Abnormal uterine bleeding is hard to detect — enough so that up to 35% of women in the world may have it at any one time. Irregular menstrual bleeding can often not be a cause for concern, however it should be evaluated to rule out more serious conditions. It can also be a nuisance that can be easily addressed. Make an appointment to discuss any irregularities you may be having to your menstrual bleeding.
What is abnormal uterine bleeding?
Sometimes, uterine bleeding is no cause for concern. You’ve likely fallen into the routine of expecting a monthly period and managing it for several days. If your uterus bleeds outside of this predictable cycle, it could be a sign of something more serious than shedding the lining of your uterus.
Abnormal uterine bleeding can occur between your monthly periods or during them. Characteristics of abnormal uterine bleeding may be:
• An unusually heavy period
• A period lasting longer than a week
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding during menopause
Sometimes, bleeding outside the parameters of a normal period doesn’t seem like a cause for concern. If something seems unusual at any time during your cycle, you should bring it up with the team at Comprehensive Women’s OB/GYN.
What’s causing my abnormal uterine bleeding?
There are many possible underlying causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, making it crucial that you discuss your case with your gynecologist. Untimely or excessive uterine bleeding might be linked to:
• Polyps (noncancerous uterine lining growths)
• Fibroids (noncancerous uterine muscle growths)
• Infection
• Pregnancy
• Hormone fluctuations
• Blood-thinning medications
• Cervical cancer
While cancer is rarely the cause, you should still get tested just in case. Once the team at Comprehensive Women’s OB/GYN identifies a cause, they can start you on the proper treatment to reduce your bleeding.
How do I find the cause of my abnormal uterine bleeding?
When you come to Dr. Bhanot with symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding, she will ask you questions about the bleeding, your sexual activity, your medications, and your health. After performing a pelvic exam and a Pap smear, she may also perform other tests. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, you might need a pregnancy test, blood test, hormone test, or all of the above.
She might also suggest an endometrial biopsy, in which she will obtain a sample of cells from your endometrium, or uterine lining, and sends it to a pathologist to view it under a microscope for abnormal cells or hormone-related symptoms like polyps or fibroids. In most cases, the results of the biopsy point to the cause of your bleeding.
To unveil the cause of your abnormal uterine bleeding and reduce it with the appropriate treatment, call Dr. Bhanot, or request an appointment online today.