Still bleeding after period

I am 43yrs old and periods have always be normal. My normal bleeding cycle is 4-5 days, with a day or two of spotting. I am now on day 12 and still bleeding. It is more then spotting but I would not go as far as to say it is moderate. What are the causes? Should I be concerned? Should I call my doctor

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
This type of bleeding can occur when the ovaries fail to produce an egg on any given cycle.
If it is only an occasional problem, this type of bleeding can often be managed conservatively.  If it happens more than once or twice a year, I tend to treat my patients with hormonal medications.  There are lots of different options for treatment.
In this current cycle, you could probably wait it out and watch and see what happens next month, OR you could give your doctor a call and he/she would probably prescribe some type of hormone ( oral contraceptives, or progesterone) which might help the bleeding stop sooner.
Good luck!
Dr B