What is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

1. ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING (AUB) What is abnormal uterine bleeding? Abnormal uterine bleeding is bleeding between monthly periods, prolonged bleeding or an extremely heavy period. This can be caused by hormone changes, cancer, fibroids, polyps or early pregnancy. What are the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding? The type of causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, which include: Structural Cause: Polyp Adenomyosis Leiomyoma Malignancy Non-structural Cause: Coagulopathy Ovulatory Endometrial Iatrogenic Not otherwise classified (Ishmocele) What are the symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding? Vaginal bleeding between periods is one symptom of abnormal uterine bleeding. Having extremely heavy bleeding during your period can also be considered abnormal uterine bleeding. Very heavy bleeding during a period and/or bleeding that lasts more than 7 days is called menorrhagia. For example, women may bleed enough to soak through 1 or more tampons or sanitary pads every hour. A variety of things can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. Pregnancy is a common cause. Polyps or fibroids (small and large growths) in the uterus can also cause bleeding. Rarely, a thyroid problem, infection of the cervix, or cancer of the uterus can cause abnormal uterine bleeding.

2. In most women, abnormal uterine bleeding is caused by a hormone imbalance. When hormones are the problem, doctors call the problem dysfunctional uterine bleeding, or DUB. Abnormal bleeding caused by hormone imbalance is more common in teenagers or in women who are approaching menopause. How abnormal uterine bleeding is diagnosed? An ultrasound exam of your pelvic area shows both the uterus and the ovaries. It may show the cause of your bleeding. For a proper diagnosis, doctor advices test for diagnosis may depend on your age. If you could be pregnant, your doctor may advice a pregnancy test. If your bleeding is heavy, in addition to other tests, doctor may want to check your blood count to make sure you don’t have a low blood count from the blood loss. This could lead to iron deficiency and anemia. You may also need other tests, which include: Hysteroscopy Endometrial biopsy How abnormal uterine bleeding is treated? There are several gynaecological treatment options for abnormal bleeding. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on your age, and whether you want to get pregnant in the future. She will help you decide which treatment is right for you.