Uterine bleeding — is it worth sounding the alarm?
Abnormal uterine bleeding is when the bleeding goes beyond the normal menstrual cycle. The discharge may be more abundant or last longer.
The "normal" menstrual cycle is different for everyone. But menstruation shouldn't be a problem for you.: a serious condition that prevents you from engaging in any activity, forces you to skip work or study. In the article we will tell you how to distinguish abnormal uterine bleeding.
Symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding
With abnormal uterine bleeding, the volume of blood secreted increases significantly. A woman has to adapt her lifestyle by regularly using sanitary pads.
Prolonged bleeding can lead to anemia, a disease in which the number of red blood cells (red blood cells) and the level of hemoglobin (a protein that delivers oxygen to tissues and organs) in the blood decreases.
Signs of abnormal uterine bleeding may include:
A difficult period
Bleeding between periods, after sex, or during menopause.
Long menstrual periods (more than 7 days)
Irregular menstrual cycle
When diagnosing abnormal uterine bleeding, doctors at Olympus Clinics ask the following questions:
Do you have a regular cycle? The duration of each cycle should not change for more than a week.
How long does the menstrual cycle last? Menstruation usually lasts from 3 or 7 days.
How do you tolerate the menstrual cycle? Most women lose only about 2 tablespoons of blood per period. But this is not the norm, but an average indicator. Everyone's body is unique. Tell your doctor if you need more than one tampon or pad per hour.
Do you have spotting between periods?
Do you bleed after sex?
If you are pregnant or have already entered menopause and have bleeding of any kind, consult your doctor.
Sometimes spotting occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, but bleeding can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy. This is when a fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube.
During menopause, menstruation may continue in women on hormone replacement therapy. But any bleeding should be checked. Make an appointment with gynecologists at Olympus Clinics to be sure of your health. Our specialists never scare patients with diagnoses and tell them in detail what condition you are currently experiencing. They will draw up a personal treatment plan and monitor your recovery.
Causes of abnormal uterine bleeding
We have collected several possible causes of abnormal uterine bleeding:
Hormonal changes. Hormonal changes are the most common cause.
What else can affect the work of hormones?
Birth control pills and other medications such as warfarin and hormone therapy.
Rapid weight loss or gain
Stress
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Diseases of the uterus
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop from the muscular layer of the uterus.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissues similar to the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) grow outside the uterus.
Adenomyosis is a form of endometriosis in which the endometrium grows into the muscular layer of the uterus.
Endometrial polyps are benign growths inside the uterine cavity.
Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition in which excessive thickening of the endometrium occurs.
There are other reasons that are less common:
Cervical or endometrial cancer
Diseases affecting the kidneys, liver, thyroid gland or adrenal glands.
Infection of the cervix or endometrium
Sexually transmitted diseases
Diagnosis of uterine bleeding
It is useful to make detailed notes over several cycles to provide the doctor with specific information about your symptoms. The gynecologist will also ask about your general health and perform a physical examination.
What tests will the doctor prescribe?
A blood test. Severe bleeding from the uterus can lead to a lack of iron in the body. A blood test can show if you have this problem. It can also show if the hormone balance is disrupted or if you have a blood disorder, a chronic disease.
Ultrasound. Ultrasound waves allow you to visualize the condition of the inner part of the uterus. So the doctor can check for fibroids or polyps.
Hysteroscopy. The doctor will examine the inside of the uterus using a miniature probe that is inserted through the cervix.
A biopsy. A doctor can take a small piece of tissue and check it under a microscope for abnormal cells.
Magnetic resonance imaging. This test uses radio waves, which allow you to get an image of the uterus. The method helps to detect adenomyosis.
How to stop uterine bleeding?
It is not recommended to stop abnormal uterine bleeding on your own without medical help. This may be a symptom of a disease requiring professional treatment.
Recommendations for abnormal uterine bleeding
Rest and rest: Lie down and try to minimize physical activity.
Lying position: Lie on your back with your legs raised to improve blood circulation.
Cold compress: Place a cold compress (ice in a towel) on the lower abdomen for 10-15 minutes, then take a break for 10 minutes and repeat if necessary. This can help reduce the bleeding.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to maintain normal body fluid levels.
No aspirin: Aspirin can thin the blood and worsen bleeding. Instead, if necessary, take other painkillers such as paracetamol.
Treatment of uterine bleeding Drug therapy is the first thing that doctors of Olympus Clinics usually prescribe. What can include? Hormones. Birth control pills and other hormonal medications can ensure a regular menstrual cycle and ease menstruation. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and GnRH antagonists. They control severe bleeding and stop the body from producing certain hormones. They are usually used together with other treatments. NSAIDs. If you are taking anti-inflammatory medications: ibuprofen or naproxen, then a few days before the start of menstruation they can help relieve bleeding. Tranexamic acid. It is a medicine that improves blood clotting and helps reduce severe uterine bleeding. IUD. In some women, an IUD (intrauterine device) that secretes the hormone progestin can stop severe bleeding. This method may not be suitable if the patient has fibroids in the uterine cavity, and not in its wall.
Endometrial ablation (curettage of the uterine cavity). Minimally invasive gynecological surgery to remove the thin inner mucous layer of the uterus.
Hysterectomy. This is a complete removal of the uterus. It may be necessary if the patient has a large fibroid or endometrial or uterine cancer. But this is an extreme measure when other treatments do not solve the problem.
About gynecologists at Olympus Clinics
The purpose of the treatment of Olympus Clinic specialists is the problem—free well-being and education of patients. Our gynecologists are sensitive doctors who build a trusting dialogue with the patient during the consultation. They understand how difficult it can be to talk about intimate issues, so you won't face a dismissive attitude. The doctors of Olympus Clinics will carefully listen to your worries, dispel your fears and make an individual treatment plan without unnecessary tests.