Unusual vaginal bleeding is any vaginal blood that is different from menstrual bleeding. This may include small amounts of blood, also called spotting, between your periods. You may notice this on the toilet paper as you wipe it off. Or it could be a very difficult period. You know you’re having very heavy periods if blood soaks one or more tampons or pads every hour for more than four hours.

Vaginal bleeding during menstruation usually occurs every 21 to 35 days. This is called the menstrual cycle. Blood comes from the lining of the uterus, which is secreted through the vagina. When this happens, a new reproductive cycle begins.

Menstruation can last from a few days to a week. Bleeding can be heavy or light. Menstrual cycles tend to be longer in adolescents and women approaching menopause. In addition, at this age, menstrual flow may be more abundant.

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