Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

What is abnormal uterine bleeding?

The definition of abnormal uterine bleeding isn’t precise because every woman’s cycle varies. However, there are average ranges that indicate normal menstruation, and your period shouldn’t be disrupting your life to the extent that you have to take time off work or school.

Your Women’s Health Services physician assesses your condition by looking at:

• How frequently you get a period - Your cycle should be pretty regular, not changing by more than a week, and should last more than three weeks but less than five weeks between periods.
• How long your period lasts - Four to five days is about average. A period shouldn’t last less than two days or more than a week.
• How much blood you’re losing during a period - The average amount of blood lost during a period is around two tablespoons, with more than five indicating an excessively heavy flow. It can help your provider judge how much you’re losing if you know how often you soak through a pad or tampon.

It’s helpful to keep track of your last several periods to offer your provider a better idea of your average symptoms and how long you’ve been experiencing them.

What causes abnormal uterine bleeding?

There are several reasons you may be experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding, most of which are related to your hormones. The fertility hormones estrogen and progesterone control your ovulation and menstruation, and any fluctuations in the levels of these hormones can cause a disruption to your periods.

Puberty and menopause are times when hormone activity is particularly volatile, and this can cause episodes of heavy bleeding or irregular menstruation. Abnormal uterine bleeding could also be due to:

• Contraceptive pills, implants, or IUDs
• Rapid changes in weight
• Severe chronic stress
• Fibroids and polyps
• Adenomyosis

Less commonly, abnormal bleeding may the result of:

• Bleeding disorders
• Anticoagulant medications
• Cervical, endometrial, or uterine cancer
• Cervical or endometrial infection
• Diseases of the kidneys, liver, thyroid, or adrenal glands

If you have an episode of abnormal bleeding and are pregnant or postmenopausal, call Women’s Health Services right away so your doctor can assess whether you need immediate treatment.

How is abnormal uterine bleeding treated?

The treatment your physician recommends will depend on the cause of your bleeding. Possible interventions include:

• Treatment to balance hormone levels, including bioidentical hormone therapy
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to prevent hormone release
• Tranexamic acid to make your blood clot
• IUD with progestin to reduce blood flow
• Endometrial ablation to remove the lining of the uterus
• Myomectomy or uterine artery embolization to tie off affected blood vessels
• Hysterectomy to remove your uterus

The team at Women’s Health Services has extensive experience assessing and treating women’s gynecological issues. They can help you find the cause of your abnormal uterine bleeding and prescribe an effective solution. Call Women’s Health Services or book an appointment online today.