Abnormal uterine bleeding is not something to ignore. You may spot between periods or have unusually long or heavy cycles that interfere with your quality of life and can signal a serious medical concern. Visit Shirley Rigaud-Echols, MD, and the all-female team at Dekalb OB/GYN Affiliates in Decatur, Georgia, to determine the cause and find relief from abnormal bleeding. Call the office, or book an appointment online if you have concerns about uterine bleeding that’s outside your normal menstrual patterns.
The definition of abnormal uterine bleeding is bleeding that occurs outside the “normal” menstrual cycle. Every woman’s cycle is different, but in general, the average cycle lasts approximately five days and occurs every 21-35 days.
Symptoms that suggest your bleeding is abnormal include:
Abnormal uterine bleeding can keep you from engaging in normal everyday activities, including work and school, and severe cramping may accompany the bleeding. Uterine bleeding should never interrupt your day-to-day life, which is why Dekalb OB/GYN Affiliates offers successful treatments for abnormal uterine bleeding.
Abnormal uterine bleeding is not only inconvenient and disruptive, but it can also cause anxiety. You may feel anxious that you’ll have an “accident” and bleed through clothing. It can disrupt sleep as you have to get up so often during the night to change your hygiene product.
Abnormal bleeding can also indicate that you have a medical issue that needs attention from a gynecology specialist such as those at Dekalb OB/GYN Affiliates. Abnormal uterine bleeding is a true health concern.
Regular heavy bleeding during or between periods increases your risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia, with symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, hair loss, and brittle nails. Getting an answer as to why you have abnormal bleeding helps you find relief and live a more normal life.
Many issues that affect your reproductive organs can cause irregular or abnormal bleeding. Possible causes include:
In very rare cases, abnormal uterine bleeding can be a symptom of certain types of cancer.
Your provider at Dekalb OB/GYN Affiliates first completes a thorough physical exam, pelvic exam, and review of your health history to determine the cause of abnormal bleeding. They may also order screening tests, such as ultrasound, blood and urine tests, and an MRI.
They then work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Hormone therapy, including birth control pills, may help if bleeding is due to PCOS or menopause. If you have a condition such as endometriosis or fibroids, minimally invasive surgery may resolve the issue.
If you experience irregular periods and abnormal bleeding, call Dekalb OB/GYN Affiliates, or schedule an appointment online for an evaluation.
