Garbba Rakshambigai Fertility Centre has a team of experienced doctors who give a thorough understanding about Abnormal uterine bleeding, how it is caused and the treatment involved. The right treatment at the right time is needed to control the bleeding.
In order to understand what Abnormal uterine bleeding is, it is important to know what is meant by a medically normal menstrual cycle. Your menstrual cycle is said to be normal, when uterine bleeding occurs regularly between every 21- 35 days and is not excessive, associated with tolerable lower abdominal and lower back pain, which usually lasts up to 7 days.
Abnormal bleeding occurs when any of the following situations arise:
• Bleeding heavier or for more days
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding after menopause
• Excessive passage of clots.
• Lack of menses for 3-6 months
From young girls, adolescents, pre and post-menopausal women, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) can affect women belonging to all age groups. The causes differ depending upon the age group. The causes for different women vary as follows:
Young girls : In young girls, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is often caused by application of external irritants or foreign bodies in the vagina. Those who have a bleeding disorder right from the time of their birth, have a tendency to bleed heavily from menses and this may be the first time that the bleeding problem is identified. Those who belong to this age group rarely face cancer related bleeding.
Adolescents : In adolescents, hormonal causes are more common. For controlled menstruation, a regulated interplay of hormones is required. Hormonal disturbances may also lead to imbalance in the menstrual process and thus result in abnormal bleeding. In addition to imbalances of the reproductive hormones, other hormonal problems like thyroid can cause abnormal bleeding.
Reproductive age : In women who belong to the reproductive age, hormonal causes predominate. Growths within the uterus like polyps or fibroids are the other causes. However, there are certain medications can also cause abnormal bleeding. When you consult a doctor, make sure that you carry the medicines along. The pregnancy related complications need to be considered in all women in this age group. Women with endometriosis (the growth of uterine tissue outside the uterine cavity) are often said to have heavy and painful periods.
Post-menopausal : In post-menopausal women, once the hormonal support is lost, the reproductive tract becomes dry and may bleed in an abnormal manner. Cancer is an important cause of bleeding in this age group and all postmenopausal women with abnormal bleeding should seek medical help at the earliest. As older women tend to be on many medications, it is important to check the list of medicines before coming to a final conclusion regarding the cause of abnormal bleeding.
The initial stage of evaluation includes complete history and a thorough examination by a qualified gynecologist. Laboratory testing may be done to find out the effect of the bleeding on the haemoglobin levels, bleeding disorders, hormonal disturbances etc. An ultrasound scan may reveal the presence of lumps in the uterus, which is responsible for the bleeding problem or pregnancy related problems. Other tests that are often done in cases with abnormal uterine bleeding include, hysteroscopy to look inside the uterus and endometrial biopsy where a sample of uterine tissue is sent for microscopic examination.
The treatment of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) will be dependent on the causes. Most cases with hormonal causes for the abnormal bleeding can be treated with the usage of hormonal medicines. A haematologist is required to evaluate and manage bleeding disorders. In case the medical therapy fails, the patient may have to undergo surgical treatment. In rare cases, the uterus need to be removed if the bleeding is uncontrolled with medicines and taking a toll on the general health. At Garbba Rakshambigai Fertility Centre, we take every effort to preserve the uterus in premenopausal women and resort to hysterectomy only in exceptional cases.
Talk to us if you have any queries on abnormal bleeding issues. We have an expertized team to guide you on the causes, symptoms and treatment methods.
