To understand abnormal uterine bleeding it is important to know what a normal menstrual cycle is.
Frequency of your period: Length of a normal menstrual cycle can range from 3 weeks to 5 weeks. That is, a particular woman can get her periods every 3 weeks for other it could be about every 5 weeks and for some women it could be any where between that and all of this can be normal for that particular individual provided that particular length is fixed for her. It could be a sign of concern if the length of the cycle gets shorter than 3 weeks or longer than 5 weeks.
How long does a period last: Generally the bleeding during periods lasts for 4 to 5 days. If the pattern of bleeding is less than 2 days or longer than a week it can be an indication of change and your doctor should be consulted.
Amount of blood loss during periods: It is tricky to measure the quantity of blood loss during periods. But normally the quantity would range from 10-80 ml during a menstrual cycle. A completely soaked normal sized sanitary pad or tampon holds about 5 ml .( This may vary according to the brand.)
What is Abnormal uterine bleeding?
The bleeding from your uterus can be termed abnormal when –
- The bleeding lasts for more than seven days.
- The menstrual bleeding is heavy.
- The bleeding occurs less than 21 days from the last cycle.
- There is bleeding between periods.
- There is bleeding after sex.
- There is bleeding after menopause.
Problems with your hormones: This is the most common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. The hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle can get off balance especially during initiation of menstrual cycle in the teenage and around menopause. This can cause extra building up of the endometrial lining causing abnormal uterine bleeding.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) : Is another condition which can cause abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance.
Fibroids:These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus which can cause abnormal uterine bleeding.
Polyp: This is a kind of tissue growth in the uterus.
Adenomyosis: This is a condition in which the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows in the muscle layer of uterus.
Infection: Infection of cervix or endometrium.
Medical illnesses: Certain illnesses like clotting disorders, ailments related to kidneys, liver, thyroid or adrenal glands can cause abnormal uterine bleeding.
Cancer.: Cervical, uterine or endometrial cancer can be the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Pregnancy: Some spotting in early pregnancy may not be a concern. But bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Certain Medicines: Blood thinning medicines, birth control pills and some other medicines can cause abnormal uterine bleeding.
A detailed case history & clinical examination always form the basic steps for making any diagnosis. At Dyumna women’s clinic we follow these basic steps followed by investigations indicated as per the clinical examination and case history.
Investigations-
Blood tests: These can help to diagnose causes related to hormonal imbalance, thyroid disorders and other ailments like liver or kidney diseases. They also help to check your haemoglobin levels which can drop down as a result of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Ultrasound: Conditions like fibroids, polypsor adenomyosis can be detected with the help of ultrasound.
Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI): This technique is some times used to make a clear diagnosis of adenomyosis.
Scopy: Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may be performed to get a direct view of the organs inside your body.
Biopsy: A tiny piece of tissue is taken out by your doctor to get it checked in the laboratory for abnormal tissue growth.
Treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding is very much dependant on it’s cause. At Dyumna Women’s clinic we chalk out a personalised treatment plan for you depending on your case history and the cause of your abnormal uterine bleeding.
Our treatment schedule consists of various modalities and your plan may be comprised of some or all of the modalities as needed.
Herbomineral preparations: Personalised medicines are prescribed which are herbomineral preparations for oral consumption.
Specialised procedures: Certain procedures like Basti, Yoni dhavan, Yoni-pichu, Uttar basti, Virechan, Nasya may be advised. They help in various aspects like to control the growth of endometrium, manage infections, improve the muscle tone of uterus, manage PCOS and hence control the abnormal uterine bleeding.
Life style modifications: We provide elaborate help in making necessary life style changes for you related to your everyday routine like diet & sleep pattern.
We also suggest specific Yogasanas, Pranayam , beneficial for you.
Abnormal uterine bleeding can be managed with precise diagnosis and well planned and executed treatment protocol. Surgical help may be necessary in conditions like large uterine fibroids ( about 5 cms & above) and cancer.