what is a normal menstrual cycle the first day of one menstrual cycle to the first day of your next menstrual cycle can occur anywhere from 21 to 35 days apart and bleeding can last two to seven days a normal cycle may not come on the same day each month as each month has a different number of days throughout a woman's reproductive life changes to our normal cycle can occur typically when bleeding occurs outside of these parameters it is considered abnormal types of abnormal bleeding include menstrual bleeding or periods that are perceived as heavy periods that occur with increased or decreased frequency or bleeding that occurs after menopause the causes of abnormal menstrual bleeding can be due to hormonal changes that are triggered by age or ovarian dysfunction for example adolescents tend to have heavy and painful periods due to hormone instability that commonly occurs on the other hand women nearing the time of menopause may also experience heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding other causes of bleeding can include structural abnormalities in the genital system growth such as uterine polyps uterine fibroids ovarian cysts or even cancer of the uterus infections of the genital tract can also cause abnormal menstrual bleeding so you want to be sure to discuss any changes with your gynecologist or women's health provider the treatments for abnormal menstrual bleeding are different depending on the cause of the bleeding possible treatments include hormones to stabilize your hormone levels such as birth control pills birth control rings or injections a hormonal iud or intrauterine device should structural abnormalities be present procedures to remove abnormal growths an ablation to remove the lining of the uterus or even a surgery to remove the uterus such as a hysterectomy may be necessary