Service
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Definition
What is abnormal uterine bleeding?
Although every menstrual cycle is unique, typical menstrual bleeding lasts no more than a week. In contrast, abnormal uterine bleeding continues longer or is significantly heavier than normal menstrual flow. Other signs of abnormal uterine bleeding include:
Bleeding after sex
Bleeding between periods
Bleeding after menopause
Does this sound like you?
When heavy periods interfere with your quality of life, it’s time to consider ways to manage or minimize the bleeding. Julie Madejski MD, and the skilled team at Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology in Lockport, New York, specialize in getting to the root cause of your abnormal uterine bleeding and provide rapid on-site diagnosis and treatment, including hysteroscopies. The practice is home to the area’s only accredited surgery center with sedation to ensure your comfort if you need a procedure. Call the office or request a consultation online today.
What Else Should I Know?
With abnormal uterine bleeding, you also may experience irregular menstrual cycles. Your period may come as often as every 24 days or occur every 38 days or longer.
Irregular cycles aren’t necessarily a sign that’s something is wrong. Cycle changes like this are common in women going through perimenopause, the natural life stage before menopause.
You can count on the team at Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology to determine whether your abnormal uterine bleeding is a cause for concern and recommend treatment to manage your condition.
Causes
What causes abnormal uterine bleeding?
Physical problems and hormonal issues may trigger abnormal uterine bleeding. Other common causes include:
Fibroids
Endometriosis
Endometrial polyps
Bleeding abnormality
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Sometimes, abnormal uterine bleeding may be a sign of uterine cancer or cervical cancer, but this is rare.
How is abnormal uterine bleeding diagnosed?
You can expect to discuss your medical history and the pattern of your menstruation with your practitioner at Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology. They perform a physical exam and may recommend an ultrasound to look for cysts or growths. Depending on what they find, you may need a type of diagnostic procedure called hysteroscopy.
Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology offers an in-office hysteroscopy to make your diagnosis faster and more efficient and recommend the right treatment for your individual situation.
How does hysteroscopy help with abnormal uterine bleeding?
Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology provides hysteroscopy to both diagnose and treat uterine problems, including abnormal uterine bleeding. A hysteroscope is a slim, lighted imaging device. When inserted into your uterus via your vagina, the tool sends images from the inside of your uterus to a computer screen. With a hysteroscope, your practitioner can see growths, such as uterine polyps, and remove them during your procedure.
Are there other treatments for abnormal uterine bleeding?
If your bleeding isn’t due to a growth, endometrial ablation may be an option to minimize or stop the heavy bleeding. The minimally invasive procedure works by removing your uterine lining, which is the source of your heavy flow. Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology offers this procedure on-site for your convenience.
For personalized care for abnormal uterine bleeding, call the Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology office or request your consultation online today.