Irregular Bleeding

Access to empathetic and approachable obstetrics and gynecology care means distinguishing between good and excellent health care. Dr. Gregory Shifrin OBGYN PC provides superior obstetrics and gynecology services throughout the Homecrest and Midwood Brooklyn neighborhoods, the Upper East Side, and the Co-Op City of The Bronx in New York City.

Dr. Shifrin first obtained a medical degree from Samara State Medical University (formerly known as Kuibyshev Medical Institute) in Samara, Russia. His passion and drive for quality OB/GYN care led him to the United States, where he obtained additional training at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York, and Jersey City Medical Center in New Jersey, where he went on to serve as the attending gynecologist.

What is irregular bleeding?

Irregular bleeding, or periods, occur when your menstrual cycle doesn’t follow a typical pattern. Menstrual periods often last four to seven days and appear about every 28 days. Any bleeding outside this typical pattern may be considered irregular bleeding, which may simply be a nuisance or the sign of an underlying medical problem. 

What are the symptoms of irregular bleeding?

Irregular bleeding may appear as:

• Bleeding fewer than 21 days apart
• Menstrual bleeding more than 35 days apart
• Missing three or more periods in a row
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Lighter-than-usual menstruation
• Spotting between periods
• Painful menstruation 
• Short or long periods
• Menstrual cycles that fluctuate from month to month
• Bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding during pregnancy 

Irregular bleeding may last less than four or more than seven days. See your provider for an evaluation if you’re concerned about irregular periods.

What are the risk factors for irregular bleeding?

Common causes and risk factors for having irregular periods include:

• Perimenopause
• Hormone changes
• Stress
• Medical conditions
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Uterine fibroids
• Polyps
• Ovarian cysts
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (POS)
• Primary ovarian insufficiency 
• Uterine cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Other gynecological issues
• Bleeding disorders
• Extreme fluctuations in body weight
• Illnesses
• Birth control pills
• Miscarriages
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Previous gynecological surgeries
• Some medications 

While it’s common to have slight variations in your menstrual cycle, see your OB/GYN specialist if you experience dramatic changes in menstruation or pain with your period. 

How does my specialist diagnose the cause of irregular bleeding?

To pinpoint the cause of irregular bleeding, your provider discusses your symptoms and medical history. They check your vital signs, complete a physical and pelvic exam, and may order blood tests, ultrasounds, other imaging procedures, a hysteroscopy, a biopsy, or additional diagnostic tests.

How is irregular bleeding treated?

Your personalized treatment plan for irregular bleeding depends on its cause and severity. The OB/GYN team may recommend one or more of the following:

• Weight management
• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Watchful waiting
• Medications
• Hormone therapy
• Endometrial ablation
• Fibroid or cyst removal 
• Hysterectomy 
• Other surgical procedures

The best treatment for your individualized needs depends on your lifestyle, severity of symptoms, treatment preferences, and desire to have (or not have) children in the future. 

Your provider follows up to ensure effective, long-lasting results and is always available to address concerns or questions.

Call Dr. Gregory Shifrin OBGYN PC or use the online booking tab today to schedule an evaluation for irregular bleeding.