Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

What Is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) encompasses any deviation from typical menstrual patterns, including irregular timing, excessive flow, or bleeding between periods. Common causes range from hormonal imbalances and uterine fibroids to polyps and, in rare cases, malignancies. Symptoms such as prolonged periods, heavy bleeding necessitating frequent pad changes, or spotting outside the menstrual cycle should not be overlooked. At Nurture Women’s Health, our dedicated OB/GYN team employs comprehensive diagnostic tools—including pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and hysteroscopies—to identify the underlying causes of AUB. Treatment plans are personalized, offering options from medication management to minimally invasive procedures like endometrial ablation or robotic-assisted surgeries using the advanced da Vinci® system. Our goal is to provide compassionate, effective care to restore your well-being and quality of life.

WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR?

If you are experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding, stay calm. This bleeding can be caused by many different factors which include, hormonal changes, growths within your uterus or an issue with clotting. There are even cases in which, unfortunately, the cause of the vaginal bleeding is unknown. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should consider discussing abnormal uterine bleeding with your OB/GYN.

Your period comes at intervals shorter than a 21-day time span, or intervals greater than 35 days. This is the standard for mature, adult women. Teenage girls normally experience a period every 21 to 45 days.
You have a period that lasts longer than one week. A normal period is considered to be between four to seven days.
You are experiencing bleeding that is abnormally heavy, soaking through pads before one hour or two hours, or passing blood clots. With these symptoms, your bleeding would be considered severe, and would warrant a call to your doctor.

HOW CAN THE DOCTORS AT NURTURE WOMEN’S HEALTH HELP?

Our doctors are always ready to give patients top quality care, especially those who are experiencing discomforts such as abnormal uterine bleeding. At our outstanding practice, we perform Hysteroscopy, as well as Dilation and Curettage with anesthesia right in our office. We strive to diagnose the cause of your abnormal uterine bleeding, as well as offer an effective solution.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM?

During your exam, your doctor will attempt to find the cause of your abnormal vaginal bleeding. First, your doctor will rule out pregnancy or miscarriage as potential causes of your bleeding. You will be asked many questions about the bleeding that you are experiencing, including how long, how often and how severe your bleeding has been. Blood tests, urine samples, a pelvic exam, and an ultrasound are some of the tests that your doctor might request to attempt to pinpoint the cause of your bleeding.