Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Brisbane | Dr Sharon Li Sunnybank

What is abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding is any unusual or excessive bleeding from the uterus through the vagina. It can occur any time during your usual monthly cycle, including during your menstrual period.

Symptoms and Causes

Bleeding between periods is one of the most common symptoms. Having an unusually heavy period can also be considered another symptom. Excessive bleeding during your period can be described as menstruation lasting longer than seven days and/or soaking through one or more sanitary items every hour.

Causes of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Polyps
Certain birth control pills
Hormone replacement therapy
Pregnancy
Hormonal imbalance

In rare cases, thyroid problames and cancer can be at the root of the problem. However, in the case of most women, a hormonal imbalance is often the cause. Abnormal uterine bleeding due to a hormonal imbalance can be common amongst teenagers or older women who are experiencing or approaching menopause.

Abnormal uterine bleeding before menopause

Women in their teens, 20’s and 30’s are likely experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding due to certain birth control pills or pregnancy. Some women do not release an egg during the ovulation period of their menstrual cycle, which can cause heavy bleeding – this is common amongst teenagers who have recently began menstruating.

Abnormal uterine bleeding during or after menopause

In the years during menopause, there are some months when women may not ovulate resulting in abnormal bleeding during menstruation. Thickening of the lining of the uterus experienced by women in their 40’s and 50’s is another cause.

Treatment for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

There are several treatment options for abnormal uterine bleeding. Treatment depends on age, cause and whether or not you wish to conceive in the future.

Birth Control Pills: Birth control pills can be a treatment option, though certain pills such as the progestin-only pill may be the cause, switching the dosage or changing the pill may treat the problem as contraceptive pills contain certain hormones that prevent the lining of the uterus from becoming too thick.
IUD: Another option is an intrauterine device (IUD), which is a small, contraceptive plastic device that your doctor inserts into your uterus through your vagina. One type of IUD releases hormones and this type can significantly reduce abnormal bleeding.
Hysterectomy: In extreme cases, Dr Sharon Li may suggest a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) provided you do not wish to get pregnant in the future. If this is a procedure you are considering, it is best to discuss the risks and benefits with Dr Sharon Li.
Endometrial Ablation: This is an alternative surgical procedure to a hysterectomy. Novasure Endometrial Ablation does not remove the uterus, instead, Dr Sharon Li can quickly and effectively surgically destroy the lining of the uterus.