Abnormal vaginal bleeding can be unsettling and distressing. It can include spotting between cycles, bleeding after sex or periods that are heavier, longer, or more frequent than usual.
These symptoms can disrupt your daily life and leave you with a long list of questions. At Saige Health & Wellness in Coffs Harbour, we understand how complex and emotional this experience can be. Our integrated team of GPs, midwives, and exercise physiologists works together to support you.
What is abnormal vaginal bleeding?
Abnormal vaginal bleeding (also referred to as abnormal uterine bleeding) can refer to:
- Any bleeding that occurs outside your typical menstrual cycle
- Menstrual bleeding that is heavier or lasts longer than what’s normal for you.
- Bleeding after menopause
- Irregular bleeding during pregnancy.
Several conditions can cause this type of bleeding.
Common causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding
Many other conditions can cause abnormal bleeding. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Hormonal imbalances: Often seen in teenagers, perimenopausal women, or those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Fibroids or polyps: These non-cancerous growths in the uterus can disrupt normal bleeding patterns.
- Endometriosis or adenomyosis: Conditions where uterine lining tissue grows outside or into the uterus can lead to heavy or prolonged bleeding.
- Pregnancy complications: Including miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. This can be very distressing.
- Medications: Certain blood thinners, contraceptives, or hormone therapies may affect bleeding.
- Thyroid disorders or clotting conditions: These systemic health issues can also influence menstrual patterns.
- Cancer or pre-cancerous changes: Particularly of the cervix or uterus – this is rare but important to rule out.
Recognising the symptoms of abnormal bleeding
While every woman’s body is different, some signs that may suggest abnormal bleeding from the uterus include:
- Bleeding between periods
- Periods lasting longer than 7 days
- Menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
- Soaking through pads or tampons every hour
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding after menopause.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, please see a doctor. Early diagnosis can help identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment for abnormal bleeding.
Getting help at Saige Health & Wellness
Your care begins with a detailed consultation with one of our experienced GPs, who will take the time to listen, understand your symptoms and arrange any necessary investigations.
You may need:
- Blood tests
- A pelvic ultrasound
- Referral to our gynaecologist, Dr Aaron Budden.
Saige Health & Wellness offers collaborative care from a range of professionals to ensure holistic support:
- GPs: Your first point of contact for diagnosis, ongoing management and referrals when needed.
- Midwives: Continuity of care during pregnancy and early parenthood.
- Exercise physiologists: Tailored exercise programs to help manage underlying conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis.
Treatment options for abnormal uterine bleeding
Treatment is always tailored to your specific diagnosis and personal goals. Some of the most common options include:
- Lifestyle changes: Our exercise physiologists can help you develop sustainable habits that support hormonal balance and reproductive health.
- Medications: Hormonal contraceptives or non-hormonal options may help regulate or reduce bleeding.
- Iron supplements: Useful if bleeding has caused iron deficiency or anaemia.
- Surgical options: In some cases, procedures such as endometrial ablation, hysteroscopy or minimally invasive surgery may be recommended, especially for fibroids or polyps.
Your treatment plan is always discussed in detail, ensuring you feel informed and supported every step of the way.
When to seek help
Please trust your instincts when it comes to abnormal uterine bleeding. Any bleeding that causes concern, discomfort or disruption to your life is worth investigating.
We can help to clarify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Book a consultation
If you’re experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, reach out to our caring team at Saige Health & Wellness. Our GPs, midwives and allied health professionals offer integrated, compassionate care to guide you through diagnosis and treatment.
Call us on (02) 6652 1266 or use our contact form.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
References
- Healthdirect Australia. (2023, July). Vaginal bleeding. Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaginal-bleeding, [Accessed 28 July 2025]
- Healthline, Can a hormone imbalance affect your menstrual cycle? https://www.healthline.com/health/hormonal-imbalance-menstrual-cycle, [Accessed 28 July 2025]
- Healthline, Polyp vs. fibroid: Symptoms, treatment, FAQs, and more. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/polyp-vs-fibroid, [Accessed 28 July 2025]
- Endometriosis Australia. (n.d.). Endometriosis Australia. https://endometriosisaustralia.org/, [Accessed 28 July 2025]
- Jean Hailes, Adenomyosis, https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/ovaries-uterus/adenomyosis, [Accessed 28 July 2025]
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, Bleeding during pregnancy, https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/bleeding-during-pregnancy, [Accessed 28 July 2025]
- Healthline, What you should know about dysfunctional uterine bleeding, https://www.healthline.com/health/dysfunctional-uterine-bleeding-dub#symptoms, [Accessed 28 July 2025]
- Very Well Health, How thyroid function affects your period, https://www.verywellhealth.com/menstrual-problems-and-thyroid-disease-3231765, [Accessed 28 July 2025]
- Cancer Council, Cervical cancer, https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/cervical-cancer, [Accessed 28 July 2025]
Cancer Council, Uterine cancer, https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/uterine-cancer, [Accessed 28 July 2025]
