Abnormal bleeding

Overview

When your bleeding falls outside your normal cycle, what it could mean, and how we find the cause. Abnormal uterine bleeding is very common, and many women experience it at some point. If the blood from your vagina falls outside the pattern of your normal menstrual period, the team at Minerva Women's Healthcare can evaluate you to find out why. Book your examination by phone or request an appointment online today.

At a glance

Abnormal uterine bleeding is any bleeding from the uterus that falls outside your usual monthly period.
It can happen between periods or during them.
There are many possible causes, and most are treatable.
Cancer is rarely the cause, but testing is the only way to be sure.
Once the cause is found, we can start the right treatment to reduce your bleeding.

What is abnormal uterine bleeding?

Sometimes, uterine bleeding is no cause for concern. You have probably fallen into the routine of expecting a monthly period and managing it for several days. If your uterus bleeds outside of this predictable cycle, it could be a sign of something more than the normal shedding of the uterine lining.

What are the signs?

Abnormal uterine bleeding can occur between your monthly periods or during them. It may look like:

An unusually heavy period
A period lasting longer than a week
Vaginal bleeding between periods
Bleeding after sex
Bleeding during or after menopause

Sometimes bleeding outside a normal period does not seem like a cause for concern. If something seems unusual at any point in your cycle, bring it up with us.

What causes abnormal uterine bleeding?

There are many possible underlying causes, which is why it is important to discuss your case with your gynaecologist. Untimely or excessive uterine bleeding might be linked to:

Polyps (noncancerous growths in the lining of the uterus)
Fibroids (noncancerous growths in the muscle of the uterus)
Infection
Pregnancy, including early pregnancy complications
Hormone fluctuations
Blood-thinning medications
Cervical or uterine cancer (rare)

While cancer is rarely the cause, you should still be tested to rule it out. Once we identify the cause, we can start the proper treatment to reduce your bleeding.

How do we find the cause?

When you visit Minerva Women's Healthcare with symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding, our team will ask you about:

Your bleeding pattern
Your sexual activity
Your medications
Your general health and medical history

We will then carry out a pelvic exam and a Pap smear. Depending on your symptoms and history, you might also need one or more of these tests:

Pregnancy test: To rule out pregnancy or a pregnancy-related cause.

Blood tests: To check for anaemia from blood loss and other causes.

Hormone tests: To look for hormone imbalances that can upset your cycle.

Ultrasound scan: To look for fibroids, polyps and other changes in the uterus.

Endometrial biopsy: Your gynaecologist takes a small sample of cells from the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) and views it under a microscope for abnormal cells or hormone-related changes. In most cases, the results point to the cause of your bleeding.

Common questions

Is heavy bleeding during my period normal?

Some women have heavier periods than others, but you should not ignore bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons very quickly, lasts longer than a week, or leaves you tired, dizzy or short of breath. These can be signs of significant blood loss.

Should I worry about bleeding after menopause?

Yes, please see us. Any bleeding after menopause should be checked promptly, even if it is light or happens only once.

Can abnormal bleeding be treated?

Yes. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medication, hormonal treatment or, in some cases, a minor procedure. We will explain your options and help you choose what suits you.

When should I come in right away?

Contact us promptly if you are bleeding very heavily, feel faint, have severe pelvic pain, or are bleeding while pregnant.

Ready to find out what is causing your bleeding?

Book your appointment with Minerva Women's Healthcare online or by calling our office. It takes about a minute, and no account is needed.

Ready to book?

Choose a time that suits you. Consultations are private, one-on-one, online or in person.

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