Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Have you had unexpected vaginal bleeding while taking hormone replacement therapy?

See significance of hormone replacement therapy if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had mild to moderate vaginal bleeding for 1 week or longer?

Yes

Have you had mild to moderate vaginal bleeding for two cycles or longer?

Yes

Has vaginal bleeding occurred other than at the expected time of withdrawal bleeding?

Yes

Are you using continuous hormone replacement therapy, and you have vaginal bleeding that has occurred more than one time a month?

Yes

Are you using continuous hormone replacement therapy, and you have intermittent vaginal bleeding that has continued for longer than 6 months after starting therapy?

Yes

Do you have vaginal bleeding that is different than what your doctor told you to expect?

Yes

Have you had any vaginal bleeding while using estrogen replacement therapy without progestin?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	July 11, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer