Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, care@sunmedhospital.com
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treatment
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) refers to irregular, prolonged, or excessive bleeding from the uterus that is unrelated to normal menstruation. It can occur at any age but is more common during puberty, reproductive years, and menopause. Understanding AUB is crucial because it can indicate underlying health conditions requiring medical attention.
AUB is a condition where the normal menstrual cycle is disrupted, leading to irregular bleeding patterns. This could mean:
Bleeding between menstrual periods.Menstrual periods that last longer than normal.Heavier menstrual flow than usual.Bleeding after sexual intercourse.Bleeding after menopause.AUB is classified into two types:
Structural causes: Issues within the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps.Non-structural causes: Hormonal imbalances, clotting disorders, or other systemic conditions.The symptoms of AUB vary depending on its cause but may include:
Bleeding outside of the regular menstrual cycle.Heavy menstrual bleeding requiring frequent changes of sanitary products.Menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.Spotting or bleeding after sexual activity.Bleeding after menopause.Fatigue or weakness due to excessive blood loss, potentially leading to anemia.AUB can arise from a wide range of factors, including:
Hormonal Imbalances:Irregularities in estrogen and progesterone levels, particularly during puberty or perimenopause.Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which affects ovulation.Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus.Polyps: Overgrowths of the uterine lining.Adenomyosis: Uterine lining grows into the muscle wall.Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.Retained products of conception.Von Willebrand disease or other clotting disorders.Hormonal contraceptives or anticoagulants.Thyroid disorders.Obesity, which can affect hormonal balance.Endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. The diagnostic process often includes:
Medical History:A detailed menstrual and medical history to identify patterns and possible triggers.
Physical Examination:A pelvic exam to check for abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
Laboratory Tests:Blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, thyroid function, and coagulation factors.
Imaging Tests:Ultrasound to visualize the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures.
Sonohysterography (saline infusion ultrasound) to identify uterine abnormalities.
Endometrial Sampling:A biopsy of the uterine lining to rule out cancer or precancerous changes.
Hysteroscopy:A minimally invasive procedure where a small camera is inserted into the uterus to detect abnormalities.
The treatment plan for AUB depends on its underlying cause, severity, and the patient's overall health and preferences. Common treatment options include:
Medications:Hormonal therapies: Birth control pills, patches, or hormonal IUDs to regulate menstrual cycles.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Reduce heavy bleeding and relieve pain.Tranexamic acid: Helps to reduce blood loss during menstruation.Iron supplements: To treat anemia caused by excessive bleeding.Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Removal of the uterine lining for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.Myomectomy: Removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus.Endometrial Ablation: Destruction of the uterine lining to reduce bleeding.Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus in severe or unmanageable cases.Maintaining a healthy weight to balance hormones.Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling.While not all cases of AUB can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk:
Maintain a healthy weight to regulate hormone levels.Follow a balanced diet rich in iron and essential nutrients.Monitor menstrual cycles to identify any irregularities early.Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.Consult a doctor if using hormonal medications to ensure proper usage.Treat underlying health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, promptly.Abnormal Uterine Bleeding is a common condition that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life if left untreated. Early recognition and management are crucial to addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes. If you experience irregular bleeding patterns or other related symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
AUB (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding) due to endometrial causes can result from hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, polyps, or endometrial cancer.
Common symptoms include irregular periods, heavy bleeding, spotting between periods, or prolonged menstrual cycles.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include hormonal therapies, uterine procedures, or surgery like endometrial ablation.
AUB (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding) refers to irregular bleeding of any cause, while DUB (Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding) specifically refers to bleeding without an identifiable underlying condition.
The best treatment depends on the cause and may include hormonal therapy, IUDs, or surgery, with individualized care based on the patient's condition.
The drug of choice can vary, but hormonal treatments like progestins or oral contraceptives are commonly used to regulate bleeding.
The first-line treatment for menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding) often includes hormonal therapy, such as oral contraceptives or progestins, to help regulate the menstrual cycle.
