Abnormal bleeding in women: It is getting too common

May 20, 2018 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists

---

By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

We are becoming unhealthier in our eating and lifestyle. Of course, there are numerous consequences that arise from being unhealthy. For women, abnormal uterine bleeding is one such consequence.
Abnormal uterine bleeding is any heavy or unusual bleeding from the uterus (womb) through your vagina. It can occur at any time during your monthly cycle, including during your normal menstrual period. It is on the increase, and studies are showing that up to 25% of women of reproductive age are affected by this condition. It is becoming a plague on the lives of women.
Today we will discuss what really happens when women have abnormal uterine bleeding.

WHAT CAUSES ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING?

A variety of things can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. Pregnancy is a common cause. Polyps or fibroids (small and large growths) in the uterus can also cause bleeding. Rarely, a thyroid problem, infection of the cervix, cancer of the uterus or bleeding disorders can cause abnormal uterine bleeding.
In most women, abnormal uterine bleeding is caused by a hormone imbalance. When hormones are the problem, doctors call the problem dysfunctional uterine bleeding, or DUB. Abnormal bleeding caused by hormone imbalance is more common in teenagers or in women who are approaching menopause. These are just a few of the problems that can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. These problems can occur at any age, but the likely cause of abnormal uterine bleeding usually depends on your age.

HOW IS ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING DIAGNOSED?

The tests your doctor orders may depend on your age. If you could be pregnant, your doctor may order a pregnancy test. If your bleeding is heavy, in addition to other tests, your doctor may want to check your blood count to make sure you don’t have a low blood count from the blood loss. This could lead to iron deficiency and anemia.
An ultrasound exam of your pelvic area shows both the uterus and the ovaries. It may also show the cause of your bleeding. Your doctor may check your hormone levels or look for cancer. Testing will be determined by what your doctor suspect as the cause of your bleeding.

CAN ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING BE PREVENTED?

If your abnormal uterine bleeding is caused by hormonal changes, you will not be able to prevent it. But if your hormonal changes are caused by being overweight, losing weight and eating healthy could help. Your weight affects your hormone production. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet can help prevent abnormal uterine bleeding.

WHAT ARE TREATMENT OPTIONS?

There are several treatment options for abnormal bleeding. Your treatment will depend on the cause of your bleeding, your age, and whether you want to get pregnant in the future. Your doctor will help you decide which treatment is right for you. Or, if your doctor decides that a hormone imbalance is causing your abnormal bleeding, you and your doctor may decide to wait and see if the bleeding improves on its own.
Some treatment options include the following:

Intrauterine device (IUD) – your doctor may suggest an IUD. An IUD is a small, plastic device that your doctor inserts into your uterus through your vagina to prevent pregnancy. One type of IUD releases hormones, and this type can significantly reduce abnormal bleeding. Like birth control pills, sometimes IUDs can actually cause abnormal bleeding. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.

Birth control pills- birth control pills contain hormones that can stop the lining of your uterus from getting too thick. They also can help keep your menstrual cycle regular and reduce cramping.

A D&C, or dilatation and curettage – a D&C (locally known as “clean out”) is a procedure in which a doctor “scrapes away” the lining of your uterus. If you’re having heavy bleeding, your doctor may perform a D&C both to find out the problem and to treat the bleeding. The D&C itself often makes heavy bleeding stop. Your doctor will decide if this procedure is necessary.

Hysterectomy-this type of surgery removes the uterus. If you have a hysterectomy, you won’t have any more periods and you won’t be able to get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of a hysterectomy and if it’s right for you.

Endometrial ablation – this is a surgical procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus. Unlike a hysterectomy, it does not remove the uterus. Endometrial ablation may stop all menstrual bleeding in some women. However, some women still have light menstrual bleeding or spotting after endometrial ablation. In most cases, pregnancy is not likely after the procedure.

As you can see, there is no easy way to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. Like many other conditions, your best chance lies in trying to prevent it by eating healthy and keeping your weight under control.

---

---