The inside story—Abnormal uterine bleeding

Women experience abnormal uterine bleeding during their reproductive years. Many suffer in silence, as they do not realise that they are having abnormal menstrual flow.

When normal becomes abnormal

• If you are changing pads or tampons more often than every one or two hours, or having a period that lasts over seven days, it is not normal. 
• Clots in menstruation bother many women. Blood clots are normal.

Causes

• Usually adolescents and women approaching menopause experience abnormal uterine bleeding owing to hormonal imbalance.
• Another common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding is fibroid tumors. Other causes–

1. Cervical or endometrial polyps
2. LupusPelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
3. Cervical cancer
4. Endometrial cancer.
5. Women using intrauterine devices (IUDs) for birth control may also experience excessive or prolonged periods.

Medical evaluation

• A pelvic exam is the first step to determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, including a Pap smear and lab tests to check for any underlying causes, as well as a pregnancy test when appropriate.
• An ultrasound is often performed to check for any abnormalities.

Treatment

• Relief from abnormal uterine bleeding or menorrhagia is usually found by treating the either medical or physical (as in the case of an IUD) cause.
• Often progesterone and estrogen combination help in earning relief from abnormal bleeding which does not appear to be related to another underlying disease.
• Women who experience menorrhagia on a regular basis should be monitored closely for anemia and treatment with iron supplementation may be necessary.
• Often, severe bleeding is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These drugs sometimes help reduce bleeding, as well as menstrual cramps.
• § Unless you’re pregnant when you experience abnormal uterine bleeding, a single episode of heavy menstrual bleeding usually does not require treatment.
• The exception to this, however, is when excessive uterine bleeding continues for over 24 hours women should contact their gynecologists.
• Contact your gynaecologist any time you’re unsure about any reproductive health symptom you experience.

Related Posts

1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
2. Pap Smear Test
3. Bane of women – PID
4. Life After Hysterectomy
5. Fat Story