Typically, women experience menstruation for 2 to 7 days every 28 days, following a regular pattern. But what if you've encountered unusual and irregular bleeding between your menstrual cycles? This could be a sign of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Let's explore this condition in detail with Fitie. Read on to find out more!
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding refers to frequent, prolonged, or heavier bleeding compared to regular menstruation. A hormonal imbalance or certain medications usually trigger this condition. Those who often experience AUB include girls in puberty and women entering menopause.
AUB Due to Hormonal Imbalance
Symptoms
Bleeding outside the normal menstrual schedule can be an indicator of AUB, raising the risk of anemia. AUB may manifest through various symptoms, such as:
- Increased frequency of menstruation (cycles less than 21 days), also known as polymenorrhea.
- Irregular and more frequent menstruation is referred to as metrorrhagia.
- Excessive blood loss (over 3 ounces or lasting more than 7 days) occurring periodically, or menorrhagia.
- Frequent and irregular blood loss between menstrual periods is known as menometrorrhagia.
Possible Causes
There are numerous factors contributing to AUB, including stress, medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine polyps, fibroids, infections, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, medication use, and pregnancy. Hormonal imbalances, especially from being overweight, can also trigger AUB.
Cancer Can Cause AUB
Diagnosis and Treatment
Medical professionals employ various procedures to diagnose AUB, including pregnancy tests, blood tests, thyroid tests, hormone level assessments, endometrial examinations, pelvic ultrasounds, and endometrial biopsies. The first step to controlling the bleeding is often medication, such as birth control pills. But if the issue persists, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to determine the right course of treatment.
Reducing the Risk
While AUB cannot always be prevented, there are steps women can take to minimize the risk factors associated with it. These include maintaining a healthy body weight to preserve hormonal balance, avoiding high-fat foods to lower the risk of cancer, and practicing safe sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Conclusion
Abnormal uterine bleeding is typically a temporary condition. Often, it subsides as sex hormone levels naturally rebalance. However, heavy bleeding can lead to anemia due to significant blood loss, which may necessitate vitamin and mineral supplements. In severe cases of blood loss, blood transfusion could be an option.
Remember that AUB is common and not always a cause for concern unless it's linked to an underlying disease. Regularly monitoring your menstrual cycle, such as through the menstrual calendar in the Fitie app, can help you identify any irregularities. If you have concerns about this condition, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. Your health and well-being are paramount.
Source:
Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Abnormal Uterine Bleeding [Online] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15428-uterine-bleeding-abnormal-uterine-bleeding
Healthline. (2021). What You Should Know About Dysfunctional [Online] https://www.healthline.com/health/dysfunctional-uterine-bleeding-dub#takeaway
The MSD Manuals. (2022). Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) [Online] https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/women-s-health-issues/menstrual-disorders-and-abnormal-vaginal-bleeding/abnormal-uterine-bleeding-aub