Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding is a condition which can sadly affect women of every age. It is one of the more common reasons for visits to a gynecologist and can have a range of causes. Occasionally the cause could be straightforward to treat, while at times the treatment can be difficult.
Diagnosis of the precise cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding will be the first stage of treatment; in this article I am going to discuss what can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding in the first place, how a diagnosis can be made, and eventually, the treatment strategies available.
Unusual Uterine Bleeding Symptoms
If you’re experiencing any kind of uterine bleeding which is not the same as your usual pattern, you should consider consulting your gynecologist. If you discover you are bleeding between periods or are experiencing heavier amounts than normal, or are bleeding for a longer period than normal, these are all considered as abnormal. Bleeding after sex, light spotting in the month and postmenopausal bleeding are also reasons for concern. Consult your gynecologist regarding the symptoms you have.
A menstrual cycle begins on the first day of bleeding and ends on the first day of the next period. Unusual monthly cycles can be outlined as:
- A cycle lasting more than thirty-five days
- A cycle lasting less than twenty-one days
- Lack of periods for three to six months (also called amenorrhea)
Unusual bleeding may occur at many stages of a woman’s life. The following scenarios are very common:
- Irregular periods in the first few years (ages 9″16)
- Shortened cycles in the mid-thirties
- Shortened cycles and varying volumes of bleeding close to the menopause (approx. Age 50)
Classic reasons for abnormal uterine bleeding
Since there can be lots of reasons behind symptoms of heavy vaginal bleeding, a gynecologist will usually begin by getting rid of causes which are probably going to affect a lady around your age. In the final analysis all possibilities need to checked totally; many conditions are fast and easy to treat, whereas others could be more serious.
Thyroid conditions and certain types of medication infrequently lead directly to a deficiency or surplus of various hormones; this could regularly be the main cause of heavy vaginal bleeding. Weird bleeding patterns regularly happen when pregnant, before or after a miscarriage, and also in examples of ectopic pregnancies. There are a number of other scenarios which may open the way to a diversion from your usual bleeding routine. They are:
- The presence of fibroids
- The presence of polyps
- intrauterine device
(IUD) methods of contraception
- Infection of the uterus or cervix
- Issues with blood clotting
- Certain cancers like those of the uterus, cervix and vagina
- Certain chronic medical sicknesses — e.g.: diabetes, thyroid conditions
The diagnosis
Diagnosing the explanation for the difficulty will be greatly helped if you’re able to provide your gynecologist with the maximum amount of the following information as possible:
- Medical history (and that of your family)
- Your use of medicines
- Your utilisation of contraception
- Weight, exercise and diet
- Levels of stress
A highly helpful habit to adopt, whether you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, is to keep a diary of your monthly cycle. You need to make a note of such details as:
- The dates of your periods
- The length of you periods
- The sort of bleeding — heavy, average, light, spotting or none.
A physical exam will be undertaken by your gynecologist who could also organize for a blood test to be performed (this can find out what your hormone levels are and also eliminate the likelihood of a blood disease being the cause of your problem). Your OB GYN may also have you tested to learn if you have fallen pregnant and, dependent on how you describe your symptoms and the judgment of your health practitioner, bear various other investigative examinations. There are three kinds of procedure that may be performed:
Imaging:
There are three sorts of imaging methods available. First, a picture of the pelvic area can be built by passing sound waves through the body (ultrasound) and second, a similar technique is employed, this time after fluid has been injected into the uterus through a miniscule tube generally known as a catheter. The second technique is sometimes known as sonohysterography.
A traditional X-ray may also be taken after a. Dye has been introduced to the uterus and fallopian tubes — this is known as hysterosalpingography.
Visual examination:
Hysteroscopy involves the insertion into the uterus of an optical device thru which your gynecologist is able to visually examine you, while a laparoscopy allows an identical enquiry, this time of the abdomen, thru a small incision near to or on your naval.
Sampling:
There are 2 systems of removing small amounts of tissue from the body to try a laboratory exam. An endometrial biopsy is a process whereby a tiny catheter is placed in the uterus to remove the sample, and dilation and curettage (D&C) is the method of either scraping or suctioning a sample from the lining of the uterus after the opening to the cervix has been enlarged.
Treatments
Depending on your age, the cause of the difficulty and your plans per having a family, you may be prescribed medicine, surgery or no instant action. Whatever course is taken, it is likely you will have to return for another exam and tests to appraise your progress.
Hormone treatment
Your future plans and you age will determine the types of hormones you may be given. At first, your periods may be heavier, but after a couple of months, hormones can be exceedingly effective at controlling heavy uterine bleeding.
Birth control tablets will generally help to establish a regular cycle and hormones can be administered in several techniques. Injections and creams are common, as well as the gentle release of hormones through an IUD placed inside the uterus.
If your surprising bleeding is a result of endometrial hyperplasia (a thickening of the uterus walls), progesterone can help alleviate and prevent it. Menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding can be effectively treated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, etc.), whereas if your diagnosed as having an infection, you'll be prescribed antibiotics.
Surgery
Tiny medical techniques are sometimes enough to remove polyps and fibroids, though your problem may need endometrial ablation. Here, the walls of the uterus are permanently wiped out (eliminating bleeding), with the result the woman may no longer able to become pregnant.
If all else fails, it is possible to fully remove the womb (hysterectomy). This is believed to be major surgery, leading to the conclusion of periods and no likelihood of having youngsters.
In conclusion
Very often the reasons behind abnormal vaginal bleeding are easy to diagnose and efficiently neutralized with medication. You need to visit your gynecologist if you are experiencing strange cycles and once again if the symptoms persist even after treatment.
Doctor. Lisa P. Otey is Houston OBGYN who focuses on heavy menstrual bleeding. Her practice is restricted to gynecology patients which makes it easier for patients to get centered and dedicated care to gynecology issues.
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