Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Specialist

What is abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding occurs when you have periods that last longer than a week, are extremely heavy, or if you bleed between your periods. A typical menstrual cycle lasts between 21-35 days, and your period should last 3-7 days. A clinically heavy period requires you to change your tampon or pad as frequently as once an hour for several consecutive hours.

What causes abnormal uterine bleeding?

Many women’s health conditions can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. Some of the most common causes include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Polyps
• Endometriosis
• Uterine cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Early pregnancy
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Perimenopause 

You should make an appointment if you have abnormal uterine bleeding. When left untreated, some conditions can worsen and eventually lead to severe health problems such as infertility. 

How is the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding diagnosed?

Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive exams and testing to identify the condition responsible for your irregular bleeding. Your doctor often begins with a pelvic exam, Pap smear, and lab tests to check your urine and blood for signs of pregnancy or disease. 

Your doctor may examine your reproductive organs in more detail with tests, including:

• Ultrasound
• MRI
• Hysteroscopy
• Endometrial biopsy
• CT scans

A hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which your provider inserts a thin tube with a camera and light on its tip into your uterus. The camera sends a video feed to a monitor in the treatment room so your doctor can look for signs of polyps, fibroids, or other abnormalities inside your uterus. 

How is abnormal uterine bleeding treated?

Your doctor creates a customized treatment plan to address the specific condition causing your abnormal bleeding. For example, they may prescribe medication, including hormonal birth control or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to regulate your menstrual cycle or bleeding. 

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure such as a myomectomy or ablation to remove the abnormality causing your symptoms. The  ablation treatment can interfere with your fertility, so you should only choose this option if you don’t plan on having children.

If you have abnormal uterine bleeding, don’t dismiss your symptoms or put off diagnosis and treatment. Call Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology or schedule a consultation online today.