Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treatment and Prevention in Homewood, IL
As just about every woman is well-aware, there will be monthly bleeding (the menstrual period), which begins at puberty and lasts through the start of menopause. Typically, a woman's period will last approximately 5-7 days and will occur every 25 to 35 days.
Some women will experience abnormal uterine bleeding, which may occur between monthly periods or cause menstrual periods to be extremely heavy or long-lasting. When women with abnormal uterine bleeding begin to experience this condition, it is important to seek out the medical attention of an experienced gynecologist who can diagnose chronic or acute abnormal uterine bleeding and can provide appropriate treatment.
At DARDUR Gynecology in Homewood, IL, we have Dr. Taiwo Durowade, who is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with in-depth knowledge and a clear understanding of the functioning of female bodies. When abnormal bleeding occurs, it could be caused by a variety of issues, and it is important to have a medical expert diagnose the cause and course of treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding.
What is Uterine Bleeding Disorder?
Abnormal uterine bleeding, is an umbrella term that covers two separate conditions: menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. Menorrhagia refers to excessive bleeding during menstruation or prolonged bleeding. On the other hand, metrorrhagia is irregular bleeding that is not related to your menstrual bleeding.
To eliminate confusion between the two terms, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics changed the names. Metrorrhagia is now referred to as abnormal uterine bleeding, while menorrhagia is called heavy menstrual bleeding.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms and signs of abnormal uterine bleeding include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- bleeding in between periods, after intercourse, or at other unusual times.
- Extended periods (longer than 7 days)
- Inconsistent menstrual period cycles (irregular periods
If you are experiencing this or any other unusual uterine bleeding, it is important to speak with a medical professional to have your condition diagnosed. An abnormal uterine bleeding diagnosis may lead to the discovery of specific medical conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Common Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
There are a variety of different causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, so it is critical that you discuss the issue with a medical expert. Some of the most common causes of abnormal bleeding include:
- Hormone imbalances
- Thyroid disease
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Anovulation
- Excessive body weight leads to hormone imbalances.
- Structural abnormalities in the uterus
- Uterine fibroids
- Adenomyosis
- Uterine polyps
- Precancer and cancer
- Uterine
- Cervical
- Vaginal
- Ovarian
- Endometrial cancer
- Infections
- Trichomoniasis
- Cervicitis
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Endometritis
- Vaginitis
- Other medical conditions
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Leukemia
- Von Willebrand's disease
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Medications
- Blood thinners
- Aspirin
- Hormone therapy
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Birth control pills
- Tamoxifen
With so many potential causes of abnormal bleeding, it is critical to get the diagnosis completed by a medical professional so that the proper treatment can be prescribed and completed.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treatment in Homewood, IL
If you are a non-pregnant woman in your reproductive years, you may be affected by abnormal uterine bleeding. It should not affect women who are post-menopausal or pregnant. After performing a variety of integral tests and procedures to determine the cause of your uterine bleeding, your medical doctor will prescribe a specific plan to treat abnormal bleeding.
The treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding depends on its cause. You may be able to take certain medications or may have to undergo surgeries to treat your condition. The medications often prescribed, depending on your situation, include but are not limited to:
- Birth control pills
- Progestin
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists
- Gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists
The surgeries that may be recommended to treat the condition include:
- Hysteroscopy
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
- Uterine artery embolization
- Myomectomy
- Endometrial ablation
- Hysterectomy
- Chemotherapy and Radiation if cancer is diagnosed
All of these options have their advantages and drawbacks, so be sure to discuss the particular option selected for your circumstances with your gynecologist.
Other Issues to Look For:
In addition to the abnormal menstrual bleeding, there are other symptoms that you should be on the lookout for. If you see any of the following symptoms, you may need to contact your healthcare provider:
- You will need to change menstrual products less than every two hours.
- Passing blood clots larger than a quarter size
- Bleeding in between periods
- Menstrual cycles that last longer than a 7 days
- Symptoms of anemia (weakness, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath)
- Symptoms of pica (urge to eat non-food items, craving ice, hair loss, pale skin)
If you have abnormal uterine bleeding and it is affecting your quality of life, you will need to contact an experienced healthcare provider to diagnose your issues.
Contact DARDUR Gynecology to Discuss Abnormal or Irregular Bleeding
As you know, you are the expert on your own body, including your menstrual flow. You should be able to judge when you are experiencing abnormal bleeding or heavier bleeding than normal. If you believe that there is a problem, it is critical that you contact your medical doctor and discuss the issue.
At DARDUR Gynecology in Homewood, IL, Dr. Taiwo Durowade is here to help you through all of your gynecological issues. She has the experience, skills, and expertise to properly diagnose what you are experiencing and make sure that you are given the proper course of treatment. Your wellness is our number one priority, and we strive to teach our patients as much as possible about the preventative health care needed to maintain the highest level of reproductive health.
Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Taiwo Durowade and to discuss any of the symptoms or issues you may be experiencing related to abnormal uterine bleeding disorders.
