Up to one-third of women experience abnormal uterine bleeding during their lifetime. While sometimes it’s just your hormones being dramatic, other times abnormal uterine bleeding can point to things like fibroids, polyps, or other underlying health concerns.
Knowing what’s normal (and what’s not) can help you decide when it’s time to call your doctor, rather than simply stocking up on extra pads.
See board-certified OB/GYN Daniel Esteves, MD, and the staff at his private practice in Lawrenceville and Loganville, Georgia, if you struggle with abnormal uterine bleeding.
Abnormal uterine bleeding is any type of menstrual bleeding that’s considered atypical. For example, you might experience bleeding that is very heavy, long, short, nonexistent, or irregular.
Typical menstrual periods last about five days and appear every 21-35 days. Periods that fall outside of these general characteristics may be abnormal and warrant a pelvic exam and diagnostic testing, such as an ultrasound, with Dr. Esteves.
While abnormal bleeding isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, some gynecological and overall health issues are associated with menstruation changes, so it’s best to get checked out to rule out or detect potentially serious women’s health problems before complications arise.
The following symptoms indicate abnormal menstrual bleeding:
You might also feel weak or tired due to anemia that develops because of losing too much blood (heavy menstrual bleeding).
The following underlying conditions can lead to abnormal uterine bleeding:
Some of these potential causes warrant treatment, which is why seeing Dr. Esteves for an evaluation is critical to optimize your overall health and well-being.
If you meet the criteria above for abnormal uterine bleeding, see Dr. Esteves for a pelvic exam, Pap test if necessary, imaging, or other diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of abnormal menstruation and receive any necessary treatments.
He may suggest altering your birth control or medication regimen, undergoing hormone therapy, seeking treatment to better manage an STD or chronic disease, taking dietary supplements to correct anemia, or undergoing a gynecological procedure to treat abnormalities or reduce heavy bleeding.
Dr. Esteves tailors abnormal uterine bleeding treatments to match your health history and goals, helping you avoid severe complications. Early detection and treatment is vital to maintaining optimal women’s health.
Schedule an abnormal uterine bleeding evaluation today with Dr. Daniel Esteves by contacting us online or by phone.
