Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Causes, Types and When to See a Gynecologist

Introduction -
Not everyone has perfectly timed periods. Sometimes it comes a few days in advance, or later. It's easy to brush it off as a hormonal change, or stress induced. But if it happens more often than you would like, it shouldn't be ignored or just casually attributed to a stressful life or bad lifestyle. Apart from temporary hormonal changes, there could be other causes too- like PCOS, fibroids, etc.
Uterine bleeding that's abnormal differs from the usual menstrual cycle with respect to the frequency and amount. Women of any age can be affected - at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, during their reproductive age or much later- towards menopause.
What Is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is unusual bleeding either during periods, after sex, after menopause, or anything that is NOT normally supposed to occur.
You may notice AUB in several ways:
- Heavy bleeding during periods that require you to change your menstrual product many times in a day
- Passing large sized blood clots
- Bleeding for more than seven days
- Unpredictable menstrual cycle
- Spotting between periods
- Bleeding after sex
AUB is just a symptom. Why AUB happens is worth finding out to help you figure out the right treatment.
What Causes Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
There are many reasons why uterine bleeding happens. For simpler understanding, let's split it into two categories- PALM and COEIN respectively.
PALM denotes structural causes and stands for Polyps, Adenomyosis, Leiomyoma, Malignancy. COEIN represents no structural causes, stands for Coagulopathy, Ovulatory Dysfunction, Endometrial, Iatrogenic, Not yet classified.
For PALM-
- Polyps are the growths happening on the inner lining of your uterus. This can sometimes cause bleeding or spotting between your periods.
- Sometimes, the inner uterine lining can grow into the uterus' muscle wall and can cause heavy periods. This is called Adenomyosis.
- Non cancerous muscle tumours also can cause heavy periods, and when this happens, it's called Leiomyoma also known as fibroids.
For COEIN-
- In non structural causes, Coagulopathy represents bleeding or clotting disorders, like Willebrand disease.
- Ovulatory dysfunction can also happen due to PCOS, thyroid disease, stress, weight changes, and so on.
- When the lining of the uterus isn't working properly, it can cause clotting and inflammation which is localised to the endometrial region.
- If medication like blood thinners or birth control devices like IUD brings about side effects, it is classified as Iatrogenic.
- Sometimes a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammation disease or endometritis can also cause AUB.
When Is Bleeding An Emergency?
If your bleeding causes you to faint or experience dizziness, you need emergency medical care. If you suspect a pregnancy and have abdominal pain or pelvic pain, you need to be admitted immediately. AUB after menopause also needs immediate medical care.
Managing PCOS-Related Bleeding-
If AUB is happening due to PCOS, first the doctor will try to reduce the symptoms of PCOS and focus on making your periods more regular. If pregnancy is not the first goal here, regulating periods, focusing on the uterine lining and taking care of concerns relating to metabolism will be prioritised. If you are planning to conceive, then the treatment route may be different and your doctor will plan it in such a way that fertility assessment is also taken into consideration.
Understanding Your Symptoms Is The First Step-
AUB can be attributed to a lot of reasons. Some are pretty much straightforward and some others may need a few rounds of testing and treatments to find out the underlying cause. It is important for you to note the pattern in your menstrual cycles, how much you are bleeding, are you clotting, or are you bleeding after menopause, frequency, etc., because having this info handy could help with your consultation.
Get in touch with our specialists at Feminova Clinics in Chandanagar, Nallagandla or elsewhere to learn more!
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What is considered abnormal uterine bleeding?
Abnormal uterine bleeding includes periods that are unusually heavy, prolonged or irregular, as well as bleeding between periods or after sex. If you notice these changes, a Gynecologist in Nallagandla or a Gynecologist near Nallagandla can help investigate the cause.
Can PCOS cause abnormal uterine bleeding?
Yes. PCOS can interfere with ovulation, leading to irregular periods or unpredictable bleeding. Searching for PCOS treatment in Hyderabad, a PCOS Clinic Near Me or a Top PCOS Specialist in Hyderabad may help you explore relevant care.
When should I see a doctor for heavy or irregular periods?
Seek medical advice if your periods regularly last longer than seven days, become unusually heavy, occur unpredictably or interfere with daily life. Bleeding between periods or after sex should also be checked. A Gynecologist In Chandanagar, or a Gynecologist Near Chanda Nagar can assess your symptoms and recommend suitable investigations.
Can abnormal uterine bleeding affect pregnancy?
It can be associated with conditions such as PCOS or fibroids that may affect ovulation or reproductive health, but abnormal bleeding does not automatically mean infertility. If you are trying to conceive, a Fertility Clinic In Hyderabad can help coordinate an assessment.
Which fertility treatments are available if I have irregular periods and difficulty conceiving?
The appropriate treatment depends on whether the problem involves ovulation, the uterus, the fallopian tubes or another fertility factor. If you are exploring IUI Treatment in Hyderabad, ICSI Treatment in Hyderabad or an IVF Clinic In Hyderabad, first discuss your bleeding symptoms and complete the recommended evaluation.