Why is my bleeding not stopping?

Irregular ovulation can make the uterine lining build up and shed unpredictably. Hormonal contraception, emergency contraception, blood-thinning medicines, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, and the transition toward Menopause can also change bleeding. Pregnancy-related bleeding needs separate assessment, including when a pregnancy test is not yet positive.

Bleeding may be especially concerning when it is new, unusually heavy, occurs after sex, or returns after periods had stopped. The pattern alone does not identify a cause.

Track when the bleeding began, how often protection needs changing, clots, pain, dizziness, and any medicines or contraception. Take a pregnancy test if relevant. Book a clinical assessment for persistent or recurrent bleeding; the clinician may discuss an examination, blood tests, pregnancy testing, or imaging based on your history.

Seek urgent care if bleeding is soaking through protection repeatedly, you feel faint or breathless, have severe pelvic pain, develop a fever, or might be pregnant. Do not drive yourself if you are weak or close to fainting. Prompt review is also appropriate for bleeding after menopause or bleeding with marked tiredness.

Ask what the bleeding pattern suggests, whether a medicine or contraceptive is contributing, how anaemia will be checked, and which treatments could reduce bleeding while the cause is assessed. Ask whether Menopause or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is relevant to your history.