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Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Specialist:

Dr. Sikka is a top-ranked gynecologist in the Washington DC area, who provides state of the art solutions to help women monitor their health and to evaluate women who are suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding.

What is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

Any bleeding from the uterus through your vagina other than your normal monthly periods is termed as abnormal uterine bleeding. Experiencing very heavy bleeding during your periods can also be considered as abnormal uterine bleeding.

What causes Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

Diseases such as polyps or fibroids in the uterus can also cause abnormal bleeding. Hormonal imbalance can also be the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding and it is most commonly found in teenagers or women who are approaching menopause. When hormones are the problem, doctors address the problem as dysfunctional uterine bleeding or (DUB). If bleeding occurs in a woman who is in menopause, it is called post menopausal bleeding and may need further evaluation.

Symptoms of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

Few common symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding are:

  • Bleeding between menstruation
  • Heavy menstrual flow
  • Large clots
  • Menstrual flow lasting longer than seven days
  • Any bleeding after menopause
  • Any bleeding after intercourse
  • An interval between periods lasting greater than 35 days
  • Only having four to nine periods in a year

How is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding diagnosed?

Different tests will be needed depending on the patient’s age to help diagnose the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. These may include pregnancy test, pregnancy ultrasound, hormonal profile etc.

Another test that can be done to diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding is hysteroscopy. In this test a tiny tube with a tiny camera is put into your uterus. This camera enables the doctor to see inside the uterus. It helps to take a biopsy while directly looking inside the uterus. Fibroids or polyps can also be removed though the hysteroscope.

How is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding treated?

Non-surgical options:
These include birth control pills or other hormonal options that your doctor can discuss with you. These can stop the lining of your uterus from getting too thick. They can also keep your menstruation cycle regular and reduce cramping.

Surgical options: 

Several minimally invasive treatment options are available to help with heavy bleeding. 

  1. Hysteroscopy of the uterus for both diagnosis and treatment of conditions like polyps and fibroids which cause heavy bleeding.
  2. Endometrial Ablation This procedure inactivates the lining of the uterus with thermal energy. This procedure should only be done on those patients who do not desire fertility. This procedure can be very effective in selected patients. Patients may either stop getting the periods completely or the periods become much lighter. A small proportion of patients who do not get relief from this procedure may need a hysterectomy.
  3. In some patients placement of hormonal IUDs like Mirena, Liletta or Kyleena can help reduce bleeding.
  4. Hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus to help with bleeding. In younger patients ovaries are often preserved. As the ovaries remain, the estrogen will prevent the women from getting menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness. Hysterectomy is done after giving the patient general anesthesia. If you get a hysterectomy done, you won’t be having any periods and you won’t be able to get pregnant.