What should you know about continuous bleeding during periods?

Bleeding can change with contraception, missed ovulation, thyroid problems, or the transition towards menopause. Chlamydia and other infections may irritate reproductive tissues. Endometrial polyps and uterine fibroids can cause irregular or prolonged bleeding. Cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer can present with abnormal bleeding, and womb cancer can also present with bleeding, particularly after menopause. Most causes are not cancer, but the pattern deserves assessment when it is new, persistent, or different from your usual cycle.

Arrange a medical appointment and keep a simple record of start and stop dates, flow, clots, pain, discharge, medicines, contraception, and pregnancy possibility. A clinician may check for anaemia, perform a pelvic examination, arrange infection testing, or request ultrasound depending on your symptoms. Do not stop prescribed contraception without advice. Treatment depends on the cause and may include changing contraception, treating infection, or managing a polyp, fibroid, or other finding.

Seek urgent help if bleeding is heavy, you feel faint or breathless, have severe pelvic pain, fever, or could be pregnant. Also seek prompt assessment for bleeding after menopause. These warning features matter because blood loss, infection, pregnancy-related problems, and significant pelvic conditions need timely evaluation.

Ask which causes fit your pattern, whether you need a pregnancy test or blood test, when cervical screening is due, and what treatment options fit your health and contraception plans.