Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

What Is abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) refers to uterine bleeding that is abnormal in quantity, duration or frequency.

This includes periods that occurs more often than every 21 days, less frequent than 35 days, lasting longer than 8 days, heavy bleeding that interferes with daily activities, or intermenstrual bleeding.

When does AUB occur?

AUB can occur at any age. It is common around the age of the first period (called menarche), and as women approach menopause (known as perimenopausal), however regardless of your age, it is important to be assessed.

How can I manage my abnormal bleeding?

The best option to manage your abnormal bleeding depends on what is the most bothersome symptom for you. For example, solutions for frequent or infrequent periods may be quite different to heavy or intermenstrual bleeding. The choice of management also depends on several factors including how troublesome your bleeding is for you and how significant your blood loss is for your body. Mikhaila will discuss the exact cause and potential solutions, along with their efficacy, benefits, side effects and risks will be discussed with you and together we can choose the best solution for you.

Lifestyle

If you have heavy or frequent periods, it is important to ensure you have enough iron in your diet. Iron is important for your body, and a significant amount is lost whenever you have a heavy or prolonged periods. Iron rich foods include red meat and spinach. If your diet doesn’t contain much iron, or if you have low iron on your blood tests, iron supplements may be required.

Medications

Non hormonal medications:

These are tablets can be used for heavy (or painful) periods. They are not helpful to manage an irregular period. Tranexamic acid is a medication that helps the blood to clot and is useful in those with heavy bleeding. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are most useful in those with heavy and painful periods.

Hormonal medications:

These medications contain progesterone and/or estrogen, which are similar to the hormones your ovaries naturally produce. They come in many forms including tablets, injections, a small implant that is inserted under the skin, and an intrauterine device that is inserted into the uterus. If you choose hormonal tablets, you must take a tablet every day of the month, rather than just when your period occurs. These options can improve heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular bleeding (although some can worsen this), and premenstrual symptoms such as bloating, irritability, headaches, and can provide effective contraception.

Surgery 

Depending on the cause of your AUB, surgery may be recommended. Surgery can include resection of a polyp or fibroid, ablation to destroy the lining of the uterus (which is only an option after childbirth), removing or shrinking fibroids or hysterectomy.

When should I see Mikhaila?

If your period is interfering with your life because it is heavy, or if you have other features of abnormal bleeding, please give us a call to make an appointment with Mikhaila.