Abnormal uterine bleeding: symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding or PUA (Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)) is a condition that causes vaginal bleeding when you are not menstruating or having your period. The normal cycle of menstruation is triggered by signals from hormones.

Quoted from Harvard Health Publishing, dysfunctional uterine bleeding occurs when cycle hormone signals are disrupted. This can include alternating periods of weight and light.

How common is this condition?

Abnormal uterine bleeding or PUA is a condition that affects nearly every woman at least once in her life.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, this condition most commonly occurs during puberty and menopause, but can be experienced at any time when hormone levels in the body are out of balance.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding?

The most common symptom of abnormal uterine bleeding is bleeding that appears when you are not menstruating. However, this bleeding can also occur when you are menstruating. In such cases, you may experience:

• Very heavy menstrual bleeding
• Blood clots or there are large clots
• Bleeding more than seven days
• Bleeding that has occurred less than 21 days since your last period

Other PUA symptoms are:

• Blood spots appear
• Breasts feel soft and sensitive
• Geez

There may be some signs or symptoms that are not listed. If you have any concerns regarding symptoms, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Immediately see a doctor if you experience the following serious symptoms:

• Dizzy
• Fainting
• Limp
• Low blood pressure
• Heart rate increases
• Pale skin
• Pain
• A very large blood clot came out
• Have to change pads every hour

However, if you experience any symptoms or have any questions, contact your doctor immediately. Everyone's body is different so you should consult a doctor for the best treatment.

Cause

What causes abnormal uterine bleeding?

The main cause of abnormal uterine bleeding (PUA) is an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Women going through puberty and menopause may experience hormonal imbalance for months or years.

This can cause irregular bleeding. For example, heavy bleeding or just spotting. Usually blood appears brown, pink, or bright red.

Hormone imbalance can also be a side effect of certain medications or because you are undergoing hormone therapy itself.

Medical conditions

The medical conditions that often cause PUA are:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is an endocrine disorder that causes a woman's body to produce excess sex hormones. As a result, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are not balanced and the menstrual cycle becomes irregular.
• Endometriosis. This condition occurs when the uterine wall grows outside the uterus, for example on the ovaries. Endometriosis also often causes heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Uterine polyps. Polyps can appear in the uterus. Although the cause is unknown, this growth is greatly influenced by the hormone estrogen. The tiny blood vessels in the polyp can cause abnormal uterine bleeding.
• Uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids can appear on the uterus, uterine wall, or uterine muscles. Like polyps, the causes of uterine fibroids are not yet understood. However, again the hormone estrogen is very fighting.
• Venereal disease (sexually transmitted disease). Venereal diseases that cause sores such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. Bleeding is common after sex.

Drugs

Medicines that can cause PUA are:

• Family planning pills
• Hormonal drugs
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

To diagnose this condition, your doctor will ask about your medical history or menstrual cycle. This can help doctors predict reproductive disorders such as PCOS or endometriosis. If you are taking medications such as birth control pills, tell your doctor because this medicine can affect your condition.

The tests your doctor may ask to diagnose PUA are:

Ultrasound (USG)

Your doctor may order an ultrasound to observe your reproductive organs. This examination will reveal if there are abnormal growths such as polyps and fibroids. Ultrasound can also check for internal bleeding.

Blood test

Blood tests are done to check hormone levels and complete blood count. Your hormone levels can help determine the cause of bleeding. If you have heavy and prolonged bleeding, your blood count can tell if your red blood cells are too low. This can indicate anemia.

Endometrial biopsy

If there are abnormal growths, the lining of your uterus will usually thicken. So, the doctor will take a sample of uterine tissue for examination. A biopsy will show that there are abnormal cell changes. Unreasonable cell changes can indicate hormonal imbalances, cancer, etc.

How is abnormal uterine bleeding treated?

There are several treatments for abnormal uterine bleeding. Sometimes, when a girl is going through puberty, the doctor will not recommend any treatment. This is because later your hormone levels will be balanced again. The best treatment for you depends on the cause of the abnormal uterine bleeding.

The most common and simple treatment for PUA is a combination birth control pill that contains estrogen and progesterone. Both serve to regulate your menstrual cycle. Especially if you are not trying to get pregnant.

If the bleeding is too heavy and you cannot take birth control pills, you may be given an estrogen infusion until the bleeding subsides. This is usually followed by progestins to balance the hormones.

If you are trying to get pregnant and are not bleeding profusely, your doctor may prescribe a drug to stimulate ovulation, namely clomiphene or clomid. Stimulating ovulation can stop prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding accompanied by thickened uterine walls can be treated with procedures, namely dilation and curettage. This surgery is done by lifting or stretching part of the uterine wall.

If your uterine cells are abnormal, you may be asked to do an additional biopsy after treatment. If for example the cells are cancer cells, you may be advised to undergo a hysterectomy (remove the uterus). However, this is usually the last resort.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.