When should I see a doctor?
Abnormal uterine bleeding can be caused by many different factors. You should talk with one of our physicians at Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates of Dallas if:
- Your period comes at an interval shorter than a 21-day time span or greater than 35 days.
- Your period lasts more than one week. A normal period is considered between 4-7 days.
- Your bleeding is abnormally heavy, soaking through pads before one to two hours, or passing blood clots. This would be considered severe bleeding and should warrant a call to one of our physicians.
During your visit with your physician, he will attempt to find the cause of the bleeding. The doctor will rule out pregnancy or miscarriage as a cause. You will be asked many questions about the bleeding like the duration and volume of bleeding. A thorough history, a physical exam with a pelvic exam, blood tests, a urine sample, and an ultrasound will help pinpoint the cause.
What are the possible common causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
- Uterine polyp or fibroid in the uterine cavity
- Disease of the uterine lining, benign or precancerous
- Ovulation dysfunction
- Uterine adenomyosis where the uterine lining grows into the uterine muscle
- Stress
- Marked weight gain
- Infection of the uterus, cervix, or vagina
- Trauma to the vagina, cervix
- Medical drugs
How can the physicians help?
Evaluation of the above causes for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, coupled with the physicians' desire to improve your quality of life will lead to mutually agreed upon treatment options and a plan of action to resolve these symptoms.
