How can I tell if my bleeding is abnormal?
During the reproductive years, your period generally lasts about 2-7 days and occurs every 21-35 days. Bleeding that doesn’t follow this pattern doesn’t necessarily mean you have an underlying health issue.
For example, as you enter perimenopause, your menstrual cycle becomes less regular, and you can expect spotting and periods that are longer, shorter, or heavier than usual.
Even so, some signs of abnormal bleeding include:
- Bleeding between periods
- Periods that last longer than normal
- Bleeding more frequently than every three weeks
- Bleeding after sex
- Needing to change a tampon/pad frequently
Also, any bleeding after menopause is a concern and is a good reason to contact the team at Women's Health Care Center of Houston.
What causes abnormal bleeding?
There are many causes of abnormal bleeding. These include:
- Birth control side effects
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Polyps
- Ovulation disorders
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Uterine cancer
The skilled gynecologists at Women's Health Care Center of Houston can identify the cause of your abnormal uterine bleeding and recommend steps to address and regulate your cycle.
How is abnormal bleeding diagnosed?
Expect your gynecologist at Women's Health Care Center of Houston to ask you to describe your abnormal bleeding in detail. They typically perform a pelvic exam and a bedside ultrasound during your visit to look for abnormalities.
In some cases, you may need a more powerful diagnostic test called a hysteroscopy. This test enables your gynecologist to view your uterus with a tiny camera. Once they determine the source of your bleeding, they recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you.
How is abnormal bleeding treated?
The cause of your abnormal bleeding may not be harmful to your health and may have an easy treatment. With hormonal issues, your gynecologist may recommend taking birth control containing estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both hormones, to alleviate the bleeding and regulate your cycle.
If hormonal birth control does not work or is not an option because of health reasons, you may benefit from NovaSure® endometrial ablation, a treatment that offers a 77.7% success rate at reducing or eliminating abnormal bleeding, although results vary. The treatment is only appropriate if you’re done having children due to the risk of pregnancy complications.
Your gynecologist performs NovaSure endometrial ablation with minimal sedation and local anesthesia at the office. Endometrial ablation allows for a quick recovery, and you can resume your normal activities shortly after your procedure.
Other surgical options to address abnormal bleeding include:
- Myomectomy for fibroids
- Endometriosis lesion removal
- Hysterectomy
For expert diagnosis and treatment of abnormal bleeding, call Women's Health Care Center of Houston today or schedule your consultation online.
