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Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Guidelines

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a condition in which a woman bleeds from her uterus at an unexpected time or in a way that is unusual for her. For example, bleeding between periods, a period that is heavier longer-lasting than normal, bleeding after sexual intercourse, clots or spots in the menstrual blood and any bleeding after menopause may all be considered abnormal uterine bleeding.

  1. Treatments

    • Your gynecologist must diagnose the underlying problem before she can select a treatment for you. Causes of abnormal uterine bleeding can include hormonal imbalance such as an abnormality in your body's production of estrogen and progesterone, a thyroid problem, infection or polyps on your cervix. Once your doctor does tests to assess the the nature of abnormal uterine bleeding is, she will administer appropriate treatments. These treatments may include medication, hormones or surgery.

    Medication

    • There are a range of oral medications available to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. Your doctor will prescribe these medications based your medical history, level of stress, eating habits and other parameters. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, many doctors will prescribe painkillers such as ibuprofen to control bleeding, as well as to relieve cramps. A course of antibiotics can also help if your abnormal bleeding is caused by infection.

    Hormones

    • Your doctor may prescribe hormones if your problem is caused by hormonal imbalance. A prescription for birth control pills is one method of administering hormones in order to regulate the menstrual cycle. Your doctor may also inject hormones into an intrauterine device that is implanted into your uterus. The IUD gradually releases hormones into your uterus to contain bleeding. Most women experience heavier bleeding when first given these hormones before the menstrual cycle returns to normal.

    Surgery

    • If fiborids or polyps are causing your abnormal uterine bleeding, your doctor may perform surgery to remove them, often through a minimally invasive hysteroscopy procedure. In some cases your doctor may use a procedure called endometrial ablation, in which a laser is used to destroy the lining of the uterus and permanently stop the bleeding. This may leave you unable to conceive children, however. Hysterectomy, another potential mode of treatment, involves removing your uterus from your body. This is advised only in extreme cases, when all other lines of treatment have been exhausted or where abnormal uterine bleeding is caused by cancer.

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