Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Approximately one (1) in every five (5) women will experience absent, heavy, painful, irregular or prolonged abnormal uterine bleeding sometime in their life time. The healthcare providers at Oak Hills Women’s Center can help you! Expert evaluation is available. Causes of abnormal uterine bleeding may include:
- Fibroids
- Uterine polyps
- Overgrowth of the endometrium
- Cervical disorders
- Malignancy
- Bleeding disorders
- Thyroid disorders
- Hormonal imbalance
- Infection
- Pregnancy related event
Diagnostic evaluation often includes:
- Comprehensive history, general physical exam and a pelvic exam
- Pap smear and possible cervical cultures
- Endometrial sampling (endometrial biopsy)
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Hormone levels, bleeding panel, pregnancy test laboratory evaluation
- Possible need for a pelvic MRI or CT scan
- Possible need for a hysteroscopy
Abnormal uterine bleeding is treated depending upon the diagnostic findings. Management must be individualized. In many instances, hormones in the form of birth control pills or HRT may be helpful. Progestin therapy via injection, oral administration, or IUD insertion are other options for suitable patients. Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that is also available which ablates the endometrium and is usually performed on an outpatient basis. A hysterectomy is usually a last resort procedure that is definitive. Depending upon the patient’s physical findings and past response to more conservative treatments, hysterectomy may be necessary. In most cases if a hysterectomy is required, it may be performed employing a minimally invasive surgical approach.
Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common reason for a woman to seek gynecological evaluation. If you have any concerns regarding your uterine bleeding pattern, we recommend that you make a problem appointment for personalized evaluation and management by calling (210) 692-3636.