Uterine Abnormal Bleeding
Understanding Uterine Abnormal Bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is characterised by unpredictable menstrual bleeding patterns, including bleeding that occurs between periods or exceptionally heavy and prolonged menstrual flows.
Normal menstruation typically lasts about five days and occurs every 21 to 35 days. This condition often requires medical evaluation, which may impact fertility and overall health.
Causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Hormonal Imbalances
- Too much estrogen or insufficient progesterone
- Anovulation
Medical Conditions
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Thyroid Disease
- Excess body weight
Structural Abnormalities
- Fibroids
- Polyps
- Adenomyosis
Pregnancy-related Issues
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Trichomoniasis
- Cervicitis
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Endometritis
- Vaginitis
Cancer and Pre-cancerous Conditions
- Uterine, cervical, ovarian, or vaginal cancer.
- Endometrial hyperplasia
- Blood thinners and aspirin
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Tamoxifen (breast cancer treatment)
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Birth control pills and injectables (e.g., NuvaRing®, Depo-Provera®, Implanon®)
- Von Willebrand Disease
- Liver or kidney disease
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Leukemia or other platelet disorders.
- Injury to the uterus
- Forgotten IUDs lead to infection and abnormal bleeding.
Symptoms of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Women experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding may notice a variety of symptoms, including:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting between cycles.
- Bleeding or spotting after sex.
- Bleeding after menopause.
- Menstrual cycle longer than 35 days or less than 21 days.
- Irregular periods, with cycles occurring more frequently than every 21 days.
- Unusually long periods lasting seven days or more.
- Inconsistent menstrual cycles.
Diagnosis of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Abnormal Uterine bleeding is diagnosed using an overall evaluation provided by Dr Lida Anwari, which might include:
Blood Tests: Your healthcare provider can perform tests to assess your blood clotting ability and conduct a complete blood count to evaluate your overall health.
Thyroid Function Test: Thyroid disorders may be a latent ovarian dysfunction, which could be contributing to bleeding.
Hormone Level Assessment: Hormone levels can be evaluated to assess the cause of the bleeding, such as imbalances or underlying conditions.
Hysteroscopic Examination: This procedure allows direct visualisation of the uterine lining (endometrium) to check for abnormalities like fibroids, polyps, or cancer.
Pregnancy Test: After a miscarriage, heavy bleeding may occur, and a pregnancy test can remain positive for up to 35 days. It’s also common to experience light bleeding in early pregnancy.
Pelvic Ultrasound: Imaging tests can detect abnormalities in the reproductive organs which may cause bleeding. Saline-infusion sonography, a type of sonohysterogram, has been effectively used to determine abnormal anatomy within the uterus.
Endometrial Biopsy: This procedure involves taking tissue samples from the uterine lining to check for signs of cancer or pre-cancerous cells.
Treatment of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding varies based on its underlying cause and may include both medications and surgical options.
1- Medications
Common medications for managing abnormal uterine bleeding include:
- Birth control pills: Help regulate menstrual cycles.
- Progestin: Available via injection, implant, or an IUD to manage bleeding.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) helps decrease the pain as well as the bleeding.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: Temporarily stop or lessen bleeding by inhibiting ovulation.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists: Like elagolix®, helpful in managing heavy bleeding due to fibroids.
2- Surgery
Several surgical procedures are available for more severe cases:
- Hysteroscopy: A procedure to remove abnormal structures, such as fibroids or polyps, from the uterus.
- Uterine artery embolisation: A technique that blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
- Myomectomy: Removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, allowing for future pregnancies.
- Endometrial ablation: Destroys the uterine lining using methods like laser, heat, or freezing. Not suitable for those wishing to conceive.
- Hysterectomy: This is the removal of the entire uterus, sometimes performed to treat cancer or severe uterine anomalies. Advanced cancer cases may require additional therapies like radiation or chemotherapy.
Why Choose a Fetal Medicine Specialist Like Dr Lida Anwari for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treatment in Dubai and Your Pregnancy Journey?
If you’re experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding, Dr Lida Anwari is here to help. Dr Lida is dedicated to compassionate and comprehensive care, and she provides individualised treatment plans based on your specific needs.
Utilising the latest medical advancements, Dr Lida Anwari can guide you through effective management options, from non-invasive treatments to advanced surgical procedures. Don’t let abnormal bleeding affect your quality of life—contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Dr Lida Anwari, a consultant maternal-fetal medicine specialist with extensive UK NHS experience, provides expert care for abnormal uterine bleeding and high-risk pregnancies. She specializes in advanced diagnostic techniques, personalized treatment plans, and holistic maternal-fetal care.
From managing multiple pregnancies to offering cutting-edge solutions for uterine fibroids and abnormal bleeding, her approach ensures optimal outcomes for women’s health. Dr Lida’s compassionate care includes non-invasive treatments and surgical options, all delivered in a supportive environment.
Trust Dr Lida Anwari to guide you through every step of your journey. Schedule your consultation today for expert, individualized care tailored to your needs.