Differential Diagnosis for Prolonged Light Period Bleeding
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anovulatory bleeding: This is the most common cause of irregular menstrual bleeding, including prolonged light period bleeding, especially in adolescents and perimenopausal women. It occurs when the ovaries do not release an egg, leading to irregular hormone levels and bleeding patterns.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hormonal imbalance: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or hyperprolactinemia can cause hormonal imbalances that lead to irregular menstrual bleeding.
- Uterine fibroids or polyps: These growths in the uterus can cause irregular bleeding, including prolonged light period bleeding, due to their impact on the uterine lining.
- Intrauterine device (IUD) use: Certain types of IUDs, especially those that release hormones, can cause changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, including prolonged light bleeding.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pregnancy complications: Although less likely, it's crucial to rule out pregnancy-related complications such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, which can present with irregular bleeding.
- Cancer: Uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer can cause irregular vaginal bleeding. While rare, these conditions are critical to diagnose early.
- Bleeding disorders: Conditions like von Willebrand disease can lead to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding due to clotting issues.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Adenomyosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows into the muscular walls of the uterus, potentially causing heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
- Asherman's syndrome: A rare condition characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the uterus, which can lead to irregular menstrual bleeding, among other symptoms.
- Endometrial hyperplasia: A condition where the lining of the uterus grows too thick, which can cause irregular bleeding and has the potential to develop into cancer if left untreated.