Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treatment

Abnormal bleeding refers to any unusually heavy uterine bleeding that occurs throughout your monthly menstrual cycle, either during or between your expected periods.

Extremely heavy bleeding that lasts more than seven days during your period is called menorrhagia. For the average woman, soaking through more than one tampon or sanitary pad an hour is considered to be heavy and abnormal.

Although light spotting between periods is common in many women, it’s important to contact your gynecologist if you are suddenly experiencing heavy or irregular bleeding — even if it happens during your period.

At certain times in a woman’s life, it is not unusual for the menstrual cycle to be irregular.

There are many causes of abnormal uterine bleeding including:

• Pregnancy
• Thyroid and other endocrine problems
• Blood disorders such as Von Willebrand Disease
• Polyps or fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Perimenopause hormonal imbalance
• Endometriosis
• Infection of the uterus
• Ovarian or uterine cancer
• Hormonal birth control (pills or IUDs)
• Stress or anxiety
• Eating disorders
• Sudden weight gain or loss

Dr. Azer offers a wide variety of treatment options for abnormal bleeding, depending on the root cause and severity of your condition.

For many, the treatment may be as simple as reducing stress, though others may require a more invasive treatment like a surgical procedure.

A few common treatment options for abnormal bleeding include:

Birth control pills
Birth control pills contain hormones that prevent the lining of your uterus from becoming overly thick, often resulting in shorter, lighter periods.

Intrauterine device (IUD)
Like birth control pills, an IUD releases hormones in the body that prevent pregnancy and may also reduce heavy or abnormal bleeding.

Endometrial ablation
Endometrial ablation is a surgical procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus to stop heavy or irregular bleeding in women. Unlike a hysterectomy, this procedure does not require a complete removal of the uterus.

Hysterectomy
Although rare, a complete removal of the uterus may be the only option for women experiencing abnormal bleeding caused by serious conditions like uterine fibroids, severe endometriosis or uterine cancer.