Understanding Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: When Your Period Isn’t ‘Normal’
For many women, understanding their menstrual cycle is key to their overall well-being. But what happens when your period goes off script? This is where “Abnormal Uterine Bleeding” (AUB) comes in – a common concern that affects countless women, from teenagers to those nearing menopause. If you’re experiencing unusual bleeding, know that you’re not alone, and there are solutions for painful periods and irregular cycles available.
What is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)?
Simply put, AUB is any bleeding from your uterus that’s different from your usual menstrual period. This could mean:
- Bleeding between periods: Spotting or heavier bleeding when you’re not expecting your period.
- Periods that are much heavier than usual: Soaking through pads or tampons every hour for several hours, or passing large blood clots.
- Periods that last much longer than usual: Bleeding for more than seven days.
- Periods that are very irregular: Your cycle length changes dramatically from month to month, or periods come too frequently (less than 21 days apart) or too rarely (more than 35 days apart).
- Bleeding after sex.
- Any bleeding after menopause.
While some variations in your cycle can be normal, especially for young girls just starting their periods or women in perimenopause, persistent or concerning changes warrant attention from a women’s health specialist.
Why Does AUB Happen? Common Causes
AUB can have various causes, and figuring out the root problem is the first step toward effective treatment. Often, it’s linked to hormone imbalances, which can occur during puberty or as you approach menopause. Conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) are a common culprit for hormonal irregularities leading to AUB.
Other reasons can include:
- Uterine fibroids or polyps: These are non-cancerous growths in or on the uterus that can cause heavy or prolonged bleeding.
- Adenomyosis: A condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus starts growing into the muscular wall of the uterus.
- Infections: Certain infections of the cervix or uterus.
- Bleeding disorders: Problems with your blood’s ability to clot.
- Certain medications: Such as blood thinners or some hormonal birth control methods.
- Less commonly, more serious conditions: In rare cases, AUB can be a sign of precancerous changes or even uterine cancer.
Seeking Expert Women’s Health Care
If you’re experiencing AUB, it’s important to consult with a best gynecologist or a best female doctor to get a proper diagnosis and discuss treatment options. They will likely ask about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and may recommend tests like blood work, an ultrasound, or even a biopsy to understand the cause of your bleeding.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment for AUB can vary. It might involve:
- Medications: Hormonal therapies (like birth control pills or progesterone) to regulate your cycle and reduce bleeding, or non-hormonal medicines to lessen blood flow and pain.
- Minimally invasive procedures: To remove fibroids or polyps, or procedures like endometrial ablation to reduce the uterine lining.
- Surgery: In some severe cases, or if other treatments haven’t worked, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) might be considered.
Remember, you don’t have to live with the discomfort and worry of abnormal bleeding. Seeking personalized pregnancy care if you’re trying to conceive, or getting help for painful periods, is crucial for your health and quality of life. A fertility specialist or infertility doctor can also help if AUB is impacting your ability to conceive, as some causes of AUB can be linked to infertility. For couples facing challenges, an IVF specialist or a dedicated Fertility clinic can provide advanced options like IVF. Finding the best IVF doctor and exploring affordable fertility treatment can open doors to building your family.
Gandhi Nursing Home in Nagpur: A Trusted Partner in Women’s Health
For comprehensive women’s health specialist services in Nagpur, including expert care for abnormal uterine bleeding, high-risk pregnancies, and fertility treatments, Gandhi Nursing Home stands as a reputable choice. They offer a wide range of services under one roof, from general gynecology and obstetrics to advanced fertility solutions, including IVF and ICSI, making them a well-established and trusted institution for healthy pregnancy journey and addressing various women’s health concerns.