What Every Woman Should Know About Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Every woman has a unique experience with menstrual bleeding, and your periods can change as you move through the phases of life. While monthly bleeding is often inconvenient and uncomfortable, it shouldn’t be significantly disruptive to your normal routines. 

At Women’s Health Services, residents of Arlington and Grand Prairie, Texas, have access to a  highly skilled team of women’s health specialists who can determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding and provide solutions. 

What does a normal period look and feel like?

This is a simple question with a complex answer. Your experience is unlike that of any other woman, shaped by a number of genetic and environmental factors and certain lifestyle factors. What’s “normal” for one woman might be unusual for another. 

In general, most women experience menstrual bleeding every 21-35 days, and that bleeding lasts for 2-7 days. Some women have around the same amount of bleeding each day, while others have definite “heavy” days before bleeding tapers off. 

You might have virtually no visible blood clots, or you could notice multiple larger clots. Some women have cramping that can be uncomfortable, while others sail through their periods with relative ease. 

Abnormal bleeding is defined as menstrual bleeding that is heavier than normal, lasts longer than normal, or happens inconsistently, with more or fewer days between periods. For most women, the primary sign of abnormal bleeding involves a heavy volume of blood. 

If you find yourself having to change your pad or tampon every hour, or you’re experiencing frequent “flooding” of normal menstrual products, then you might have abnormal uterine bleeding.  

What can cause abnormal uterine bleeding?

If your periods are heavy, painful, or disruptive to your daily routines, you should consider coming in for a diagnostic exam. Many things can cause abnormal bleeding, and some are serious women’s health issues that require advanced treatment. 

Some of the conditions that might cause your abnormal periods include:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Thyroid disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Polyps
• Certain gynecologic cancers
• Certain sexually transmitted infections

Not only can these issues threaten your health and fertility, but abnormal bleeding can also lead to anemia, which has its own set of symptoms and potential complications. 

What to expect from the diagnostic process

When you come in for a diagnostic assessment, your practitioner meets with you to review your health history and the changes you’ve noticed in your menstrual cycle. You’ll discuss whether you plan to become pregnant in the future and what kinds of treatments have helped manage your bleeding in the past. 

A pelvic exam allows your provider to visually check for tissue abnormalities. A more in-depth visual exam called a colposcopy might be necessary. 

Blood testing, often part of the diagnostic process, can measure your current hormonal balance. Ultrasounds are another commonly used diagnostic tool that can be performed externally through your abdomen or transvaginally using a special handpiece. 

Your gynecologist might recommend additional testing, depending on the information gathered during your visit.

Treatment can improve your quality of life

Once the cause of abnormal bleeding is determined, you’ll learn more about the various treatment paths. Some conditions can be managed through hormonal birth control or oral medications. Others respond to minimally invasive procedures. Surgery is also an option if less invasive treatments don’t lead to improvement. 

If you’re planning to become pregnant, you’ll learn about which options offer the best chance of preserving your fertility. 

Abnormal uterine bleeding can disrupt your life, leave you feeling drained and lethargic, and even change the way you think about sex and intimacy. Treatment can reduce or eliminate bleeding, giving you more control over your day-to-day life. 

When you’re ready to learn more, booking a visit at Women’s Health Services is as easy as a quick phone call or a visit to the online scheduling page.