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Your health abnormal uterine bleeding

 
 

Abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding Illustration by Conny Jude

If you have any concerns, you should make a doctor's appointment.

What causes abnormal uterine bleeding? How is it diagnosed? How can it be treated? We answer your most common questions.

As part of your menstrual cycle, it's normal for bleeding to last up to seven days. However, you may have experienced something known as "abnormal uterine bleeding." This is when bleeding lasts longer than normal, is heavier than normal, or when it's irregular. Here's some good advice on how this condition can be diagnosed and treated.

How do I know if I have abnormal uterine bleeding?

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but can be longer or shorter. If yours lasts longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days, this is abnormal uterine bleeding. Have you noticed anything else unusual about your menstrual cycle? Heavy bleeding; irregular bleeding; or bleeding during or after sex? These are also symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding.

What causes abnormal uterine bleeding?

  • Women in 20s-30s Pregnancy is the most common cause. Also, birth control pills can cause some of the symptoms.
  • Women in 40s-early 50s In the years before menopause, there may be months when you don't menstruate. It's also common for the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) to thicken, which can cause heavy, irregular bleeding.
  • After menopause At this stage, hormone therapy is a common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. It is also linked to a thickened endometrium and certain types of cancer (uterus, cervix or vagina).

There are other causes that don't relate to a specific age group; for example, fibroids (growths that occur in the uterus).

What should I do?

A quick guide to… Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a way to look inside the uterus to help find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. A thin, telescope device, called a hysteroscope, is inserted into the uterus, through the vagina. This is a simple procedure, which can be done at your doctor's office. Hysteroscopy may also be used to take a biopsy–removing a small piece of the uterus lining. Other exams, such as an ultrasound, can also be used to diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding.

 

If you have any concerns, you should make a doctor's appointment. Take along a record of your menstrual cycle–including dates, and the length and heaviness of your bleeding. To diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding, you will have a physical exam (see box). You may also need a blood test to check your hormone levels.

Are there treatments available?

Yes, here are some of the options:

  • Hormones Your doctor may prescribe birth control pills, which help to regulate your menstrual cycle.
  • Other medications Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuofen) can help relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. If you have an infection, you will be given antibiotics.
  • Surgery Some women may need to have growths removed. Other surgical options include endometrial ablation (removing the lining of the uterus) and hysterectomy (removing the uterus). Other procedures may be used to check the lining of the uterus.

In most cases, abnormal uterine bleeding can be treated successfully.

 
 

Related articles

Fibroids Fibroids

Around one in three women have fibroids, yet many are unaware that they have this condition because there may be no symptoms. But what are fibroids, and what can you do if they do cause problems such as heavy or painful periods?

 
 
Endometriosis Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects about 5 million women in the United States. If you experience pelvic pain, especially during your menstrual period, and have had problems getting pregnant, you could be affected. Don't worry; it can be treated with medications, hormones and surgery.

 
 
To find an obstetrician-gynecologist using ACOG's Physician Directory, click here