Hormone imbalances and other health issues can cause abnormal uterine bleeding
Normally, a woman’s period lasts up to eight days and occurs every 24 to 38 days. Bleeding outside of this time frame, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding after sex or bleeding that occurs after menopause are all abnormal. The experienced physicians at Athens ObGyn can expertly diagnose and treat women who are experiencing the frustration of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Why do women experience this problem?
Hormone imbalances as well as changes that occur when a woman reaches an age when she first starts or stops having a menstrual cycle can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. Other structural problems and conditions can also cause this issue.
- Uterine fibroids or polyps
- Issues with ovulation
- Adenomyosis, when endometrial tissue thickens and grows into the uterine wall
- Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
- Issues caused by birth control options like the pill or intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Uterine cancer or certain other cancers
- Issues that cause problems with blood clotting or bleeding disorders
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Diagnosing abnormal uterine bleeding
Several issues can cause uterine bleeding problems, so it’s vital to find physicians who have the experience and training to diagnose the cause of the problem. Our physicians use many tools to discover what is causing the abnormal bleeding. The diagnostic process starts with a discussion of medical history and menstrual cycles. It then includes a physical examination and bloodwork. Some patients may require additional tests such as the ones listed below.
- Ultrasound examination
- Hysteroscopy, which is a procedure where the physician inserts a thin instrument into the vagina. The lighted instrument provides a view of the inside of the uterus.
- A sonohysterogram also involves placing a thin tube inside the uterus, along with fluid, while taking ultrasound images to obtain a view of the inside of the uterus.
- An MRI or CT can provide images of the patient’s internal structures and organs.
Some patients may need an endometrial biopsy to evaluate their endometrial tissue.
Treating hormone imbalances and other issues that cause bleeding problems
Treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding depends on the cause of the problem. Many women respond to medications like birth control pills that address hormone imbalances. If medications don’t solve the problem, surgery may be necessary.
- Endometrial ablation is an option for women who do not want to have more children. The procedure destroys the uterine lining, which helps reduce or stop the bleeding.
- There are two procedures that help with fibroids, a cause of abnormal bleeding. Uterine artery embolization helps stop the blood flow to fibroids, reducing their growth. Our surgeons also can remove fibroids during a myomectomy.
- Certain conditions require a hysterectomy, a surgery to remove the uterus. In some cases, the surgeon also removes the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
The physicians and staff at Athens ObGyn always provide compassionate, expert care to patients who are dealing with abnormal bleeding. Contact us for an appointment.