Our Services / Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

What is abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a condition in which you have prolonged (longer than usual) or heavy periods. Any time your menstrual cycle changes from its usual pattern, it could signify a possible gynecological problem. Reasons for not getting a period at all are pregnancy and menopause.

Normal uterine bleeding, or getting your period, usually lasts about five days and appears every 21-35 days. While abnormal bleeding isn’t necessarily cause for concern, it can sometimes indicate a woman’s health problem, such as polyps, fibroids, or even cancer. 

What are the symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding could appear as:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Periods that last more than a week
• Bleeding during pregnancy
• Bleeding after menopause
• Inconsistent periods
• Pink, brown, or rust-colored menstrual blood

If the characteristics of your period change from month to month, you may have abnormal uterine bleeding. Heavy uterine bleeding can indicate a thyroid disorder or a health concern, and it increases your risk of iron-deficiency anemia. 

What are the risk factors for abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding might result from uterine, cervical, ovarian, or vaginal cancer, leukemia, or one of the following risk factors:

• Hormone imbalances
• Thyroid disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Obesity
• Uterine polyps
• Fibroids
• Infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Liver or kidney disease
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Platelet disorders
• Some medications
• Uterine trauma
• Forgetting to remove an IUD

About 10-35% of women may experience abnormal uterine bleeding. It commonly occurs when they first get their periods and during the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause).

How does my provider diagnose the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding?

To find out what’s causing abnormal uterine bleeding, your New Beginnings OB/GYN provider asks questions about your medical history and symptoms. They complete a physical examination, including a pelvic exam and Pap test, as well as blood tests, and a pelvic ultrasound to detect underlying problems. 

Your specialist may take a biopsy of your cells, called an endometrial biopsy, have you complete a pregnancy test, or complete a hysteroscopy to view the inside of your reproductive organs.

How is abnormal uterine bleeding treated?

Depending on the cause, our OB/GYN specialist might recommend medications, hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, surgery, or other medical procedures, such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. If you have cancer, you might need radiation or chemotherapy.

Things you can do to reduce the risk of abnormal uterine bleeding or its cause include eating nutritious foods, getting regular exercise, maintaining an ideal weight, and adopting safe sex practices.

To find the root cause of abnormal uterine bleeding and treat it, call the New Beginnings OB/GYN office or schedule an appointment online today.