter - 21 days, and in 10% it is 30-35 days. Menstruation usually lasts 3 to 7 days, and 50 to 150 ml of blood is lost. After 40-55 years, menstruation generally stops, and this period is called menopause.

Major women's health issues include:

  • irregular cycle;
  • hormonal disorders
  • frequent delays in menstruation from 5 to 10 days;
  • alternation of scanty and heavy bleeding.

A woman needs to get a menstrual calendar, which will indicate the beginning and duration of bleeding. In this case, it is easy to notice a delay in menstruation.

The problem of delayed menstruation in girls and women

A delay in menstruation is considered a failure in the menstrual cycle, when the next bleeding does not occur at the right time. The absence of menstruation for 5 to 7 days does not apply to pathology. This phenomenon occurs at any age: adolescence, childbearing and premenopause. The reasons for the delay in menstruation can be both physiological and abnormal reasons.

Natural causes during puberty include irregular menstruation for 1-1.5 years during the formation of the cycle. In childbearing age, the physiological causes of delayed menstruation are pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding. With premenopause, the menstrual cycle gradually decreases, frequent delays turn into a complete extinction of the reproductive function in the female body. Other causes of delayed menstruation are not physiological and require the consultation of a gynecologist.

Reasons for delayed menstruation

Most often, the delay in menstruation in the fair sex, who live sexually, is associated with the onset of pregnancy. Also, for a short time, there may be a pulling pain in the lower abdomen, an increase and soreness of the mammary glands, drowsiness, a change in taste preferences, morning sickness, and rapid fatigue. Rarely, spotting brownish discharge appears.

You can determine pregnancy using a pharmacy test or a blood test for hCG. If pregnancy is not confirmed, then the delay in menstruation could be triggered by other reasons:

  1. Stress. Every stressful situation, such as conflicts, work problems, school anxiety, can delay your period by 5-10 days or even longer.
  2. Overwork, which is often combined with a stressful situation. Physical activity is certainly good for the body, but if it is excessive, it can affect the regularity of menstruation. Overwork, especially in combination with an exhausting diet, negatively affects the synthesis of estrogen, which can cause a delay in menstruation. Signs of overwork are also migraines, rapid weight loss, deterioration in performance. If due to physical overwork there is a delay in menstruation, this means that the body signals the need for a break. Delayed periods are observed in women who work at night or with slippery work schedules that involve overwork on days when it is necessary. The cycle normalizes on its own when the balance between diet and exercise is restored.
  3. Lack of weight or, conversely, overweight. For the normal functioning of the endocrine system, a woman must keep her BMI normal. Delayed periods are often associated with a lack or excess of weight. At the same time, the cycle is restored after the normalization of body weight. In women suffering from anorexia, menstruation may disappear forever.
  4. Change of habitual living environment. The fact is that the biological clock of the body is very important for the normal regulation of the menstrual cycle. If they change, for example, as a result of a flight to a country with a different climate or starting work at night, a delay in menstruation may occur. If a change in the rhythm of life causes a delay in menstruation, it normalizes on its own over a couple of months.
  5. Colds or inflammatory diseases can also affect menstruation. Each disease can adversely affect the regularity of the cycle and cause a delay in menstruation. This may be an acute course of chronic diseases, SARS or any other health problems in the previous month. The regularity of the cycle will be restored within a couple of months.
  6. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease accompanied by a hormonal imbalance, which provokes irregular menstrual bleeding. Signs of polycystic disease are also excessive hair growth in the area of ​​​​the face and body, problematic skin (acne, oiliness), excess weight and difficulty with fertilization. If the gynecologist determines the cause of the delay in menstruation is polycystic ovary syndrome, he prescribes a course of taking oral hormonal contraceptives, which helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.
  7. Any inflammatory or neoplastic disease of the genital organs. In addition to delaying menstruation, inflammatory processes are accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and uncharacteristic discharge. They must be treated without fail: such diseases are fraught with complications and even the development of infertility.
  8. Cyst of the corpus luteum of the ovary. To get rid of it and restore the menstrual cycle, the gynecologist prescribes a course of hormonal drugs.
  9. postpartum period. At this time, the pituitary hormone prolactin is produced, which regulates the production of breast milk and inhibits the cyclic work of the ovaries. If there is no breastfeeding after childbirth, menstruation should occur in about 2 months. If lactation is getting better, then menstruation, as a rule, returns after its completion.
  10. Artificial termination of pregnancy. In this case, a delay in menstruation is common, but not normal. In addition to a sharp change in the hormonal background, its causes can be mechanical injuries, the presence of which can only be determined by a doctor.

A malfunction of the thyroid gland also provokes irregular periods. This is due to the fact that thyroid hormones affect metabolism. With their excess or lack, the menstrual cycle is also confused.

Elevated levels of thyroid hormones are characterized by:

  • weight loss;
  • increased heart rate;
  • excessive sweating;
  • unstable emotional background;
  • sleep problems.

With a lack of thyroid hormones, the following symptoms appear:

  • weight gain;
  • the appearance of puffiness;
  • constant desire to sleep;
  • causeless hair loss.

If there is a suspicion that the delay in menstruation is provoked by a violation of the thyroid gland, you should contact an endocrinologist.

Taking certain medications can also cause a delay in menstruation. The main ones are:

  1. Oral hormonal contraceptives are the most common drug-related cause of menstrual irregularities. The norm includes a delay in menstruation during a break in their use or when taking inactive drugs.
  2. Emergency contraception preparations can provoke the absence of menstruation for 5 to 10 days, which is associated with a high content of hormones in them.
  3. Chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of oncology.
  4. Antidepressants.
  5. corticosteroid hormones.
  6. Calcium channel blockers used in the treatment of hypertension.
  7. Omeprazole for the fight against stomach ulcers causes a side effect in the form of a delay in menstruation.

Between the ages of 45 and 55, most women enter the menopause phase. This is evidenced by the absence of menstruation for a year or more. But menopause never occurs suddenly: for several years before this, menstruation irregularity and frequent delays have been observed.

Here are some other signs of approaching menopause:

  • insomnia;
  • dryness of the vaginal mucosa;
  • increased night sweats;
  • unstable emotional background;
  • flushes of heat.

How to normalize the problem with delayed periods

To determine the correct treatment for delayed menstruation, you first need to identify its cause, the elimination of which will help normalize the cycle. For the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and the normalization of hormonal levels, a course of hormonal drugs is prescribed, which:

  1. Eliminate problems with conception associated with insufficient luteal phase.
  2. Help restore ovulation.
  3. Reduce some symptoms of PMS: irritability, swelling and soreness of the mammary glands.

If the delay in menstruation is associated with any disease, then its treatment will contribute to the settlement of the cycle. Among the preventive measures, the following can be distinguished:

  • When menstruation is delayed due to physical overwork or a stressful situation, you can restore the balance of the body with rest, as well as with enough sleep. It is important to maintain a positive mood and be calm about events that can provoke stress. The help of a psychologist will also help.
  • Nutrition should be balanced with the necessary content of vitamins and minerals. You can also drink a course of multivitamins.
  • Keeping a menstrual calendar will help track any changes in the cycle.
  • A preventive visit to the gynecologist can prevent any deviations in women's health.

A woman of reproductive age must necessarily monitor the regularity of the cycle. Any violation in the body contributes to the development of various diseases.

Delay of menstruation. When to See a Doctor

The delay in menstruation should not exceed 5-7 days. Exceptions are age-related hormonal changes in adolescence and premenopause, as well as during lactation. In all other cases, it is imperative to contact a gynecologist.

With the abolition of hormonal contraceptives, a visit to the doctor is required when the cycle is not restored for several months. With a delay in menstruation associated with lactation, you need to consult a gynecologist if menstruation does not occur a year after childbirth.

In addition to a gynecological examination, the doctor may prescribe the following examinations:

If non-gynecological diseases are detected that caused a delay in menstruation, consultations of other specialists are prescribed.

Types of delays in menstruation

Delays of menstruation vary in their duration. After taking emergency contraceptives, your period may be delayed by 14 days or more. The same period is typical after injections of the hormonal preparation Progesterone, the active substance of which is synthetic progesterone. It is prescribed for deficiency in the female body of the corpus luteum. Progesterone helps reduce uterine contractions. When taking it, only the doctor prescribes the dose and determines the rate of delay in menstruation.

After stopping oral hormonal contraceptives, the restoration of the menstrual cycle lasts from 1 to 3 months. During this period, delays in menstruation for a week or more are considered the norm: birth control pills change the cycle of the uterus and ovaries. To clarify the work of the ovaries, the doctor directs the woman to an ultrasound.

When pregnancy occurs, a characteristic sign during a delay is -. They are necessary to protect the uterus from the penetration of various microorganisms. If, in the early stages of pregnancy, brown discharge occurs, accompanied by pain in the abdomen, this may indicate a threat of miscarriage.

In diseases of the genitourinary system, which also contribute to the delay in menstruation, the discharge becomes brown with a sour smell. They are accompanied by a pulling pain in the lower abdomen. Normally, menstruation may begin with small brownish discharge.

A delay in menstruation may indicate a latent course of certain diseases of both the genital and internal organs. Of the gynecological diseases that may not manifest themselves in any way except for the delay in menstruation, one can distinguish: erosion, myoma, cyst, inflammation.

A long delay in menstruation for a period of 1-2 months can be caused by a malfunction of the adrenal glands, pancreas, pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Problems with these organs have a direct impact on the maturation of the egg. When they begin to produce insufficient amounts of hormones, this eventually leads to ovarian dysfunction.

Ovarian hyperinhibition with the absence of menstruation for several cycles can also be observed when taking or after discontinuing hormonal contraceptives and drugs for the treatment of endometriosis. The cycle usually recovers on its own after a few months.

Often, menstrual bleeding is accompanied by blood clots. Consultation with a specialist is necessary when it is regular and accompanied by painful sensations.

Folk remedies for the treatment of delayed menstruation

Folk methods of effective treatment of delayed menstruation are quite peculiar. The use of such funds must be agreed with the doctor so as not to harm the body. First of all, you should make sure that you are not pregnant: taking herbal medicines can cause a miscarriage.

Popular folk remedies to help induce menstruation:

  • Herbal infusion of nettle, knotweed, wild rose, elecampane, pink radiola root and oregano. All components of the mixture can be purchased at a pharmacy, take 2 tablespoons of each type, put in a thermos and pour a liter of boiling water. Leave to infuse overnight, then strain and drink the entire infusion during the day, 0.5 cups at a time.
  • The onion peel is washed under running water, placed in a saucepan and boiled for 15-30 minutes. The broth is filtered and taken once in the amount of 1 cup.
  • Ginger decoction should be drunk with caution: it can lead to increased anxiety.
  • Angelica infusion has anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effects. It improves the functioning of the nervous system and blood circulation.
  • An infusion of black stem rhizome relieves headaches and depression during menstruation, and also helps to regulate the cycle.
  • Heart motherwort improves the work of the heart, reduces pressure, calms and stimulates the functioning of the uterus.
  • White peony tincture reduces blood pressure, has a calming effect and improves blood circulation.
  • A decoction of the root of elecampane is one of the most powerful remedies in folk medicine. To prepare it, you need to pour a teaspoon of elecampane root with a glass of boiling water, insist for 4 hours, strain and drink a teaspoon several times a day.
  • Eating celery stimulates uterine contractions.
  • Taking a hot bath and applying a heating pad to the lower abdomen. These methods help increase blood flow, but you need to be careful with them. The heating pad should not be used in the presence of tumors and inflammatory processes.
  • The use of foods rich in vitamin C. It regulates metabolism and is involved in the synthesis of hormones. In large quantities, this vitamin is found in citrus fruits, rose hips, currants, peppers, strawberries and sorrel. During pregnancy, its excessive content in the body can cause miscarriage.

Reasons for delayed menstruation - video:

Why there is no menstruation is a question that should be sorted out. Delay is a dysfunction of the body. The absence of menstruation even for a few days leads to great stress for the body. Some associate it with pregnancy, while others experience less joyful emotions and even fear.

Menstruation is a natural process in the female body, which provides reproductive functions. The cerebral cortex transports information to the pituitary and hypothalamus, after which hormones are produced that are responsible for the functioning of the uterus. They are also responsible for the work of other organs involved in menstruation.

The cycle is counted from the beginning of the first day of menstruation. It lasts for 28 days. But the cycle of 21-35 days is also considered the norm. An important factor is the regularity, not the duration.

The first menstruation begins in adolescents at the age of 11-15. Due to the fact that in young girls the hormonal background has not yet been established, at first the cycle may be irregular. At the end of this period, there should be no monthly failures. If they do, then it should worry the girl.

  • change of taste;
  • sensitivity to smells;
  • the occurrence of nausea, vomiting;
  • great drowsiness;

It is impossible to reject pregnancy even if there was an interrupted sexual intercourse, contact on “dangerous” days using a condom or other contraceptives. None of the options provide 100% protection.

You can determine pregnancy using. They can be carried out immediately on the first day of the delay. If there are two lines on the test within the first 10 minutes, the result is positive. If the second strip occurs over time, then such an answer is not true. To make sure you are pregnant, you should do the test again after 3 days or take a blood test for hCG.

Other reasons

Gynecology divides all causes into the following groups: physiological and pathological. Sometimes the delay can be caused by various factors and does not exceed 7 days. But some conditions can be considered signs of diseases.

Gynecological

Pathological causes of delay include diseases of the reproductive system:

  1. Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs. Additionally, there may be pain in the lower abdomen.
  2. Hormonal disorders.
  3. ovaries.

Reasons for delay for physiological reasons:

  1. Stressful situations (dismissal, financial difficulties, quarrels, depression, heavy workload).
  2. A sharp change in the usual way of life (active sports, moving, climate change).
  3. Abrupt withdrawal of contraceptives.
  4. Taking medicines of emergency concentration ("Escapel" and "") can lead to a failure.
  5. postpartum period. During lactation, menstruation can not go up to 6 months. But if they do not come after the end of breastfeeding, you should consult a doctor.
  6. The onset of menopause. After 45 years, there is a natural extinction of the reproductive function. Menstruation becomes irregular.

In all cases, the delay should last no more than 7 days, otherwise it may indicate the development of various diseases.

Not gynecological

The reason for the delay in menstruation may be caused by non-gynecological diseases. Since the cerebral cortex is responsible for regulating the cycle, its violation can manifest itself in the work of menstruation.

This may include:

  • diabetes;
  • thyroid disease;
  • weight problems;
  • colds.

The cause of the failure may be taking any medications.

Is there a danger?

The allowable period for delaying menstruation is ten days. But on condition that the woman is not expecting a child. If the reason is different, then exceeding this period may be a reason to consult a doctor.

To determine the cause, an examination of a woman on a gynecological chair, testing and a complete examination are necessary.

? Read about the causes of prolonged periods, diseases that cause this problem, ways to stop bleeding and the need to see a doctor.

  • Why do blood clots come out during menstruation? Details in .

What to do?

If this situation in a woman is single, you need:

  • proper nutrition;
  • compliance with the regime of work and rest;
  • full sleep;
  • moderate physical activity;
  • walks in the open air;
  • rejection of bad habits;
  • avoidance of stress.

If the delays are regular, you should consult a doctor.

Survey

To correctly establish the cause of the delay in critical days, examinations and examination may be required:

  • blood donation;
  • measurement of basal temperature.

For diagnosis, sometimes it is necessary to consult other specialists - a nutritionist, an endocrinologist.

The delay in menstruation should not be ignored. Failure in the body can be caused not only by stress and sudden changes in the weather, but also by pregnancy, serious illnesses.

Video on possible causes

For the first time, the opinion that menstruation for a woman is a pathology appeared in the book “Is menstruation necessary?” by Wendy Harris and Nadine Forrest Mac Donald. The authors give an argument that is difficult for a modern doctor to agree with, but the Internet is filled with quotes from this book, so we will try to figure out what is true and what is false.

The authors compare menstruation with discharge through the mucous membranes in diseases - for example, with a runny nose or expectoration of sputum in colds, considering this a sign of "contamination of the internal organs." Such a position, from the point of view of modern medical knowledge, does not stand up to criticism, because a runny nose and cough are not at all "contamination of internal organs", but the body's reaction to viruses and bacteria that have entered the respiratory tract, and the body enhances the secretion of natural secrets necessary for moisturizing mucous membranes to quickly get rid of the pathogen. The authors, having no elementary knowledge of the physiology and pathology of the female body, believe that nature has given women, allegedly, an additional way to get rid of "pollution" through menstruation. In fact, menstruation is a normal, physiological phenomenon. From birth, each girl has about 300,000 immature eggs in her ovaries, and at the age of 11–15 years, brain hormones begin to act on the ovarian tissue that is sensitive to them, and one of the eggs begins to mature.

The uterus, in turn, receives a hormonal signal from the ovaries, and in it the mucous membrane is prepared to receive the egg. The thickness of the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) increases from 1 to 10 mm, many new blood vessels and glands form in it. The endometrium becomes soft, juicy - and this is a potential bed for a possible unborn child.

Approximately on the 14th day from the beginning of the maturation of the egg, ovulation occurs (the release of a mature egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube). There it is either fertilized or not, in the second case, the thick shell inside the uterus turns out to be unnecessary and, after the death of the egg, dies and comes out - menstruation occurs. Normally, this entire cycle takes from 21 to 35 days, other cases are deviations from the norm and require a consultation with a gynecologist.

The point of view that the female body is intended only for pregnancy or feeding children, to put it mildly, is not entirely correct. , which occur with a short interval, are not indifferent either to the health of a woman or to children - a mother will not be able to fully feed her first child even up to a year (and breastfeeding is the most effective prevention of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in an infant). The second baby will not receive the necessary nutrients, since the mother's body will not have time to recover normally after a recently ended pregnancy. Among obstetricians and gynecologists, there is a completely logical point of view that the fetus in the womb will still take its toll, which has a physiological justification - maintaining the population of the species is above all. What will mom be left with? With bad teeth, thinning hair and practically no strength, since two pregnancies in a row are not an easy test. Modern science does not recommend an interval between births of less than two years. This time period allows the mother to recover, take care of herself, treat her teeth, prepare for a new pregnancy, and the first baby will already grow up, learn to walk, and there will be no need to carry him in a stroller with the youngest. It is necessary to remind mothers who have recently given birth that it is worth choosing immediately, at the first visit to the gynecologist after childbirth, since conception is possible without the onset of the first menstruation, 6 weeks after childbirth, in some cases even earlier. Therefore, if you are not planning a second child so soon, take care of yourself and choose a reliable contraceptive. This is especially important after a caesarean section - after all, a full-fledged scar on the uterus does not form immediately, and during pregnancy in the first year after the operation, there is a high risk of uterine rupture along the scar during the second pregnancy or childbirth, and this is deadly for both the woman and the child .

However, there are also pathological disorders of menstruation. Unlike the authors of the dubious book “Is menstruation necessary? know exactly what is abnormal. This may be amenorrhea - the complete absence of menstruation. If an adult woman of childbearing age stops menstruating, this is a reason to be examined by a gynecologist.

Also, a pathological variant of menstruation is menorrhagia - excessive bleeding during menstruation. The criteria for pathology in this case are a violation of the well-being and normal rhythm of a woman's life. Excessive blood loss can be caused by pathology of the female genital area (uterine fibroids, adenomyosis), or maybe by systemic diseases, such as a hereditary blood coagulation disorder - von Willebrand's disease. In addition to domestic inconvenience, heavy blood loss during menstruation is also the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia (anemia) in women of childbearing age. The first signs of anemia are weakness, shortness of breath, pallor,. Therefore, once a year, every woman needs to take a clinical blood test and, with a decrease in hemoglobin levels, take iron supplements as prescribed by a gynecologist or therapist.

Premenstrual syndrome () is a rather unpleasant condition that women aptly describe as a desire to "kill everyone, then cry." By the way, PMS indicates that ovulation has taken place, since the reason for it lies in hormones. The best way to prevent PMS is regular physical activity and proper nutrition (the more sugary and fatty in the diet, the "angrier" PMS). If the symptoms of PMS cannot be tolerated, the gynecologist usually prescribes combined oral contraceptives - because they block ovulation, and PMS does not occur or becomes much softer.

Painful periods are not normal. Most often they occur in girls, and after the first birth, the pain usually does not return. However, in any case - if something bothers you, you should consult a doctor, and not look for advice on the Internet, so you can lose your health. Find your specialist, see him regularly, and be healthy.

Olga Lukinskaya

We often talk about the discomfort associated with menstruation.: this is an eternal search for the ideal, the fear of soiling clothes, feeling unwell, and also the complexity of the topic itself, which is still very taboo. The absence of menstruation is also a difficult topic: it can cause various diseases, and it is no less difficult to talk about it - after all, in a society where the birth of a child is considered a woman’s mission, it is easy to acquire the status of “inferior” due to cycle violations. Sonya Borisova, who faced prolonged amenorrhea, told how the treatment went and how this condition forced her to change her relationship with her own body and with the outside world.

Now I'm twenty-one, and the story began almost three years ago: I stopped menstruating. At first I did not pay much attention to this and did not sound the alarm, I decided to just wait. It was autumn, a new semester began at the institute, at the same time I worked part-time as a nanny - in general, there was no time for doctors.

At that moment, I had a very difficult relationship with my own body. I was painfully dissatisfied with my appearance and tortured myself: periods of starvation were replaced by breakdowns, when I could eat an incredible amount of food. After that, I worried, cried, and sometimes beat myself on the arms and legs and screamed how I hated my body. The thighs seemed especially thick and ugly to me.

When the periods disappeared, I thought that this was some kind of temporary “glitch” of the body and waited for two months. Then I turned to a free clinic, where I was not particularly examined - they only ruled out pregnancy - and they recommended taking a course of hormonal pills, only ten days. It did not help, and I again went to the doctor. I spent the whole winter and spring in this mode: a trip to the clinic, pills, tests with good results, recommendations to wait more, a trip to another doctor, and so on.

At first I hated my body
even more: she was angry that it was not only “ugly”, but also unhealthy
and "inferior"

In the end, the sister, having learned that there was no progress in the treatment, insisted on going to a private doctor and, in general, conveyed to me a very important idea: this is not a joke that you can turn a blind eye to, but a real problem. A young girl who has no menstruation for six months for some unknown reason is at least strange and possibly dangerous. I got scared, started going to private doctors and undergoing even more examinations - but nothing helped.

The worst thing is that another factor has been added to my negative perception of myself: perhaps I am infertile and I do not have an “important female function” - the ability to give birth to a child. At first, I hated my body even more: I was angry that it was not only “ugly”, but also unhealthy and “inferior”. But gradually this situation filled me with a fighting spirit and self-confidence that I had never experienced before. I thought about it and rethought social “prescriptions” on the topics of how a woman should look, how she should behave, and what is her “purpose” after all.

Why am I exhausting myself physically and mentally? Why does this make so many women around? How can the presence of a child and a husband determine whether a woman has succeeded in this life or not? I understood that perhaps right now the prospects and goals of my life are being determined, and if my body is barren, this should not be the end of the world. I have a huge number of other opportunities, I can devote my life to traveling, creativity, work, self-development. After all, I can do a good deed by adopting a foster child.

In general, my idea was simple: I am not inferior, I am the way I am, with my appearance and health. I love myself and want to enjoy life. All these thoughts swept over my head - I plunged into the study of feminism and body positivity and finally came to a balance. Of course, I continued the treatment, but without panic and destructive thoughts like “what will I do on this earth if I can’t give birth?” I continued treatment simply to be healthy and avoid unpleasant consequences.

They explained to me that if ovarian dysfunction is not treated, the changes can become irreversible, and the risk of cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and diabetes mellitus also increases. My mother and sisters supported me a lot: both in my new perception of myself and financially, treatment in private clinics costs a lot. The situation hit my father hard - he was very worried about my probable infertility and spoke out on this score more than once. I'm not offended - after all, the way he perceives it is predetermined by culture and society.

In the end, I found a good doctor and I am eternally grateful to her. After all the examinations, it was decided that amenorrhea was caused by stress - no other problems were found in the body. The doctor made a treatment plan, and first I needed to saturate the body with the necessary vitamins, and only then I started taking hormonal drugs. Two years later, the treatment worked and I finally got my period. Until the therapy is over, I have regular ultrasound scans, and the final recovery is still far away.

When I told my dad that I was on the mend, he first said that then you need to give birth as soon as possible, since health allows, and “the institute and work will wait”

A funny fact, once again confirming what kind of world we live in: when I told my dad that I was on the mend, he first of all said that then we should give birth as soon as possible, since health allows, and "the institute and work will wait." My father is a good man, and I love him - but such cases illustrate how much our society is permeated with archaic ideas.

This experience greatly influenced my work. Now I draw body-positive illustrations in my account in instagram I try to tell and show that any body deserves respect and there is no need to focus on fictitious standards of beauty and reproach yourself for a “not such” appearance. I am sure that hatred of my body, attempts to lose weight and lack of peace of mind led me to amenorrhea. Without the imposed standards of beauty, girls would experience less stress and shed fewer tears. If there were no negative attitudes towards women who cannot or do not want to have children, they would no longer experience tremendous pressure. I'm tired of thinking that I owe everything to everyone. I will enjoy life regardless of whether I have children or have stretch marks on my bottom.

Many women try to get rid of them, however, this is the wrong approach, because first you need to figure out whether this is a norm or a pathology.

Discharges with blood in gynecology are of particular interest, since they can appear in absolutely healthy women and be considered the norm, but they are also often a sign of pathology.

What is monthly?

Menstruation is a physiological process in a woman's body, an external manifestation of the menstrual cycle, which proceeds cyclically and is regulated by sex hormones. They occur in women who have reached puberty, and are aimed at procreation.

  • last 2-7 days;
  • red or scarlet discharge, odorless;
  • physiological blood loss of 50 ml per cycle, more intense in the first days, then gradually subsides.

Having dealt with the question “What is menstruation?”, Let's decide in what periods of a woman's life discharge with blood can appear in normal and pathological conditions, but at the same time they are not associated with menstruation.

Childhood period

Under normal conditions, during the period from birth to the onset of menarche (first menstruation), no discharge should occur from the genital tract. This is due to the anatomical structure of the reproductive system, as well as a very low level of sex hormones. The appearance of any discharge, especially with blood impurities, is a clear sign of pathology.

  • infectious diseases;
  • trauma;
  • premature development of the genital area;
  • diseases of the urinary system.

puberty

This pathology occurs in girls during the period of years and is called dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB). Today, DMC is a very serious and frequent pathology, often requiring medical intervention. DMC bleeding is associated with a violation of the formation of sex hormones in the ovaries.

Also, the causes of bloody discharge can be:

  • anomalies in the development of the reproductive organs;
  • trauma;
  • infections;
  • severe stress;
  • hypovitaminosis against the background of an unbalanced diet.

DMC can appear during menstruation, but they can be distinguished by more intense and prolonged discharge with blood. There are also options when bleeding begins after a cycle delay of several weeks. Usually DMC last more than 7 days, can reach a duration of a month or more with undulating periods of amplification and weakening. Against this background, girls develop anemia. With DMK, the menstrual cycle and menstruation are disturbed.

reproductive period

Blood-colored discharge is often normal in women in the reproductive period, but there are a number of pathological causes that can cause them.

The relationship of spotting with the menstrual cycle and menstruation

The appearance of red discharge can occur at different periods of the menstrual cycle, which can cause a number of pathological factors.

Causes of discharge before / after menstruation:

  • taking hormonal contraceptives or having an intrauterine device;
  • emergency contraception with pastinor, gynepristone;
  • severe stress;
  • unbalanced diet;
  • insufficient function of the thyroid gland;
  • imbalance of sex hormones.

In the middle of the cycle, discharge can also occur and normally they occur in 3 out of 10 women, this is due to the onset of the physiological process of ovulation. These selections are characterized by:

  • a small amount of;
  • last up to 3 days, but there is no need to use pads and tampons;
  • mucous membranes are bright red, scarlet or light brown.

Pathological causes of spotting during this period:

  • trauma;
  • decreased function of the endocrine glands;
  • erosion;
  • polyposis, adenomyosis, fibroids;
  • inflammatory diseases (endometritis);
  • STIs (ureoplasmosis, trichomoniasis);
  • early miscarriage.

When such discharge occurs, it is necessary to pay special attention to your health, namely:

  • consult a doctor;
  • undergo ultrasound and fibroscopic examination of the uterus and vagina;
  • laboratory study of the secret.

Bleeding during pregnancy

Normally, slight bleeding can be a sign of an onset of pregnancy, this is due to the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine wall and its vessels. Bleeding is scanty, weak, almost imperceptible and occurs a week before the start of the next menstruation, and is often regarded as premature menstruation.

The presence of any discharge with blood (their color, duration and nature is not important) in pregnant women should be regarded as a manifestation of pathology, even in the absence of pain and discomfort.

The reasons may be:

  • spontaneous abortion;
  • placenta previa;
  • threatened miscarriage;
  • microtrauma of vessels by erosion, tear of the cervix;
  • premature detachment of a normally located placenta.

All secretions of a bloody nature during this period are very dangerous, as they can suddenly begin, sharply intensify and lead to fatal consequences.

  • severe dizziness, loss of consciousness;
  • sudden decrease in blood pressure and pulse strength;
  • blanching, profuse sweating.
  • stomach ache.

When the above symptoms are combined with bleeding, you should immediately call emergency care.

Early postpartum period

In the early postpartum period, all women normally have physiological secretions (lochia), which in appearance resemble rare, diluted blood, bright red in color. In their composition, they combine the remains of the maternal part of the placenta, mucus and blood itself. As a rule, lochia are allocated during the day, but their duration is often up to 50 days. Normally, their intensity gradually decreases, their color also changes. In the first week, lochia looks very much like menstruation, however, they stand out in much larger quantities. A month later, they become scarce in the form of a “daub”, but by the 8th week, the discharge from the genital tract becomes normal.

Sex and spotting

A dark secret in a small amount with mucus after sexual contact is regarded as a variant of the norm, but if profuse spotting occurs with pain and discomfort, one should talk about pathology. This type of discharge is called postcoital bleeding.

Causes of postcoital spotting:

  • mechanical damage during too violent sexual intercourse;
  • ectropion, erosion;
  • STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea);
  • inflammatory gynecological diseases (cervicitis, vaginitis);
  • polyps;
  • taking medicines that reduce blood clotting (aspirin);
  • the use of contraceptives leads to thinning of the genital tract mucosa, as a result, the risk of damage to it is increased;
  • malignant neoplasms of the cervix.

Medical manipulations and bleeding

Quite a common phenomenon associated with damage to the mucous membrane of the reproductive tract during gynecological procedures, as a rule, does not pose a health hazard. The main thing is that such a slight bleeding should stop within 1-2 days, and the next menstruation usually comes on time.

Instrumental abortion is a more complex gynecological operation. It is always associated with extensive trauma to the vessels of the uterine wall. Medical abortion is also a cause of bleeding. Usually they should pass in a week, a maximum of two after the start of the procedure. After it, the next menstruation comes on time in 90% of women, while the rest may experience a delay of up to two weeks.

menopause period

The menopause period is a transitional stage in a woman's life, starting at the moment of the cessation of menstruation. On average, this happens with age. This is due to a decrease in the natural hormonal background in the female body. On this basis, the physiological involution of the reproductive system takes place. Bloody discharge, as a rule, can occur at the beginning of the menopause period and is characterized by scarcity, dark color, they can last up to several weeks and months. Not infrequently, they can reappear in the first 3-5 years. But it is important to know that the occurrence of any bleeding during the postmenopausal period should be regarded as a dangerous symptom, because it may be associated with the presence of a malignant neoplasm.

In conclusion, it must be said that gynecological bleeding is a serious pathology and only a doctor should deal with its treatment, fortunately, modern medicine in our time is able to cure most of the women's problems. In no case do not self-medicate, even if you think you know the cause of the disease, because an erroneous interpretation of the symptoms often leads to irreparable consequences. And remember, most diseases are easier to prevent than to cure.

After menstruation, the discharge becomes closer to brownish hues with a transition to yellow. . If large blood clots are observed coming out, then this indicates poor blood clotting or a strong bend.

Light brown discharge before menstruation speaks of approaching critical days and is not a pathology. Abundant and viscous mucous discharge with streaks of blood, in the middle of the menstrual cycle, are noted.

What are the causes of bleeding from the vagina?

Causes of spotting

Bloody discharge from the vagina is the general name for a large group of symptoms that occur in women in various situations and for various reasons. So, spotting can appear in different phases of the menstrual cycle, last for a different period of time, have a variant intensity, etc. Each condition is characterized by spotting from the vagina with strictly defined characteristics, which allow the doctor to distinguish one disease from another.

  • Implantation bleeding at conception. When a fertilized egg implants in the wall of the uterus, a woman may experience light, spotting bleeding that lasts for several days. Such implantation bleeding develops even before the delay of menstruation, when the woman still does not know exactly about the onset of pregnancy. Implantation bleeding is a normal variant;
  • pathology of pregnancy. Bloody discharge in a woman in the early stages of gestation may be a symptom of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. In late pregnancy, spotting always indicates a serious pathology, for example, placental abruption, the threat of premature birth, etc .;
  • Ovulation bleeding in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Usually, ovulation bleeding is scanty, and spotting is spotting, and they occur strictly in the middle of the menstrual cycle (10 to 15 days after the start of the last menstruation). The duration of such ovulation bleeding ranges from several hours to two days. Women should remember that ovulatory bleeding is a variant of the norm and does not indicate the presence of any pathology;
  • Bloody discharge against the background of the first months of using hormonal contraceptives (pills, patches, rings, implants, prolonged injections, etc.) is a variant of the norm, since the woman's body "adjusts" to a new mode of functioning for it. The fact is that a hormonal contraceptive contains a strictly defined amount of hormones that enters the bloodstream. And the woman's body has previously become accustomed to a different concentration of its own hormones, as a result of which it needs some time to rebuild. Therefore, during the first 2 to 4 months from the start of the use of hormonal contraceptives, a woman may experience irregular bleeding from the vagina. Such discharge is usually spotty and lasts up to several days. In the vast majority of cases, spotting stops a few months after the start of the use of hormonal contraceptives;
  • Missing one or more hormonal birth control pills. Due to missing pills in the woman's body, the hormonal background is lost, which can provoke a short spotting. Usually, spotting on the background of skipping a hormonal contraceptive pill appears after a few days and lasts a very short period of time - from hours to 2 days;
  • The presence of an intrauterine device. Any spiral fits snugly to the mucous membrane of the internal cavity of the uterus, as a result of which the process of natural detachment of the endometrium may change. In a certain sense, the spiral prevents endometrial detachment, delaying or changing the nature of menstrual bleeding. In addition, ordinary metal or plastic coils irritate the walls of the uterus, causing it to contract intensely. It is these active contractions of the uterus that can provoke the appearance of bloody discharge from the vagina. Usually spotting occurs shortly after menstruation and continues for several days. In the presence of an ordinary spiral, such discharge of a bloody nature is a variant of the norm. If a woman uses a hormonal spiral with progesterone, then the mechanism for the development of spotting is somewhat different. So, progesterone, released from the spiral, makes the uterus thin and extremely susceptible to any injuries and injuries. As a result, after the installation of the hormonal coil for several months, a woman may have irregular bleeding from the vagina in the intermenstrual period. Over time, they decrease, and 6 to 12 months after the installation of the hormonal coil, even menstruation may stop in a woman. However, against the background of the hormonal spiral, this condition is a variant of the norm.

The above possible causes of bleeding from the vagina are physiological, that is, they are a response to various changes in the mechanism of functioning of the female body.

2. Hormonal imbalance:

  • elevated levels of prolactin in the blood;
  • low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism);
  • increased levels of sex hormones in the blood.

3. Instability in the work and coordination of the mechanisms that regulate the onset of ovulation and the production of sex hormones by the ovaries. According to the old terminology, such spotting in women was called dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Most often they develop in girls under 20 years of age or in women over 45 years of age, since it is in these age categories that instability of the regulatory systems and mechanisms that control the menstrual cycle appears.

1. Pathology of the blood coagulation system;

2. Taking drugs that affect blood clotting (for example, Warfarin, Heparin, oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, antidepressants, etc.).

Which doctor should I contact with bleeding?

If bloody discharge from the vagina appears in any quantity, any shade, combined with any other symptoms, you must contact a gynecologist (make an appointment). If we are talking about a girl or a teenager, then you need to contact a pediatric gynecologist.

What tests can doctors prescribe for spotting?

Bloody discharge from the vagina can be triggered by relatively harmless and life-threatening diseases. Potentially safe diseases are those that cannot lead to death within a short period of time in the absence of qualified medical care. And diseases are considered dangerous, which, without medical assistance, can lead to the death of a woman literally within the next few hours or days.

  • Blood test for cortisol (hydrocortisone) levels;
  • Blood test for the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, thyrotropin);
  • Blood test for the level of triiodothyronine (T3);
  • Blood test for thyroxine level (T4);
  • Blood test for the presence of antibodies to thyroperoxidase (AT-TPO);
  • Blood test for the presence of antibodies to thyroglobulin (AT-TG);
  • Blood test for the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH);
  • Blood test for luteinizing hormone (LH) levels;
  • Blood test for prolactin level (sign up);
  • Blood test for estradiol levels;
  • Blood test for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DEA-S04);
  • Blood test for testosterone levels;
  • A blood test for the level of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG);
  • Blood test for the level of 17-OH progesterone (17-OP).

Intermenstrual bleeding

Intermenstrual bleeding is understood as uterine or vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods, earlier or later than the expected start of menstruation. This phenomenon is also known as vaginal bleeding between periods and is expressed in the form of blood clots in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Some women classify this phenomenon as a short cycle, but this is not at all the case. A short cycle (polymenorrhea) involves severe blood loss that occurs on the 13th or 15th day after the end of the last menstruation. Such a phenomenon as polymenorrhea, as a rule, is observed with a disorder of uterine contractions in conditions of slow regeneration of the mucous membrane of its cavity, as well as disorders of blood clotting. Therefore, this kind of phenomenon does not apply to polymenorrhea.

There are several causes of intermenstrual bleeding:

  • hormonal changes or disorders in the body;
  • insufficient amount of thyroid hormones;
  • miscarriage;
  • diseases of the endometrium of the uterine cavity;
  • use of intrauterine contraception (spiral);
  • starting or stopping birth control pills;
  • starting or stopping estrogen-based drugs;
  • severe depression or stress;
  • diseases of the cervix;
  • carrying out some gynecological procedures (in particular, cauterization and biopsy of the cervix);
  • taking certain medications;
  • vaginal infections or trauma to the vagina;
  • benign neoplasms in the cervix, vagina, or urethra.

It should be said that this type of bleeding does not affect the absence of pregnancy in the future.

Bloody discharge, which is meager (mostly no need to use pads), occurs much more often than intermenstrual bleeding. They are expressed in the form of pinkish or light brown mucus from the vagina, which can only be seen on toilet paper. Underwear does not get dirty.

Blood from the vagina

Why does blood appear from the vagina outside of menstruation

Vaginal blood that appears outside the period of menstruation should not go unnoticed. After all, most often the cause of its occurrence is a disease. And severe bleeding can even be life threatening. Consider a few common reasons why a woman bleeds from the vagina.

After love.

The fact that rudeness can provoke injuries to the vagina and cervix is ​​understandable. It is also clear that such a phenomenon (the appearance of blood) is considered normal if this is the first experience for a girl. Bloody discharge after intercourse occurs with the loss of virginity. But if this happened to a woman who has been sexually active for a long time, then most likely she has problems with the cervix.

It can be a polyp, cysts, precancerous or even cancerous disease. Unfortunately, diseases of the cervix are most often asymptomatic, and the woman herself cannot find out for herself what is happening inside her. That is why at least once a year you need to visit a gynecologist for examination and delivery of smears from the cervix.

If you have bleeding from the vagina after sex, and more than once, for no reason, that is, it has nothing to do with menstruation, you need to visit a doctor. There are even special rooms for the prevention and treatment of cervical diseases. Don't delay!

It's all about contraception

Many women choose hormonal pills as a way to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It's convenient, safe and effective. But this contraceptive has a lot of disadvantages - this is the need to drink pills clearly on schedule and side effects. These phenomena just include the discharge of blood from the vagina. It shouldn't be a concern, as long as it smears a little. Usually after 3-4 months of taking the drug, everything goes away. In extreme cases, you can switch to pills with a slightly higher concentration of hormones.

Intermenstrual bleeding can also happen when you miss a pill. If a woman simply forgot to take 1 or more tablets. Moreover, in such a situation, pregnancy may well occur.

What we wrote earlier applies to regular contraception. But blood can also appear some time after taking an emergency contraceptive pill. This is a very common side effect of it.

Such an age.

In girls, in the first 2-3 years after the first menstruation, so-called juvenile bleeding is often observed. The reasons for this are manifold: physical activity, poor or vitamin-depleted nutrition, stress, hormonal disruptions, as well as diseases of a gynecological and non-gynecological nature. If such a situation arises, and even more so if blood clots appear from the vagina, you need to go to an appointment with a gynecologist. An examination will be carried out (for virgins through the anus) and ultrasound of the genital organs. If necessary, the girl will be referred for a consultation with other specialized specialists. Do not forget that bleeding, especially profuse and (or) prolonged, causes anemia, and sometimes even threatens life.

Bleeding in the expectant mother

Blood from the vagina during pregnancy is a symptom of a threatened miscarriage or placental abruption. This symptom, even if only a few drops of blood stand out, is a reason for an urgent visit to the doctor. Perhaps there is still something you can do to keep the pregnancy going.

On the other hand, a small amount of blood before childbirth may be normal if these are bloody streaks in the mucous plug that leaves the cervix shortly before the baby is born. Also, a small daub may be the norm if a gynecological examination was performed before childbirth. During this period, the cervix begins to open up and can bleed easily with physical impact on it.

It's a disease

If a woman has blood from the vagina, but not menstruation, this may be a sign of adenomyosis and (or) uterine fibroids. These are very common female gynecological diseases. And they are determined simply - with the help of ultrasound and hysteroscopy.

Unfortunately, both diseases are incurable. More precisely, the only cardinal treatment is the removal of the uterus, or in the case of fibroids, its removal. But the symptoms spontaneously begin to disappear during menopause, when the ovaries stop working, or during pregnancy, since both diseases are hormone-dependent. Until this moment, if there are no contraindications, a woman can take oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. This in most cases makes life much easier for women. Pain and bleeding stop.

Bleeding from the vagina: causes

In a healthy woman, menstruation is regular, not accompanied by discomfort and unpleasant symptoms. Irregular, profuse, spontaneous bleeding indicates dysfunction. For what reasons does it occur, and what symptoms can it be accompanied by.

Types of dysfunction

Sexual bleeding (uterine, vaginal) is accompanied by many gynecological disorders, pathology of pregnancy, labor, early postpartum period. In rare cases, blood loss from the genital tract is a consequence of injury or pathology in the hematopoietic system.

There are many reasons for this state of affairs. They differ in intensity and can lead to different consequences.

Vaginal bleeding is directly related to infection or mechanical trauma, and uterine bleeding is associated with diseases, hormonal dysfunction, and ovulation.

Starting in adolescence with menstruation, regular bleeding from the vagina begins to accompany every healthy woman, and this is the norm. On average, physiological blood loss ranges from 40 to 80 ml.

Abnormal conditions and reasons for bleeding from the vagina:

  • Dysfunctional disorder - pathological bleeding on the background of hormonal disorders.
  • Organic disorder - pathological bleeding that develops in the pathology of the genital organs.
  • Iatrogenic disorder, in which bleeding is a consequence of taking contraceptives, antithrombotic drugs, installing a spiral.
  • Uterine bleeding during gestation, labor, in the postpartum period.
  • Juvenile bleeding.
  • Dysfunction in postmenopause.

By nature, bleeding from the vagina can be cyclic (menorrhagia) or acyclic (metrorrhagia).

Cyclic ones last more than 6-7 days, with a copious character, about 100 ml in volume. Acyclic dysfunction is not tied to the menstrual cycle, it occurs at an indefinite time.

menorrhagia

The cause of menorrhagia can be endometritis, fibroids, endometriosis. With the development of these pathologies, the uterine wall loses its normal contractility, and this increases and prolongs vaginal bleeding.

endometritis

In the acute stage of infection, a woman develops fever along with merorrhagia, the lower third of the abdomen is painful. On examination, the body of the uterus is enlarged, painful. The disease in the chronic form passes without signs of fever, a pronounced pain syndrome is not observed. The development of endometritis provokes a post-abortion or postpartum period.

Myoma

With neoplasms, in addition to menorrhagic dysfunction, a woman is worried about pain, discomfort of urination and defecation. On examination, the doctor detects an increase in the uterus in size. Uterus with an uneven, bumpy surface, compacted, palpation does not cause pain. In pathology, alternation of menorrhagia with metrorrhagia is possible.

endometriosis

With endometriosis, menorrhagia is accompanied by soreness (algodysmenorrhea), which progresses over time. On examination, the doctor notes an increase in the uterus. The smoothness of the surface in endometriosis is preserved.

Regardless of the pathology, menorrhagia is profuse bleeding with clots. A woman complains of weakness, a sharp deterioration in general condition, dizziness, fainting.

Prolonged blood loss leads to a severe form of iron deficiency anemia.

Metrorrhagia

If a woman does not have her period, but she is bleeding, then this is metrorrhagia. This condition develops against the background of physical and psychological overwork, work in hazardous industries, inflammatory diseases, neoplasms and endocrine disorders.

Metrorrhagia occurs at any time, and if a woman bleeds spontaneously, "out of the blue" - there is an acute stage of the process. Chronic metrorrhagia is determined by prolonged intermenstrual bleeding with disturbed cyclicity.

Anovulatory metrorrhagia

This type of dysfunction affects adolescent girls and menopausal women.

With anovulatory metrorrhagia, ovulation and the formation of a corpus luteum do not occur, menstruation is delayed, and bleeding continues for more than 7 days.

Postmenopausal metrorrhagia

Dysfunction develops against the background of the extinction of the ovaries. Periods are irregular at first, but eventually stop completely. With the onset of postmenopause, metrorrhagia is a symptom of the resulting benign and malignant tumors.

If a woman has no menstruation for more than a year, the onset of metroraggia is an undesirable and dangerous symptom. You should contact a specialist as soon as possible.

When to see a doctor?

There are several additional signs and conditions by which you can suspect the onset of dysfunction:

  1. There are clots in the menstrual blood.
  2. Sexual intercourse is accompanied by soreness and bloody discharge.
  3. A woman complains of causeless fatigue and weakness, hypotension.
  4. Pain increases from period to period.
  5. Menstruation is accompanied by fever.

If the period lasts more than a week, the cycle is reduced to 21 days, the discharge is more than usual, or there is bleeding between periods, a woman should not be postponed. You should contact your gynecologist as soon as possible.

Blood between periods

Probably every woman with an established cycle knows the expected date of her menstruation. It helps to plan trips and meetings, choose the period of vacation, put on the right clothes.

Any malfunction in the reproductive system is confusing: lack of menstruation, blood at the wrong time - in other words, between periods. Bloody discharge can appear both a day or two before menstruation, and a week before them. In any case, this is not the norm and the reasons for such discharges can be very different. It is important to approach the issue of your health with great responsibility and try to analyze what happened to the cycle and find the reasons why blood appears between periods. The ideal option would be to visit a competent doctor who can explain the causes of the phenomenon.

Despite the need for professional advice, it will be useful for every woman to know the characteristics of her body and possible troubles with the menstrual cycle. Let's try to figure out in what cases there is blood between menstruation and what predicts such a disorder of the reproductive system.

Doctors secrete several types of blood outside of menstruation: blood from young girls who have recently experienced their first menstruation, bleeding from women of reproductive age, as well as menopausal and post-menopausal women. In each of the cases, the causes of the phenomenon are completely different, so each of them should be considered separately.

Bleeding between periods in young girls

Menstruation at the wrong time is a characteristic phenomenon for the first year of the formation of the cycle. During this period, the girl's body is going through a real hormonal restructuring, which prepares it for future motherhood and adulthood. Between monthly discharges often appear - both immediately before them, and a week or two before them.

The norm is bleeding in girls after the first sex, which is associated with defloration. If during the second or third intercourse the blood continues to stand out, then this is also not scary. Most likely, the walls of the vagina have not yet healed - the symptom will pass by itself, but the process can be accelerated by douching with chamomile, calendula or pharmaceutical preparations, setting special candles.

The appearance of unforeseen periods may not be accompanied by pain, but may be quite painful. The same applies to the amount of blood: if there is not much of it, then everything is normal. And if there is hemorrhage (massive bleeding), which cannot be stopped by conventional means, then in this case it is necessary to consult a doctor. Only he can prescribe the right treatment and regulate the cycle. In addition to discomfort, the release of blood before menstruation can cause anemia and even coma.

When to contact a doctor:

  • if the bleeding does not stop;
  • if there is too much blood coming out and the risk of anemia is high;
  • if the girl feels unwell (severe pain in the uterus and sacrum, headache, weakness, vomiting);
  • if the discharge appears stably every month - a week before menstruation or right before them.

Most likely, the cause of the disorder of the cycle and the appearance of discharge between menstruation or a week or two before them is a sharp hormonal jump. Very rarely, doctors identify other causes: neoplasms, cysts. Therefore, in case of any dangerous violation, it is still worth being examined.

Menstruation at the wrong time in adult women - is it dangerous

The appearance of menstruation at the wrong time can be both an ordinary case and a symptom of a dangerous disease. It all depends on the amount and color of the discharge, as well as the time of their appearance.

Spotting a few hours or days before menstruation is not a pathology. Such a symptom suggests that the body is already beginning to prepare for critical days some time before they appear. The norm is the appearance of "daub" in a week or less, more is already bad. The same situation is after menstruation - for some time the body still gets rid of excess blood.

A sharp appearance of discharge a week or two before menstruation is the norm, but only if the woman is taking hormonal drugs at this time. It is the jumps in hormones that lead to such changes, so the intervention of a doctor is not necessary if the bleeding is not too heavy. Perhaps the appearance of blood during sex, if the partner was not sufficiently prepared for it. In this case, there is an injury to the mucous membrane of the vagina and small vessels begin to bleed.

It is worth worrying in cases where you do not use any hormonal drugs and at the same time live a constant sexual life. In such cases, brown discharge without blood may indicate normal ovulation - egg maturation, but bloody discharge - sexual infections, ectopic pregnancy, cervical erosion, adnexal tumors., Sarcoma.

If the cycle was normal all the time, but such a symptom appeared in one of the months, you should definitely consult a doctor. Only a specialist can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe a proper treatment.

Blood during menopause and menopause

The time of onset of menopause is different for everyone, however, conditionally, all women after 45 years of age are included in this category. Before the menopause is fully established, a woman may observe significant fluctuations in the cycle for some time: menstruation begins earlier or later than the due date, their profusion can also fluctuate greatly. This is due to a strong fluctuation of the hormonal background, a change in the thickness of the endometrium. In addition to bleeding, menopausal women have other unpleasant effects: dizziness, hot flashes.

Since such cases during menopause are the norm, the diagnosis of dangerous manifestations is difficult. However, there are several points that directly indicate a malfunction in a woman's body:

  1. Too much discharge intensity. Even if you have been accustomed to heavy periods all your life, they are not the norm in menopause. When you have to change pads all the time (every hour or two), you need to urgently consult a doctor. Most likely, you will have to undergo a complete examination of the body.
  2. Blood with clots and blood after sex. These indicators also speak of pathologies, so you need to make an appointment with a gynecologist.
  3. Shift the cycle a week closer or further. If the cycle shifts by a couple of days, this is within the normal range, but if the difference reaches a week, you need to take this very responsibly and visit a doctor.

What diseases can indicate blood in menopause:

  • thyroid disease and a significant shift in the hormonal background of a woman;
  • pregnancy is ectopic or abnormal (only in the perimenopausal period, when it has not yet occurred);
  • hyperplasia (abnormal increase) of the endometrium;
  • uterine fibroids;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • other neoplasms in the body.

Changes in hormonal levels during menopause greatly increase the risk of cancer of the reproductive system. It is with this that the need to clearly monitor the state of one's health is connected and, at the slightest suspicion, contact a competent doctor.

Bleeding but not menstruation

Causes of bleeding from the vagina

Bloody discharge from the vagina is not a specific disease, but the name of a number of symptoms that have a diverse nature and various causes. Bloody discharge can occur at any time of the menstrual cycle with different intensity and different duration. Spotting has strictly defined characteristics corresponding to one of the phases of the menstrual cycle, which allows the gynecologist to diagnose the cause of their formation.

Norms of vaginal discharge

Natural vaginal discharge can be classified into several groups, which depend on many factors:

  • age;
  • the intensity of the hormonal background;
  • sexual activity.

It is important to be aware of the fact that in girls during puberty there can be no talk of any discharge, let alone bloody. This is determined by the peculiarities of the hormonal microclimate and the structure of the internal genital organs.

If a 10–12-year-old girl begins to have discharge that has a color or smell, attention should be paid to the correct functioning of the whole organism as a whole.

8-12 months before the onset of menstruation, the girl's body begins to hormonally rebuild and the appearance of vaginal discharge is simply inevitable. These transformations are a sign that the body has moved from the “girl” mode to the “girl” mode. In this case, the discharge has a white or light yellow tint, a watery structure, with a slight sour smell or no smell at all. These secretions are considered normal, as they serve as a protective layer for the genitals from various kinds of infections, and as a lubricant for the vagina, provided that they are not accompanied by:

  • itching;
  • pain symptoms;
  • burning sensation;
  • do not lead to swelling of the external genital organs;

Discharges mixed with blood

Every woman at least once wondered: is it possible to call such a phenomenon as bloody discharge normal?

  • 2-3 days before the onset of menstruation;
  • after menstruation (2-3 days);
  • in the middle of menstruation while taking oral chemical contraceptives;
  • in the middle of menstruation (during ovulation), if the discharge is moderate;
  • after intercourse, as the walls of the uterus may have minor damage;
  • with the onset of sexual activity;

Bloody discharge from the female vagina is considered normal and is not related to any gynecological diseases only in the above cases. Other cases when spotting appears are an alarming sign of an imbalance in the female body.

Qualified medical assistance is required if:

  • discharge, lasting more than 3 days, not related to menstruation, which appear in the middle of the menstrual cycle (excluding the option of taking hormones);
  • discharge becomes regular every time after the next sexual intercourse;
  • against the background of spotting, the body temperature rises, pains in the lower abdomen, itching, burning and dryness of the genitals appear;
  • bleeding that appeared after a delay in the menstrual cycle and instead of menstruation, as well as during pregnancy.

When is there no reason to worry?

When a woman notices spotting, the question immediately arises: what does this discharge mean? Do not immediately panic, because their nature can be completely harmless.

Bloody discharge before the start of the menstrual cycle is a completely natural phenomenon. These secretions can be regarded as a warning sign before the start of the menstrual cycle. Usually, these discharges can be observed 2-3 days before the onset of menstruation. If spotting begins earlier than 3 days before the start of the menstrual cycle and is accompanied by painful stabbing and cutting sensations, these may be the first “bells” of adenomyosis. In this case, do not neglect medical help.

  • After menses.

    Bloody discharge in the period of several days after the end of menstruation should also not be regarded as a sign of any disease. This is quite normal, because within 2-3 days, the uterus can thus remove the remnants of menstrual blood.

    If this process lasts longer than 3 days, immediately run to the gynecologist, as this can be a sign of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and adenomyosis. And if the discharge has a specific smell, this may be a symptom of chronic endometritis.

  • In the middle of menstruation.

    Normal spotting in the middle of the menstrual cycle is considered only when a woman takes oral contraceptives, otherwise this can only mean one thing: the inflammatory process is “activated” in the body.

    It could be:

    • failure of the menstrual cycle;
    • infectious and inflammatory diseases (thrush, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc.);
    • inflammation of the uterus and fallopian tubes;
    • benign and malignant tumors;

    Does color matter?

    Light spotting that occurs after having sex may indicate problems with the uterus (cancerous tumor or erosion of the cervix).

    If such discharge, accompanied by itching in the groin area, appears in a woman who has an active sex life, it is worth thinking about external contraception. Discharge is a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease.

    If light spotting overtook a woman who does not use contraceptives, you should pay attention to the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

    If the discharge is accompanied by a specific odor and pain in the lower abdomen, a variant of chronic endometritis is not excluded.

    Turning to gynecology with a question about dark spotting, a woman often hears that the shade of the discharge does not matter to the doctor, since their very presence should already be alarming. Well, the color of these secretions depends solely on the amount of blood, which does not affect the possible diagnosis. Therefore, there is no difference between dark and light spotting.

    Allocations instead of monthly. What to do?

    Gynecology explains the phenomenon of replacing menstruation with spotting, based on the activity of a woman's sexual life.

    If you are sexually active, this may mean that:

    • You are pregnant;
    • you have a hormonal disorder;
    • you have a sexually transmitted infection.

    If you haven't had sex 1-2 months before your period, or if you don't have a sexual life at all, the absence of menstruation and its replacement with discharge may indicate a hormonal disorder. The causes of imbalance can be:

    • stressful state;
    • rough physical activity;
    • gynecological causes (sexually transmitted infections, ovarian cysts, adenomyosis, endometritis and endometriosis) are not excluded.

    Also, spotting can portend a gradual "turn off" of the reproductive functions of the female body (menopause).

    If spotting bothers and brings discomfort, it is best not to hesitate, but go straight to the antenatal clinic to quickly identify and eliminate the cause of concern.

    Bloody discharge after menstruation: reasons when to go to the doctor

    The cause of menstrual irregularities, which include untimely spotting, as a rule, is either a hormonal imbalance or diseases of the genital organs. There are times when such discharge occurs due to the physiological characteristics of the woman's body, they are the norm for her. But to reassure yourself that everything will somehow form itself, in any case, is not worth it. The consequences of violations can be quite serious, therefore, when unusual discharge appears, it is always better to consult a gynecologist and undergo the necessary examination.

    Physiological causes of discharge with blood after menstruation

    1. If they appear in girls at the very beginning of puberty, when the hormonal background in the body is unstable for 1-2 years. During this period, the ovaries are in the maturation stage, so the production of hormones and the processes of the menstrual cycle occur irregularly. This is expressed in the fact that there are spotting spotting after menstruation. When the formation of the ovaries improves, then normally such secretions should stop. Their appearance subsequently is a deviation and indicates the need to visit a doctor.
    2. Similar disorders occur in women during the premenopausal period, when the ovaries stop functioning. However, the likelihood of hormonal disorders and the occurrence of pathologies, a sign of which are unusual whites, is increased during this period.
    3. When using oral contraceptives. If smearing brown impurities appear after the end of menstruation for 2-3 months, this is normal, but if there are blood impurities in the future, all the more they turn into bleeding, you need to consult a doctor and choose another remedy. Bloody discharge appears during the installation of an intrauterine device. If they occur not only after menstruation, but also on other days of the cycle, do not stop after 3 months, this indicates an incorrect location of the spiral in the uterus and damage to the mucosa. In this case, the spiral must be removed.
    4. With reduced blood clotting in a woman, menstruation is delayed, and within about a week after they end, bleeding resumes in the form of smearing pink discharge. The same thing happens if a woman goes in for sports intensively or she has to lift weights.
    5. There are individual structural features of the uterus that contribute to the formation of blood stasis. Due to this, its discharge is delayed, which leads to the appearance of brown spotting whites after the cessation of menstruation.
    6. Extra-menstrual blood discharge occurs in a woman with strong feelings, overwork.
    7. A variant of the norm is the appearance of a small amount of blood in the whites about 10 days after menstruation. This condition is caused by ovulation. when the follicle shell ruptures and the egg is released from it.

    Supplement: The so-called "implantation bleeding" is also considered the norm, in which droplets of blood appear in the whites at the time of attachment of a fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus. This happens a few days before the expected start of menstruation.

    Pathologies in which unusual whites appear

    Bloody discharge between periods may indicate that a woman has an ectopic pregnancy. This state is very dangerous. There is a pulling pain in the area of ​​the embryo. With such symptoms, in the presence of persistent spotting, a woman should urgently consult a doctor for an operation to remove the fetus.

    The cause of the appearance of pink or brown discharge can also be a missed pregnancy, that is, the death of the fetus in the early stages. This pregnancy ends in miscarriage. Its symptoms are pain in the back and lower abdomen. Termination of pregnancy occurs even when a woman does not know that she is pregnant, and the symptoms of toxicosis are attributed to manifestations of any other ailments. The sudden disappearance of "unreasonable" nausea and vomiting can also be a sign of such trouble.

    Video: Causes of intermenstrual bleeding

    Unusual spotting as a sign of illness

    Blood after menstruation and on other days of the cycle appears as a result of pathologies such as ovarian dysfunction and various diseases of the uterus.

    Ovarian dysfunction. It occurs due to hormonal failure in the body, the cause of which may be a malfunction of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, inflammatory and tumor diseases of the ovaries, uncontrolled medication, abortion, prolonged stress.

    In some cases, the yellow body. which is formed in the follicle at the end of ovulation, is defective. There is a so-called "insufficiency of the second phase of the cycle" as a result of a violation of the production of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland. In this case, a decrease in the level of progesterone is observed. There is such a violation as an accelerated onset of menstruation, an increase in their duration due to spotting whites at the end. This situation may occur once or continuously. It is required to establish the cause of hormonal failure.

    Erosion of the cervix - the formation of ulcers on the surface of its mucous membrane. During intercourse or gynecological examination, as well as during physical stress, the damaged membrane bleeds.

    Endometritis is an inflammation of the mucosa in the uterine cavity. In this case, not only blood discharge appears before and after menstruation, but they themselves become long and painful.

    Infectious diseases of the genital organs, sexually transmitted (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and others), as well as both sexually and domestically (for example, thrush). Inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs and disruption of their normal functioning lead to spotting bleeding.

    Hyperplasia (excessive growth) of the mucous membrane in the uterine cavity. It becomes loose and easily vulnerable. Cysts and polyps form in it, damage to which leads to bleeding, the appearance of blood clots in the whites.

    Endometriosis. Abnormal development of the endometrium, when particles of the epithelium from the uterine cavity penetrate into neighboring sections. At the same time, in addition to untimely spotting, a woman has symptoms that cannot be ignored: severe abdominal pain a few days before menstruation, during their onset and over the next few days.

    Submucosal uterine fibroids. in which tumor nodes grow inside the cavity. A woman periodically has cramping pains in the uterus and lower back. With fibroids, menstruation is abundant and prolonged (more than 1 week). Then, for several days, smearing brown discharge is observed.

    Cancer of the endometrium and cervix. Bleeding that is not associated with menstruation can occur at any time during the cycle, including after the end of menstruation.

    Video: Symptoms of endometriosis

    What to do if traces of blood appear in the discharge after menstruation

    First of all, you should pay attention to the presence or absence of side symptoms: pain in the abdomen and back, cycle disorders. Not only the appearance of unusual postmenstrual discharge should alert, but also an increase in soreness and duration of menstruation. The formation of blood clots, the presence of a bad smell, and impurities of pus can indicate the disease. foamy or curdled consistency. The inflammatory and infectious nature of the pathology, its spread to the urinary organs is evidenced by pain in the vagina, painful urination.

    When signs of trouble appear, one cannot rely on the advice of people who have no idea about the features of anatomy and physiology, use any folk remedies without the knowledge of a doctor. The cause of unusual discharge can be very serious, requiring immediate investigation. Even in the absence of painful symptoms, doctors recommend to be examined if the discharge with blood appears after menstruation and between them, lasts more than 7 days.

    The discharge is red, but not monthly: causes

    Every girl should know the features of the female body. Otherwise, sooner or later, his incomprehensible reaction to certain stimuli can scare. For example, it is important to know under what circumstances red discharge appears, but not menstruation. A fairly common phenomenon, but it still scares many. So what could be causing this phenomenon? When should you sound the alarm?

    Still monthly

    The female body is an eternal mystery, and often even for doctors. Therefore, it is not so easy to predict the cause of the appearance of bloody discharge from the vagina. We will have to take into account all the features and nuances, changes that have occurred in the life of the patient.

    As practice shows, red discharge before the onset of menstruation, especially if they do not cause pain, is not dangerous. Most likely, this is just a shift in the menstrual cycle. The reason for this may be the hormonal background. In any case, this should not cause concern. So do not think that menstruation comes like clockwork. Even if earlier critical days came strictly at a certain time, no one is immune from cycle shifts. Remember - the discharge at the same time may not be abundant in the first few days, smearing.

    The next variant of the development of events occurs frequently, but it is not given much importance. Do you have red vaginal discharge but no period? Do not rush to panic. After all, if this phenomenon does not bring you any particular discomfort, let alone pain, there is no reason for concern. Why?

    Red discharge after menstruation (and before them) is a clear sign of body stress. Flights, strong emotional stress (even with positive emotions) - all this can affect your menstrual cycle and condition in general. Usually discharge due to stress is not strong, without mucus or any other special signs. After the normalization of the situation, everything returns to normal.

    By the way, overwork can also be attributed here. In order for the discharge to stop (at one point they can be confused with menstruation), you just need to relax and unwind. All this is not a reason to visit a doctor. The maximum that you will be prescribed is antidepressants. And a good rest, complete isolation from stress. After all, this is how the female body shows a protective reaction.

    Red discharge, but not menstruation, is another sign that you have some kind of disease. Just do not rush to the doctor, not in all cases it is necessary. Often the cause of this phenomenon is cervical erosion. She may bleed from time to time. As a result, on any given day, you may start to have red discharge.

    As practice shows, they are not plentiful, smearing, without impurities and mucus. May continue until menstruation. But in some cases they go away on their own. If erosion is suspected, it is best to consult a doctor. It will definitely help you decide whether there is a given disease or not. If necessary, erosion can be cauterized, for example, with radio waves. After treatment, the red discharge, but not menstruation, will stop.

    Voltage

    As practice shows, red vaginal discharge can appear for many reasons. And you can predict them without the help of doctors. Therefore, you should not fall into hysterics if you notice these changes in your body.

    Red discharge before (or after) your period may indicate a broken capillary. Usually, this phenomenon is observed if a woman tenses a lot. That is why hard physical work is not recommended for the beautiful half of society.

    As in all previous cases, the discharge is smearing in nature, does not bring much discomfort or any pain. It is worth going to the doctor only if the deviation is accompanied by pain or too much blood. Just limit physical labor and take a break. On average, it takes several weeks for the body to recover. Therefore, do not think that one day of rest is enough for the discharge to pass.

    Damage

    Dark red discharge during menstruation is a sign of mechanical damage to the vagina. This phenomenon may be accompanied by some pain. For example, pulling pain in the lower abdomen or immediate discomfort inside the vagina.

    Usually this problem worries girls after intercourse (immediately or after some time). Lack of lubrication, too fast pace, "hardness" of the process - all this can damage the sensitive vagina. As a result, bleeding occurs.

    If they do not go away for several days, and even accompanied by discomfort, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The same must be done when the blood is profusely secreted. The doctor will tell you for sure if there are more serious problems. If you do not have any diseases, then it is mechanical damage that takes place. You will have to be patient and wait until the wounds heal. And continue to be more careful during intercourse.

    Do you have red discharge after your period after a week or two? Remember what kind of sexual intercourse you had. Most likely, this is conception. It's no secret that approximately in the middle of the cycle (and this is just about 7 days after the end of menstruation on average) ovulation occurs - a favorable day for conceiving a child. After fertilization, the egg must attach to the woman's body in order to develop further. Just this very attachment can be accompanied by spotting.

    Although, as practice shows, usually conception occurs without a trace. But if you notice red-brown discharge (they are not the same during menstruation), and you also had unprotected intercourse, it is quite possible that in another week or two the critical days will not come, and the pregnancy text will turn out to be positive. So take that into account. Usually, discharge during conception lasts several hours, no pain or discomfort is caused.

    The discharge is red, but not monthly, accompanied by severe and sharp pain, profuse and sudden, may be the result of a miscarriage. This is how a natural abortion at a short time manifests itself.

    Often, with miscarriages, a little mucus can be found in the discharge. In any case, if you are pregnant, and then suddenly blood came out of the vagina, there is every reason to panic. Try to stay calm and just go to the doctor's office as soon as possible. It is advisable to call an ambulance.

    Intervention

    Sometimes you can easily guess why blood comes out of the vagina. The reason for this may be the most common surgical intervention. A variety of operations, abortions, and even the use of an intrauterine device - all this can cause spotting.

    Usually this kind of phenomenon resembles menstruation. And the bleeding continues for about 5 days. Gradually it becomes less abundant and stops. There is no reason to panic. Just be prepared that after surgery, bloody masses may begin to stand out from the vagina. There is also some discomfort. But pain is usually not observed in this case.

    With a normal pregnancy, there is usually no red discharge. The maximum is pink, and then only at the very beginning of the process, when a fertilized egg is attached. Only towards the end of pregnancy can you bleed from the vagina.

    As practice shows, the discharge is red, but not monthly, in the last stages of an “interesting situation” most often turn out to be a sign of the onset of labor. Usually blood can be seen along with mucus. Don't be scared, that's how it should be. Your water may also break. In principle, the discharge of the mucous plug can also be accompanied by blood from the vagina.

    If, after a certain period of time after the discovery of discharge, you feel cramping pain, call your loved ones or an ambulance - you have started giving birth. Completely normal and natural. It shouldn't cause you to panic.

    After childbirth

    Childbirth is a very difficult process in itself. Therefore, you should pay attention to the fact that after them you may have dark red discharge. During menstruation they are not. Although light red blood also occurs in some cases. There is no reason to panic - it's lochia. After labor, spotting will haunt the young mother for some time. Approximately a month and a half, or even all 2. It all depends on how quickly your body recovers from labor.

    In the first 4-5 days, blood is excreted profusely. Therefore, the use of special postpartum pads is recommended. But after (closer to discharge from the hospital), the amount of discharge decreases. Over time, they acquire a smearing character and disappear.

    The last point worth noting is that you have any diseases, not necessarily gynecological ones. If you notice red discharge, but not menstruation, which bring discomfort or continue for a suspiciously long time, you have a direct road to the doctor. Don't delay!

    Try to go through a comprehensive examination and find out what is the cause of the problem. Tumors, polyps, infections, and even thyroid disorders can cause vaginal bleeding. As soon as you find out the cause of the disease, eliminate it. Do you have red discharge instead of menstruation? Now it is clear what could be the problem. In any case, a doctor's consultation will not hurt.

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