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What is normal uterine bleeding?
The normal length of a woman’s menstrual cycle is usually 24-35 days. Normal uterine bleeding lasts about a week.
What is considered abnormal bleeding?
Any time outside of a woman’s menstrual cycle that uterine bleeding occurs, it is considered abnormal.
Examples of Menorrhagia (heavy periods) may include:
- Bleeding or spotting between menstruation
- Bleeding or spotting after intercourse
- Heavy bleeding during your period
- Menstrual cycles longer than 38 days or shorter than 24 days
- Irregular periods lasting longer than 7 days
- Post-menopausal bleeding
What causes abnormal bleeding?
- Fibroids
- Polyps
- Adenomyosis
- Bleeding disorders
- Problems linked to IUDs or birth control pills
- Miscarriage
- Ovulation issues
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Uterine Cancer
How is abnormal bleeding diagnosed?
Your OB/GYN will review your menstrual cycle history. This includes the dates, length and flow amount. A physicial exam will also be performed. Blood tests will be done to check blood count and hormone levels to rule out blood diseases. Lastly, pregnancy and STD/SDI checks will be performed.
Additional Tests
Further tests performed to diagnose abnormal bleeding:
- Ultrasound exam
- Hysteroscopy
- Endometrial biopsy
- Sonohysterography
- MRI and/or CT Scan
Medications
Medications used to help control abnormal bleeding include:
- Antibiotics
- Tranexamic acid
- Hormonal birth control methods
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists
Procedures
If medication doesn’t help, a surgical procedure may be needed.
- Endometrial Ablation
- Uterine Artery Embolization
- Hysterectomy