Abnormal uterine bleeding is defined as excessive bleeding during the menstrual cycle. This may include either very heavy bleeding throughout the normal length of a menstrual cycle or a cycle that lasts more than seven days.
Abnormal uterine bleeding also includes any bleeding between the normal menses. Abnormal bleeding is quite common and has many possible causes including fibroid tumors, endometrial polyps, endometriosis, or adenomyosis (endometriosis of the uterine wall). Hormonal abnormalities that affect the ovulatory cycles, such as PCOS, thyroid disease, simple inflammation of the endometrium or cervix, endometrial hyperplasia, or cancers of the cervix or uterus are other causes of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Our team’s standard examination for abnormal uterine bleeding includes a gynecologic and speculum exam, ultrasound, and likely sonohysterography (ultrasound with saline placed in the uterine cavity). An endometrial biopsy will also be performed if appropriate. The treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding is dependent upon the findings from these diagnostic methods.