Abnormal Uterine Bleeding - Symptoms, Risk factors and Treatment
Last Updated On Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in English
Under normal conditions, menstruation occurs every 21 to 35 days and lasts for 5 to 7 days approximately. Abnormal uterine bleeding is the one that occurs at the odd time, mostly other than the period. It can be described as the one that occurs in;
Occurs between monthly periods
Prolonged bleeding
Extremely heavy period
It can also occur as
As spotting or bleeding between your periods
For longer days than normal
Heavier than normal
After menopause
After sex
It can occur due to;
Hormone Changes
Cancer
Fibroids
Polyps
Early Pregnancy
Symptoms Of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
The signs and symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding may vary from person to person and according to its severity. They can be described as;
Unusually long periods for seven to ten days or longer
Inconsistent menstrual cycles
Menorrhagia- heavy menstrual bleeding
Bleeding at unusual times, like between periods, after sex, during menopause
Other symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding can be
Hirsutism- excessive growth of body hair in a male pattern
Hot flashes
Mood swings
Tenderness and dryness of the vagina
Causes
Abnormal uterine bleeding can occur due to hormonal imbalance. Hormones are the chemical messengers that your endocrine gland produces. They travel in your bloodstream and regulate many bodily functions. Your body has a normal level of each hormone. Any little change in their levels can cause health problems. The main job of hormones is to perform functions like the metabolism of carbohydrates through insulin release from the pancreas, estrogen, and progesterone in conception. Hormones play a role in many other processes like:
Sexual function in males and females
General growth and development in children till adulthood
Heart rate
Sleep cycles
Reproductive cycles
Body temperature
Mood and stress levels
Metabolism
Appetite
Mostly it can occur due to polycystic ovarian syndrome also known as PCOs. Polycystic ovarian syndrome may show the following signs and symptoms.
darkening of the skin, especially along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath the breasts
skin tags
pain during sex
night sweats
headaches
vaginal dryness
vaginal atrophy
heavy or irregular periods, including missed periods, a stopped period, or a frequent period
hirsutism- excessive hair on the face, chin, or other parts of the body
acne on the face, chest, or upper back
hair loss
Other causes of abnormal uterine bleeding are;
Thickening of the uterine wall
Thickening of uterine lining
Uterine fibroids
Uterine polyps
Cancer of the vagina
Bleeding disorders
Problem with blood clotting
Cancers of ovaries
Hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills or intrauterine devices- IUD
Infection of the cervix
Cancer of the uteru
Excessive weight gain or loss
Infection of the uterus
Cancer of the cervix
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Diagnosis
Abnormal uterine bleeding itself is a symptom of any underlying cause. To reach the final diagnosis the healthcare providers will perform tests like pap smear, pelvic examination and ultrasound. They may also order other tests like;
Fasting blood glucose
Complete blood count (CBC)
Blood clotting profile
Liver function tests (LFT)
Hormone tests, for FSH, LH, male hormone (androgen) levels, prolactin, and progesterone
Pregnancy test
Thyroid function tests
Treatment
For the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, the healthcare providers will treat the underlying cause. They may also prescribe options like;
Low-dose birth control pills
Hormone therapy
High-dose estrogen therapy Intrauterine device (IUD)- a device that releases the hormone progestin in the female reproductive system
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)- to relieve pain
Surgery
Conclusion
Under normal conditions, menstruation occurs every 21 to 35 days and lasts for 5 to 7 days approximately. Abnormal uterine bleeding is the one that occurs at the odd time, mostly other than the period. It can be described as the one that occurs between monthly periods or causes prolonged bleeding or extremely heavy periods.