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Abnormal uterine bleeding can occur at any age, and is one of the most common reasons women see their doctors. Abnormal uterine bleeding is considered bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, spotting anytime in the menstrual cycle, bleeding heavier or for more days than normal, and bleeding after menopause. Menstrual cycles are typically between 21 and 35 days. Anything longer or shorter than this is considered abnormal. A lack of a period for 3-6 months, called amenorrhea, is also abnormal. There are times when it is normal for periods to be irregular. For the first few years after a girl gets her first period, usually around 9-16 years old, periods are often irregular. Also, when a woman nears menopause, the length of her cycle may change, she may bleed more or less than normal, and she may skip periods.
