Vaginal Bleeding and Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Vaginal Bleeding and Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

“Unusual vaginal bleeding is any vaginal blood that is
different from your period. This might include small
amounts of blood also called spotting, between your…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Vaginal Bleeding and Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Abnormal Bleeding
  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)
  • Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding (AVB)
  • Bleeding After Menopause
  • Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
  • Spotting
  • Postmenopausal Bleeding
  • Uterine Bleeding
  • Vaginal Bleeding

Definition

What is abnormal vaginal bleeding (AVB)?

Dots the definition of AVB may vary. In Vaginal Bleeding: Basics – Definition the (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Unusual vaginal bleeding is any vaginal blood that is different from your period. This might include small amounts of blood, also called spotting, between your periods. You might notice this on toilet tissue when you wipe. Or it could include a very heavy period. You know you have a very heavy period if blood is soaking through one or more tampons or pads every hour for more than four hours”.2

When

When is vaginal bleeding considered AVB or abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)?

In FAQs: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding – When Is Bleeding Abnormal? the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) explain:

“Bleeding in any of the following situations is considered abnormal uterine bleeding:

  • Bleeding or spotting between periods
  • Bleeding or spotting after sex
  • Heavy bleeding during your period
    • Bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour
    • Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days
  • Menstrual cycles that are longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days
  • “Irregular” periods in which cycle length varies by more than 7–9 days
  • Not having a period for 3 to 6 months
  • Bleeding after menopause”.3

Postmenopausal Vaginal Bleeding

Is postmenopausal vaginal bleeding normal?

No. In What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause: Vaginal and Vulval Health – Postmenopausal Bleeding the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explain:


“Bleeding from your vagina after menopause is not normal. If you have any bleeding, spotting or staining after menopause, talk to your doctor”.4

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have AVB?

If you think you have AVB, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Are Symptoms of Vaginal Issues? the Mayo Clinic explain:

“Talk with a member of your health care team if you have:

  • A change in the color, odor or amount of vaginal discharge
  • Changes in vaginal skin color or itching
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
  • A mass or bulge in the vagina
  • Pain during sex or trouble having sex
  • Problems putting in a tampon”.5

In Postmenopausal Bleeding the NHS advise:

“See A GP If:

You have postmenopausal bleeding, even if:

  • It’s only happened once
  • There’s only a small amount of blood, spotting, or pink or brown discharge
  • You do not have any other symptoms
  • You’re not sure if it’s blood

Postmenopausal bleeding is not usually serious, but can be a sign of cancer. Cancer is easier to treat if it’s found early”.6

Who is a GP?

DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Health Topics A-Z

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In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

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  30. Speaking Up for Your Health
  31. The Most Common Warning Sign of Uterine Cancer
  32. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  33. Uterine Bleeding: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  34. Uterine Cancer Awareness
    Vaginal Bleeding and Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
  35. Uterine/Endometrial Cancer/GTD
  36. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not
  37. Vaginal Bleeding
  38. Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods
  39. Vaginal Bleeding: Basics – Causes
  40. Vaginal Bleeding: Basics – When To See A Doctor
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  42. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Vulvar Diseases, Overview for Aging Women
  43. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Abnormal Bleeding
  44. What Causes Bleeding Between Periods?
  45. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2025]Vaginal Bleeding and Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
    Vaginal Bleeding and Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
  46. You Need To Know [+ Video: Bleeding After the Menopause – An Important Message You Need To Know]
  47. Your Menstrual Cycle

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources at:

Sources

  1. Vaginal Bleeding: Basics – Definition. 02 May 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-bleeding/basics/definition/SYM-20050756 Accessed: 08 January 2026
  2. Vaginal Bleeding: Basics – Definition. 02 May 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-bleeding/basics/definition/SYM-20050756 Accessed: 08 January 2026
  3. FAQs: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding – When Is Bleeding Abnormal? Last Updated: December 2021. Last Reviewed: August 2025. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/abnormal-uterine-bleeding Accessed: 08 January 2026
  4. What Is Perimenopause and Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause: Vaginal and Vulval Health – Postmenopausal Bleeding. Last Updated: 28 August 2025 | Last Reviewed: 22 April 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/health-after-menopause Accessed: 08 January 2026
  5. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Are Symptoms of Vaginal Issues? 30 January 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 Accessed: 08 January 2026
  6. Postmenopausal Bleeding. Page Last Reviewed: 22 May 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-menopausal-bleeding/ Accessed: 08 January 2026
Topic Last Updated: 08 January 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 08 January 2026

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