WHAT WOMEN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING?

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common condition that affects women of all ages. Abnormal bleeding can be mild and occur once in every few months, or it can be more severe and frequent. It’s common to experience irregular bleeding throughout your menstrual cycle. However, when it becomes abnormal, you may wonder what causes it and how to fix it. Abnormal uterine bleeding can have different causes, such as PCOD, Fibroids, Adeno Myosis, Endometriosis, Endometrial Polyps and many more. Therefore, knowing the specifics about the cause will help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation. Keep reading to learn more about this common condition in women of all ages.

PCOD

PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a condition that leads to hormonal imbalance in women. Under this circumstance, the fragile lining of the uterus becomes thickened and is not corrected by the monthly production of progesterone from the ovary that normally follows ovulation. In some cases, this results in abnormal uterine bleeding.

FIBROIDS

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that grow from the muscle wall of the uterus. They can cause heavy or light bleeding and painful cramping. It’s common for women to experience fibroids in their 20’s and 30’s but they can occur at any age. It is thought that a woman has a 10% chance of developing fibroids during her lifetime.

ADENOMYOSIS

It is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus. It can cause menstrual cramps, lower abdominal pressure, bloating and can result in heavy abnormal bleeding.

ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and/or other pelvic organs. The presence of endometriosis can make normal menstrual bleeding heavier or more irregular because it makes your uterine lining react to hormone levels.

ENDOMETRIAL POLYPS

Endometrial polyps are common in women who are undergoing or have completed menopause. Polyp size varies depending upon several factors. Irregular bleeding or bleeding after menopause is one of the common symptoms of Endometrial Polyps.

ENDOMETRIAL HYPERPLASIA

Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition of the female reproductive system. In this condition, the lining of the uterus becomes unusually thick because of excessive cells which results in abnormal uterine bleeding.

ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Endometrial cancer is the development of abnormal cells in the lining of the uterus. It is one of the most common types of gynaecological cancers and majority of women suffer with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding during this phase.

WOMEN WITH HEART DISEASES ON ANTI-COAGULANTS

Anti-coagulant medication is usually prescribed for heart patients to prevent blood clots. Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common complication of anticoagulant therapy in premenopausal women affected with acute venous thromboembolism.

Visit Gynaecologist if you face any such problems. Basic investigation like CBP, Peripheral Smear, S.TSH, Bleeding time, Clotting time, Ultrasound pelvis will be done to diagnose the cause. Hysteroscopy, Dilatation and Curettage, Endometrial biopsy will help in the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Dr. Kiranmai Chakravarthi
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Star Hospitals

For Appointments, Call: 040 4477 7777