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Abnormal uterine bleeding could be a sign of an underlying gynecological problem. At Raul Rojas, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology in The Woodlands, Texas, skilled OB/GYN specialist Raul Rojas, MD, determines the root cause of abnormal bleeding in women and provides effective treatment recommendations. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.
What is abnormal bleeding?
Abnormal bleeding, or dysfunctional uterine bleeding, is a condition that affects some women — often in their childbearing years. It’s described as:
- Irregular periods
- Menstruation lasting longer than usual
- Heavy uterine bleeding
- Lighter-than-usual periods
- Irregular flow patterns
- Bleeding or spotting between periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Uterine bleeding after menopause
- Painful periods
- Periods occurring less than 28 days apart
- Periods appearing more than 35 days apart
- Bleeding that lasts more than seven days
- Passing large blood clots
- Soaking through a tampon or pad every hour for 2-3 hours in a row
You might also develop mood swings, hot flashes, fatigue, excess body hair, vaginal dryness, or vaginal tenderness along with abnormal bleeding.
While not necessarily a cause for concern, sometimes, abnormal bleeding can become debilitating or indicate a women’s health problem.
Turn to Raul Rojas, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology at the first sign of a problem to detect or rule out gynecological conditions.
What is considered normal uterine bleeding?
While normal menstruation varies from woman to woman, the average woman’s period appears every 28 days. It’s typical to have a menstrual cycle every 24-34 days, lasting 4-7 days. When in their 40s, women may begin to have periods less often. Teenage girls might have a period every 21-45 days.
What may cause abnormal uterine bleeding?
Abnormal uterine bleeding may occur because of one or more of the following risk factors:
- Hormone level changes
- Menopause
- Uterine fibroids
- Thickening of the uterine wall
- Uterine polyps
- Extreme weight loss
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Hormonal birth control
- Problems with blood clotting
- Bleeding disorders
- Excessive weight gain
- Cervix and uterine infections
- Uterine, cervical, vaginal, and ovarian cancers
- Thyroid diseases
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Endometriosis
Abnormal bleeding is more common among premenopausal women, teenagers, and those who are overweight.
How is abnormal bleeding diagnosed?
Dr. Rojas discusses your symptoms and medical history to determine if you have dysfunctional uterine bleeding. He checks your vital signs and completes a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, to screen for signs of health problems. You might undergo blood testing, hormone testing, STD testing, a pregnancy test, Pap test, biopsy, hysteroscopy, or an ultrasound to determine the underlying cause of abnormal bleeding.
How is abnormal bleeding treated?
Treating abnormal bleeding depends on its cause and severity. You might take low-dose birth control pills, undergo hormone therapy, take prescription medications, or receive an intrauterine device (IUD).
If fibroids or polyps cause dysfunctional uterine bleeding, you might undergo gynecological surgery. Iron supplements help treat anemia in women with heaving bleeding. A hysterectomy removes the uterus, and endometrial ablation destroys the uterine lining to eliminate bothersome heavy menstrual bleeding.
Schedule an evaluation at Raul Rojas, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology by phone or request one online today to get treated for abnormal bleeding.