What Is Breakthrough Bleeding And Why Does It Happen?
The word “breakthrough” is used here because it means that your period will come to an end. You may have heard that this happens if you are pregnant or if you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems etc. However, there are other reasons why a woman might experience breakthrough bleeding. One reason could be due to hormonal changes during her menstrual cycle (amenorrhea). Another reason could be due to the fact that she is not ovulating or even menstruating but rather having a normal menstrual flow. There are several things which can cause breakthrough bleeding, so it is important to understand what causes it and how to prevent it from happening.
Hormonal Changes During Menstruation:
When a woman’s hormones change during her monthly cycle, she may experience breakthrough bleeding. If you are experiencing breakthrough bleeding, then you may be experiencing amenorrhea. A woman’s body produces less estrogen and progesterone during her menstrual cycle. These two hormones play a major role in regulating the amount of fluid produced in the body. When these hormones decrease, then the amount of fluid increases and therefore blood volume decreases.
Blood loss becomes greater than usual and this is called excessive uterine hemorrhage (UOH) or excessive uterine retention (ERR).
UOH and ERR can occur if:
The endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is not shed during a normal menstrual period.
There is heavy bleeding due to hormonal imbalances.
There are non-genetic abnormalities such as fibroids or ovarian cysts.
The shedding of the lining of the uterus is not regular due to aging changes of the uterus.
As you can see, there are many causes for the condition of breakthrough bleeding, so it is important to consult a doctor in order to avoid further complications.
Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy:
Bleeding may also occur during pregnancy in the first trimester or even in the second and third trimesters. If you have recently had a positive pregnancy test and experience bleeding, then you may be experiencing breakthrough bleeding. However, it is important to understand that bleeding during pregnancy is normal and it is not a cause for concern unless the bleeding occurs in conjunction with any of the following:
Vaginal bleeding in the first or second trimester. This usually occurs because the placenta is implanted over the cervix.
Bleeding caused by miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (where the embryo implants itself outside of the uterus).
Excessive bleeding may also occur if you have an IUD. It is important to note that bleeding during pregnancy can also be a sign of an STD or an infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, then it may be a good idea to get tested and visit your doctor.
Hormonal Changes Other Than Menstruation:
There are several hormonal changes that can lead to breakthrough bleeding. These hormonal changes can occur due to other conditions such as PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) or thyroid conditions.
In addition to this, a woman’s hormones can change due to simply going through menopause. Changes in hormones can cause hormonal imbalance which can lead to bleeding. It is important to note that some women do experience irregular bleeding even after they have gone through menopause.
Other Causes of Breakthrough Bleeding:
Breakthrough bleeding may also be caused due to a very serious medical condition such as cervical or endometrial cancer. In fact, it is important to understand that if you experience any type of abnormal vaginal bleeding, then you should consult your doctor immediately. This is especially true if you are over the age of 30 and have not been pregnant in the past.
Another cause of breakthrough bleeding is the use of an intrauterine device (IUD). IUDs are small devices that are placed inside the uterus by a medical professional. They are designed to prevent pregnancy but they can also lead to bleeding in some cases.
In some rare cases, breakthrough bleeding can also be caused by an STD such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea. If you are experiencing any type of abnormal bleeding, then it is important to get tested as soon as possible.
Eliminating All Other Causes:
It is important to note that many of these conditions such as fibroids, cysts, and uterine cancer can be diagnosed by a pelvic exam. Remember, if you have any concerns about these symptoms then it is best to see your physician.
Sources & references used in this article:
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After 50 years of ethinylestradiol, another oestrogen in combined oral contraceptives by JC Alsina – 2010 – Taylor & Francis
Women’s attitudes to withdrawal bleeding and their knowledge and beliefs about the oral contraceptive pill by W Rutter, C Knight, J Vizzard, M Mira… – Medical Journal of …, 1988 – Wiley Online Library
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Inhibition of ovulation during discontinuous intranasal luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist dosing in combination with gestagen-induced bleeding by A Lemay, N Faure, F Labrie, ATA Fazekas – Fertility and sterility, 1985 – Elsevier
