What is the reason for periods not stopping?

Bleeding can also become irregular around the time the body approaches menopause. The cause cannot be identified from bleeding duration alone, so an assessment is useful when bleeding is prolonged, unusually heavy, or keeps returning.

Hormone shifts can prevent the usual release of an egg and make the uterine lining shed unpredictably. Polycystic ovary syndrome is one condition that can disturb ovulation; you can read more about it in the guide to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Growths such as fibroids or polyps, adenomyosis, infection, thyroid problems, and changes related to menopause may also contribute. Pregnancy-related bleeding, including bleeding from an ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy loss, needs prompt medical assessment. Some hormonal medicines, blood thinners, and devices used for contraception can alter bleeding. Less commonly, a clotting problem may be involved, especially if you bruise easily or have had heavy bleeding since your first periods.

Arrange a medical appointment and record when the bleeding began, how often you change pads or tampons, whether you pass clots, and any pain, dizziness, or breathlessness. Mention pregnancy possibility, recent contraception or medicine changes, and any history of anaemia or bleeding problems.

A clinician may check your blood count and pregnancy status, review medicines, and examine you. Depending on your symptoms, they may suggest tests for thyroid or other hormone problems and an ultrasound to look at the uterus and ovaries. Do not start or stop prescription medicines on your own.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is heavy enough to soak through pads rapidly, or if you feel faint, very weak, short of breath, confused, or have chest pain. Get urgent assessment for severe or one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, or bleeding when pregnancy is possible. These symptoms can signal significant blood loss or a pregnancy complication.

Even without these warning signs, contact a clinician if bleeding continues, returns between periods, happens after sex, or occurs after menopause. Menopause is a common time for cycle changes, but bleeding after menopause still warrants assessment; see the guide to Menopause for context.

Ask: What might be causing this bleeding? Do I need a blood count or pregnancy test? Could my contraception or medicines be contributing? Which symptoms mean I should seek emergency help? Would an ultrasound or another test help find the cause?