Facing issues with your period? Understanding abnormal uterine bleeding could be the answer
Understand what abnormal uterine bleeding is, along with the causes, diagnosis and treatment options suggested by Dr Vinuta, co-founder and deputy medical director at Athreya Hospital
From bleeding between periods to bleeding after menopause, abnormal uterine bleeding can manifest in various ways. (Source: Freepik)
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is described as a condition where women experience unusual bleeding which is not part of the regular menstrual cycle. This can occur in the form of bleeding or spotting between periods, bleeding after intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular periods, or bleeding after menopause.
To understand more about this condition, its symptoms, causes and treatment, we spoke to Dr Vinuta, co-founder and deputy medical director at Athreya Hospital, who said, “Normal menstrual periods typically occur every 25-35 days and last for 3-5 days. The flow is usually moderate, with an average blood loss of around 30-80 ml.” Abnormal uterine bleeding, she explained, refers to any bleeding outside of this pattern. This can include:
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Extremely heavy periods with large clots, requiring frequent pad changes (more than 5-6 per day)
Underlying causes of abnormal uterine bleeding
In case of abnormal uterine bleeding, Dr Vinuta suggests that there can be several underlying causes that can contribute to this. Some common ones include:
Hormonal imbalance
This can be caused by conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or anovulatory cycles (when ovulation doesn’t occur).
Structural issues
These may include uterine fibroids (non-cancerous tumours), polyps (growths on the uterine lining), or adenomyosis (uterine tissue growing in the muscle wall).
Bleeding disorders
In some cases, certain underlying bleeding disorders can contribute to abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Cancer
While less common, abnormal uterine bleeding can sometimes be a symptom of uterine cancer, and one should get it tested as soon as possible.
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Get yourself checked by a medical professional if you suspect that you may have symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding. (Source: Freepik)
Diagnostic tests or examinations for abnormal uterine bleeding
Several tests can help diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding, Dr Vinuta shares, however the accuracy depends on the specific situation, but these tests often provide a clear picture to your doctor:
Clinical examination: This includes a discussion of your medical history and a physical examination, focusing on the pelvic area.
Pelvic ultrasound: This painless imaging test uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and ovaries.
Blood tests: These can assess hormone levels and screen for other underlying conditions.
Hysteroscopy: A thin, lighted scope is inserted into the uterus to examine the uterine lining directly.
Biopsy: A small tissue sample may be taken from the cervix or endometrial lining for further analysis.
Available treatment options for managing abnormal uterine bleeding
The treatment approach for abnormal uterine bleeding depends on your age, the underlying cause, and the severity of your symptoms. Common treatment options according to Dr Vinuta include:
Medical management
NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) for pain relief.
Birth control pills or hormonal therapy to regulate menstrual cycles.
Hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) for localised hormonal treatment.
GnRH agonists (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists) to temporarily suppress ovulation and bleeding.
Surgical management
Hysteroscopic polyp removal for removing polyps within the uterus.
