Abnormal uterine bleeding (formerly called menometrorrhagia) is when you bleed between your monthly periods or when your periods are extremely heavy and/or prolonged. Normal menstrual flow typically lasts about five days and occurs every 21 to 35 days.
Your IWI team member should know about any abnormal bleeding you’re experiencing. What’s causing your bleeding may be harmless. But your bleeding may be a sign of cancer or conditions that may negatively impact your fertility.
Menometrorrhagia was once an umbrella term for two different conditions that sound nearly the same:
In 2011, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) changed the names to prevent confusion. Menorrhagia is now called heavy menstrual bleeding. Menometrorrhagia is now called abnormal uterine bleeding.
The term “abnormal uterine bleeding” primarily describes bleeding in non-pregnant people in their reproductive years. But this doesn’t mean that irregular bleeding won’t affect you if you’re post-menopausal or pregnant.
If you’re bleeding and have experienced menopause, contact IWI. Bleeding after menopause is never normal. Blood may be red, pink, brown or even rust-like in appearance.
Not everyone who experiences abnormal uterine bleeding reports their symptoms. As a result, 10% to 35% of women worldwide may have abnormal uterine bleeding. But the numbers may be higher. It’s most common during menarche (when menstruation begins) and perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause).
Hormone imbalances are often to blame for abnormal uterine bleeding. They’re most common among people whose periods are just beginning or near ending. Talk to your IWI team member about our Hormone Optimization Program.
The signs of abnormal uterine bleeding can vary. Some signs that your bleeding may be abnormal include:
Abnormal uterine bleeding can have many causes, including a variety of medical conditions and even stress:
We will ask you several questions when working to diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding. These questions may include:
We may order several tests or procedures when diagnosing abnormal uterine bleeding. These tests may include:
A pregnancy test — A miscarriage causes heavy bleeding. You can test positive on a pregnancy test up to 35 days after a miscarriage. Light bleeding is also common in the early stages of pregnancy.
Blood tests — Your provider can check how your blood clots and do a complete blood count.
A thyroid test — Problems with your thyroid function may be a sign that there is also a problem with your ovary function that could be causing your bleeding.
Hormone levels test — Hormone imbalances may be causing your abnormal bleeding, or they may be a sign of a condition causing your bleeding.
A hysteroscopic exam — of your uterus lining (endometrium). This test checks for fibroids, polyps or signs of cancer.
A pelvic ultrasound — Imaging allows your provider to check for any growths in your reproductive organs that may be causing your bleeding.
A sonohysterogram — also called saline-infusion sonography, is a highly sensitive imaging procedure that can help your provider identify abnormal structures in your uterus, like polpys or fibroids.
A biopsy of your endometrium — Your provider can collect tissue samples from your uterus lining and check for signs of cancer or pre-cancer cells.
Your treatment depends on what’s causing your bleeding. Medications and surgical options are available to manage your bleeding or treat what’s causing it.
Medications used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding include:
Surgery used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding include:
There are several procedures available to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. Dr. Guerette is the most experienced surgical gynecologist for minimally invasive and robotic procedures in the region.
You can’t prevent many causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. But you can reduce your risk of certain conditions that lead to abnormal bleeding. For instance, maintaining a healthy weight plays a potential role in keeping your hormones balanced. Avoiding diets that contain a high amount of animal fat can reduce your risk of some cancers. Practicing safer sex can reduce your risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause abnormal uterine bleeding.
Schedule an appointment with us if you’re noticing abnormal uterine bleeding so we can address the underlying cause.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
If abnormal bleeding interferes with your quality of life, see us. You shouldn’t have to double up on menstrual products to manage your blood flow. You shouldn’t have to skip activities you enjoy or avoid going out in public because of heavy or unpredictable bleeding.
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