Uterine Bleeding: What you should know?
Uterine bleeding occurs on monthly cycle for every woman during their reproductive years which is known as periods or menses. Any bleeding other than the normal menstrual bleeding is considered to be abnormal uterine bleeding. Bleeding between periods, after menopause, after sexual intercourse, longer of heavier bleeding, etc are considered as abnormal uterine bleeding. Here you can read why you need to be alert about abnormal uterine bleeding.
Abnormal uterine bleeding can occur at any age for women. Normally, women may experience abnormal uterine bleeding during the initial years of menstruation and while approaching menopause.
What causes Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
Abdominal uterine bleeding causes include a wide range of illness or disorders in the female reproductive system. A change in the hormonal level to cancer in the reproductive organs can be behind your abnormal uterine bleeding. The reasons for abnormal uterine bleeding include:
- Hormonal imbalance: A change in the hormonal level or dysfunction of the endocrine system is the common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding
- Thyroid dysfunction: A rare cause of heavy bleeding in which the hormones are out of balance
- Infection of the cervix
- Poly cystic ovarian syndrome: A condition in which the hormones go out of balance in woman during the child bearing years
- Cancer in ovaries/cervix: Cancerous growth in the reproductive organs particularly after menopause
- Birth control pills: Usage of certain birth control pills may sometimes lead to abnormal bleeding
- Intrauterine devices: Side effects of intrauterine device includes abnormal bleeding
- Pregnancy or miscarriage: Sometimes a late irregular period occurs due to pregnancy which gets miscarried.
- Ectopic pregnancy: A condition in which the fertilised egg attaches itself anywhere outside the uterus and begins to develop
- Medications: If you are under anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory diseases, it can cause heavy periods.
Symptoms of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding symptoms include:
- Prolonged bleeding for more than 7 days
- Heavy/painful bleeding that makes your change the sanitary pads every 2 hours
- Menstrual cycle below 21 days or after 35 days (normal menstrual cycle will be around 28 days)
Treatment for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
The treatment for uterine bleeding depends on the underlying problem that leads to it. The doctor will use ultrasound imaging, blood tests, urine tests etc. to figure out the cause of the condition. If bleeding occurs after menopause, an endometrial biopsy is done to know the possibility of cancer in the reproductive organs.
Surgery: Hysterectomy or removal of the uterus is advised if the symptoms are severe. In case of ovarian or cervical cancer, surgery or chemotherapy is recommended. If abnormal uterine bleeding is caused due to fibroids, a fibroid removal surgery or hysteroscopy is done.
Hormonal Pills: Hormonal pills are used as one of the most common abnormal uterine bleeding treatment method in women, especially if it is caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Endometrial Ablation: Endometriosis ablation is a surgical procedure to ablate the uterine lining, which will reduce the abnormal uterine bleeding.
