Abnormal uterine bleeding can be a confusing and sometimes alarming experience, but it’s far more common than many realize. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether your period is “normal” or if spotting between cycles is something to worry about, you’re not alone. Many women experience changes in their menstrual patterns at some point, and understanding what’s typical and what’s not can make all the difference in managing your health and peace of mind.
A normal period is five days long and recurs every 21 to 35 days with an overall blood loss of two to eight tablespoons. Any deviation from this such as bleeding that is abnormally heavy, longer than seven days in duration, unpredictable, or occurring between periods constitutes abnormal uterine bleeding. Menorrhagia (heavy periods), menometrorrhagia (unpredictable or irregular bleeding), and intermenstrual bleeding (spotting between periods) all fall under this category. It’s particularly frequent in the first few years of menstruation and the period leading up to menopause, but it can occur at any age.
There are numerous reasons why women experience abnormal bleeding, and the vast majority are not life-threatening. Hormonal imbalances are usually the cause, particularly when the body is adapting to new stages such as puberty or perimenopause. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disease, and even stress or dramatic weight changes may disrupt hormones and cause irregular cycles or bleeding. Benign tumors such as fibroids, polyps, or adenomyosis can also disturb regular bleeding patterns, sometimes resulting in heavy or prolonged bleeding. Infections anything from a common yeast infection to the kind of sexually transmitted infection known as chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause bleeding between periods, particularly if accompanied by other atypical discharge, itching, or pain during sex.
Most causes are benign, but abnormal bleeding occasionally may foretell more serious disease. Uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancers, although less frequent, usually develop with abnormal bleeding as an initial manifestation. Women with specific medical illnesses, like diabetes or disorders of blood coagulation, are also more likely to experience abnormal bleeding. Some medications, such as blood thinners, some contraceptive agents, and hormone therapy, can contribute to this symptom as well.
Learning to recognize the warning signs of abnormal bleeding is important. If you find yourself bleeding through padsor tampons an hour, having to double up on protection, lasting more than a week, or experiencing bleeding after menopause or pregnancy, it’s time to speak with a healthcare provider. Other red flags include bleeding after sex, cycles that are consistently shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, or missing periods for three months or more (unless you’re pregnant or approaching menopause). Feeling unusually tired or weak could be a sign of anemia, which can result from chronic blood loss.
Diagnosing the reason for unusual bleeding often begins with an in-depth discussion of your symptoms and a physical examination, including a pelvic examination. Your health professional may query the timing and duration of your bleeding, how heavy it is, whether there is any pain associated with it, and other symptoms such as discharge or urinary changes. A record of your cycles the day they begin and end, how heavy the flow is, and any spotting can be very useful. Tests may involve blood tests to evaluate hormone levels and thyroid function, pelvic ultrasounds, Pap tests, biopsies, or infection tests. Occasionally, more specialized exams such as hysteroscopy or MRI are necessary to better understand what is going on.
Treatment is based on the underlying reason. Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, hormone-releasing IUDs, or other drugs, can regulate cycles and stop heavy bleeding. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen not only ease cramps but also reduce blood loss. In case of an infection, you are given antibiotics. In cases of structural problems such as fibroids or polyps, surgical solutions may be explored, from the minimally invasive to, in the rarest of instances, hysterectomy. The treatment decision usually considers your age, whether you desire children, and your general health.
It’s worth noting that although abnormal uterine bleeding is not often life-threatening, it never should be disregarded particularly if it’s severe, chronic, or accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, fever, or weakness. Bleeding during pregnancy or after menopause always requires urgent attention. By being knowledgeable and proactive, you can work with your doctor to get to the bottom of things and find solutions, keeping your reproductive health on track.
Related
