Metrorrhagia is also commonly known as spotting and is the kind of off schedule bleeding that women experience which is not part of their monthly menstrual bleeding (which can range anywhere between a 22 days to 35 days cycle).
Not only is Metrorrhagia extremely inconvenient because the bleeding is irregular and unpredictable, it is also a potentially serious problem because of the underlying problems that could be causing it and the fact that chronic Metrorrhagia could also lead to anemia.
Any deviation of more than seven days from a woman’s monthly cycle can be termed as irregular bleeding which could mean Metrorrhagia and which would require investigation as to reasons why it is caused.
Metrorrhagia could have a number of causes including:
- Endometriosis, the condition where material of the endometrial lining of the uterus may be found elsewhere, outside or other than the uterus could be a cause for Metrorrhagia
- Adenomyosis, which is the condition where endometrial tissue is found in the thick muscular layer of the uterus.
- An ectopic pregnancy, which is the implantation and development of a embryo in an area other than the uterus could also be the underlying cause of Metrorrhagia
- A hormone imbalance where there is a preponderance of one hormone over another disturbing the monthly cycle which leads to Metrorrhagia
- Endometrial hyperplasia is where there is excess growth of the cells of the endometrium
- The presence of a polyp in the uterus, the vagina, or cervix could all cause intermittent bleeding which could result in Metrorrhagia
- Ketosis Diets, which concentrate on increasing protein and fat intake while reducing sugar
- Certain progestin-only contraceptives could cause this irregular bleeding as can several medications such as hypothalamic depressants, anticholinergics, anticoagulants
- Use of an IUD, particularly one that gotten lodged in an area other than where it is supposed to be
- Cervical cancer or carcinoma of the vaginal, cervix or other parts of the reproductive tract could be one of the reasons for irregular Metrorrhagia spotting as well
- Uterine leiomyomas or fibroids also could be a cause
- Enlarged uterus with dysmenorrhea, which is excessive pain during menstrual periods
- Occasionally ovulation which happens mid cycle between two menstrual periods, could cause spotting
- Pregnancy – there could be some small amount of bleeding when the embryo is implanted into the wall of the uterus which is called implantation bleeding
- Certain sexually Transmitted Diseases could cause irregular spotting or Metrorrhagia
- Von Willebrand Disease, which is a disease of abnormality of coagulation and may be obvious is several different kinds of bleeding problems
- Anabolic steroid use can also result in irregular bleeding
- Physical trauma could also be the underlying reason for Metrorrhagia
