​Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

What is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

A woman’s menstrual cycle usually occurs every 28 days, but can range between 24 and 35 days. Menstruation normally spans 5 days, but can range from 3 to 7 days.

Abnormal uterine bleeding is irregular bleeding from the uterus that lasts longer or is heavier than normal, or does not occur at your regular time.

For example, heavy bleeding during your period or spotting between periods could mean you have abnormal uterine bleeding.

What causes abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal bleeding can have many causes and occur at any age. It may be the sign of a gynecologic condition or other health problem.

Possible causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Fibroids and polyps
• Pre-cancerous growths or cancer of the uterus
• Use of certain contraceptives — birth control shots (Depo-Provera), implants (Nexplanon and Implanon), and intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Medications — especially anticoagulants (blood thinners) and anti-inflammatories
• Bleeding disorders
• Infection of the uterus or cervix
• Adenomyosis

Make an appointment at the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

If you have abnormal uterine bleeding or other gynecologic issues, contact the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at 412-641-6412 to make an appointment.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding can include:

• Menstrual periods lasting longer than 7 days.
• Spotting between menstrual cycles.
• Heavy periods that soak through a maxi pad or tampon in less than an hour.
• Bleeding that occurs after menopause, which is never normal. If this occurs, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosing abnormal uterine bleeding

Tests to diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding may include any or all of the following:

• Lab work.
• Ultrasound.
• Endometrial biopsy of the lining of the uterus — most often done in the doctor's office.
• Hysteroscopy — mostly done in the operating room — where your surgeon inserts a thin camera through the cervix to view the uterus.
• Dilation and curettage (D&C) — performed at the end of the hysteroscopy procedure — to obtain a tissue scraping of the lining of the uterus for study under a microscope.

Make an appointment at the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

If you have symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding, contact the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at 412-641-6412 to make an appointment.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treatment Options

At the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, we tailor treatment to your needs, goals, and the cause of your abnormal uterine bleeding.

Medicines for abnormal uterine bleeding

To control hormones, we may prescribe medical treatments such as:

• Birth control pills
• Birth control shots
• An intrauterine device (IUD)

Surgery for abnormal uterine bleeding

Surgical treatment options to remove growths that cause bleeding may include:

• Polypectomy to remove polyps
• Myomectomy to remove fibroids

Your surgeon may also advise a hysterectomy to remove the uterus.

Make an appointment at the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

To learn more about treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding or to make an appointment, contact the Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at 412-641-6412.