Causes of abnormal bleeding

Many things can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding:

• Pregnancy
• Any bleeding during pregnancy needs to be checked by your doctor
• Vaginal injury (perhaps caused by intercourse, genital warts or varicose veins)
• Pelvic organ infection
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Sexual abuse
• An object in the vagina
• Vaginal dryness due to lack of estrogen after menopause
• Intrauterine device (IUD)
• Uterine fibroids
• Cervical polyps
• Pelvic cancers
• Problems with ovulation, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone imbalance
• Medications, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy
• Use of blood thinners
• Emotional stress
• Excessive exercise
• Diseases such as hyperthyroidism