Vaginal bleeding

[Becky]

Abnormal vaginal bleeding includes any vaginal bleeding that occurs

Before puberty
During pregnancy
After menopause
Between menstrual periods

During the childbearing years, vaginal bleeding occurs normally as menstrual periods. However, menstrual periods are considered abnormal if they

Become excessively heavy (saturating more than 1 or 2 tampons an hour)
Last too long (more than 7 days)
Occur too frequently (usually fewer than 21 days apart)
Occur too infrequently (usually more than 90 days apart)

Typically, menstrual periods last from 3 to 7 days and occur every 21 to 35 days. In adolescents, the interval between periods varies more and may be as long as 45 days.
Vaginal bleeding may occur during early pregnancy or during late pregnancy and may result from problems (complications) related to the pregnancy.
Prolonged or excessive bleeding, regardless of cause, can result in iron deficiency, anemia, and sometimes dangerously low blood pressure (shock).