Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
In many women, a hormone imbalance, such as too much estrogen or not enough progesterone, causes abnormal uterine bleeding. Polyps or fibroids (
small and large growths) in the uterus can also cause bleeding as well as cancer of the uterus and infection of the cervix. Sometimes a thyroid problem causes bleeding. It is normal for a woman's menstrual bleeding to last up to seven days. Abnormal bleeding can occur when the menstrual period is not regular, when bleeding lasts longer than normal, is heavier than normal, or when bleeding patterns change.
These are just a few of the problems that can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. These problems can occur at any age, but the likely cause of abnormal uterine bleeding depends on your age.
Causes
There are many causes of abnormal bleeding. Your doctor may begin looking for the cause of abnormal bleeding by checking for problems most common in your age group.
Diagnosis
To diagnose abnormal bleeding, your doctor will need to know your personal and family health history. You may be asked about:
- Past or present illnesses
- Use of medications
- Use of birth control
- Weight, eating, exercise habits and level of stress
You will have a physical exam. You also may have blood tests to check your blood count and hormone levels and a pregnancy test (to see if you are pregnant). One or more of the following tests also may be needed based on your symptoms:
- Endometrial biopsy
- Ultrasound
- Sonohysterography
- Hysteroscopy
- Dilation and curettage (D&C)
- Hysterosalpingography
- Laparoscopy
Most of these tests can be done in your doctor's office. Others may be done at a hospital or other facility.
Treatment
- Treatment for abnormal bleeding will depend on many factors, including the cause, your age, the severity of the bleeding, and whether you want to have children.
- Hormones - Your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to help your periods to be more regular. They also may improve other symptoms. Progesterone can help prevent and treat endometrial hyperplasia.
- Other Medications - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, may help control heavy bleeding.
- Surgery - Some women with abnormal uterine bleeding may need to have surgery to remove growths (such as polyps or fibroids) that are causing the bleeding.
- Endometrial ablation also is used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Hysterectomy — removal of the uterus — is another procedure that may be used to treat abnormal bleeding.
*Hysterectomy is major surgery.
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