Your uterine bleeding may be heavy. Or you may have bleeding between periods. They may be caused by an imbalance of hormones. Or they can be caused by growths, an intrauterine device (IUD), bleeding disorder, or pregnancy. Learn more about the causes below.

Your menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones. They include estrogen and progesterone. Sometimes there is too much or too little of one or both of these hormones. This can cause heavy periods. Or it can cause bleeding between periods. Causes of hormonal imbalance can include:

• Hormonal changes in teens and in people nearing menopause.
• Diabetes, thyroid disease, or other medical problems.
• Obesity.
• Stress.
• Heavy exercise.
• Anorexia, an eating disorder.
• Pregnancy.

There are other causes of uterine bleeding. They include:

• IUD (intrauterine device). This is a method of birth control. Some IUDs contain hormones.
• Bleeding disorders. This is when the blood can't clot normally.
• Uterine or cervical cancer. This is cancer of the uterus or cervix.

Your doctor can help find the cause of your bleeding problem. They will work with you to plan treatment as needed.