What causes irregular bleeding between expected menstrual cycles?

Irregular bleeding between expected menstrual cycles is referred to as metrorrhagia. This term specifically describes bleeding that occurs at times other than a menstrual period, often being irregular and unpredictable. It can be caused by a range of factors, including hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, polyps, or conditions affecting the uterine lining.

Menorrhagia, on the other hand, refers to excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding but does not encompass bleeding that occurs outside of the normal menstrual period. Cryptomenorrhea describes a situation where menstruation occurs but is concealed, often due to a hymenal obstruction, which is not the same as irregular bleeding between cycles. Dysmenorrhea pertains to painful menstruation rather than irregular bleeding. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when assessing women’s health and addressing menstrual cycle irregularities.