Organ or part of body involved: Female reproductive system.

Symptoms and indications: Bleeding from the uterus unconnected with menses.

Causes and risk factors: Some of the most common causes are abortion hormonal fluctuations, beginning or stopping oral contraceptives or estrogens, low thyroid levels, stress, IUDs occasionally cause slight spotting, injury to the vagina from insertion of objects, from malignant cancers, or from vaginal infections, certain drugs such as anticoagulants, and vaginal dryness.

Prevention: Bed rest is recommended if the bleeding is heavy. Aspirin should be avoided, if possible, because it may cause bleeding.