Abnormal Uterine Bleeding & Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Abnormal uterine bleeding – including irregular periods or bleeding after menopause – is any bleeding that occurs outside of a female’s typical menstrual cycle. Roman Puliaev, MD, an OBGYN with Franciscan Physician Network in Dyer and Munster, explained that any bleeding that is unusual for an individual is cause for medical attention – especially postmenopausal bleeding.

What Are Irregular Periods?

One common type of abnormal uterine bleeding is irregular periods.

Dr. Puliaev explained that you may have irregular periods if you have:

• A menstrual cycle that is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
• Heavy menstrual bleeding that interferes with your daily activities or quality of life
• Menstrual bleeding for longer than seven days
• Certain medications, such as blood thinners for heart conditions
• Coagulation (blood-clotting) or bleeding disorders
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids or polyps (tissue growths)
• Thyroid disorders
  
• Gynecologic cancers
• Ovulation problem – including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If a female isn’t having regular menstrual periods, there can be an overgrowth of the endometrial (uterus) lining. When she finally does have her period, she may have a prolonged menstrual period.
• Precancerous lesions of the uterine lining

If you have gone through menopause

Causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in postmenopausal females include:

“Endometrial cancer can be the cause of around 10 percent of postmenopausal bleeding,” said Dr. Puliaev. “Therefore, it’s essential that any women – especially those who have gone through menopause – see a doctor for bleeding that is unusual for them.”

What Are the Potential Complications Associated With Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

Complications of abnormal uterine bleeding can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the bleeding. It can lead to anemia from blood loss, with serious symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath during exercise.

Some women who have fibroids or endometriosis may experience severe pain and those with PCOS or uterine fibroids can experience fertility issues.

If a female isn’t ovulating regularly, the lining of the uterus does not shed on time and continues to grow.

“This could eventually lead to precancerous lesions,” explained Dr. Puliaev. “Properly regulated cycles allow the endometrial lining to shed each month.”

Dealing with ongoing abnormal bleeding can have a significant psychological impact, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. And it can impact your personal and social life and daily activities.

What Are the Treatments For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

If your doctor thinks that lifestyle factors may be part of your abnormal bleeding, they may suggest that you make changes such as:

Beyond the above modifications, treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor will also consider whether you are trying to become pregnant during treatment:

• Contraceptive medication. Estrogen-progesterone combination or progesterone-only medications can help regulate bleeding. These medications are available in a variety of delivery methods, including as a pill, patches, intramuscular injections, and intrauterine systems (IUD).
• Other surgery. If you have polyps or fibroids that cause symptoms, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to remove them. Other option to treat fibroids – uterine fibroid embolization – cuts off blood supply to the fibroids.
• Endometrial ablation. If more conservative treatments are ineffective, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called endometrial ablation to stop abnormal uterine bleeding.
• Hysterectomy. If you have abnormal bleeding and don’t wish to preserve your fertility, your doctor may discuss the option of a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus. In most cases, your doctor can perform this using a minimally invasive, laparoscopic approach with or without the assistance of the robotic surgical system.

If you have a women’s health concern, don’t delay care. Schedule an appointment with a Franciscan gynecology specialist.