Overview
When abnormal uterine bleeding interferes in your life and health, our specialty-trained experts have the experience and skill to diagnose and treat you so you can get back to good health.
Although abnormal uterine bleeding can occur at any age, it is most common when you are young - 9 to 14 years of age, or during perimenopause—usually beginning in your mid-40s.
When you experience excessive bleeding or menstrual cycles that last longer than 38 days or shorter than 24 days, it can take an emotional and physical toll and be a cause for concern. When abnormal uterine bleeding interferes in your life and health, we can help. We have specialty-trained providers who are among the region’s leading women’s health experts.
Causes & Risk Factors
Although abnormal uterine bleeding can occur at any age, it’s most common when you are young - 9 to 14 years of age, or during perimenopause—usually in your mid-40s. It can be caused by many different factors. While the cause isn’t always easily identifiable, common causes include:
- Bleeding disorders—that impair blood clotting and may lead to heavy bleeding and longer periods
- Certain medications—especially anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting and anti-inflammatories
- Certain types of cancer—although rarely the cause, reproductive cancers like uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer can cause irregular uterine bleeding
- Hormone imbalance—like estrogen and progesterone and PCOS
- Ectopic pregnancy—when the fertilized egg attaches itself in a place other than inside the uterus
- Fibroids—tumors that grow in or around the uterus
- Infection of the uterus or cervix
- Miscarriage—the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks
- Polyps—uterine growths that cause heavier, longer or irregular periods
- Problems with ovulation—when the ovaries don’t produce, mature or release eggs
Some factors can increase your risk for having abnormal uterine bleeding, including:
- Age—more common in teens and women entering perimenopause
- Weight—excess weight can increase your likelihood of having abnormal bleeding
Symptoms & Seeking Care
Common symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding include:
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding or spotting after sex
- Bleeding or spotting between periods
- Heavy bleeding during your period
- Menstrual periods shorter than 24 days or longer than 38 days
You may question if your symptoms are normal or if you should put off seeing a doctor. You should make an appointment if you’ve noticed:
- Changing sanitary protection at night or soaking protection every one-to-two hours during the day
- Constant pain or cramping in the lower abdomen during a menstrual period
- Heavy menstrual flow that interferes with regular lifestyle
- Menstrual flow that has large blood clots
- Need to use double sanitary protection
