Understanding Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Crucial Signs and Symptoms, 09 main Causes

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding – The term “abnormal uterine bleeding” (formerly known as “menometrorrhagia”) refers to bleeding that occurs outside of the monthly cycle and/or periods that are long-lasting or unusually heavy. Both irregular, heavy, long-lasting bleeding unrelated to menstruation (metrorrhagia) & heavy bleeding during periods (menorrhagia) are considered abnormal uterine bleeding. To avoid confusion, the names were modified in 2011 by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). According to modern terms, Heavy menstrual bleeding is known as menorrhagia while abnormal uterine bleeding is called menometrorrhagia. Let’s learn everything about abnormal uterine bleeding with Kamarth. Please read the entire article to become an expert on AUB.

What is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is defined as menstrual cycle abnormalities that affect the regularity, frequency, amount, & duration of menstrual flow. Sometimes, AUB or Abnormal Uterine Bleeding is also called Dysfunction Uterine Bleeding or anovulatory bleeding. Abnormal (Dysfunctional) uterine bleeding can involve the following:

Having extremely heavy periods
Spotting or bleeding in between menstrual cycles
Irregular menstrual periods (less than 21 days or more than 35 days).
Bleeding after menopause
Bleeding during or after intercourse.
Not having a period for 03 to 06 months.

Menometrorrhagia was formerly used as an umbrella name to describe two distinct but similar-sounding conditions:

Menorrhagia: Excessive and/or long lasting menstruation is known as menorrhagia.
Metrorrhagia: It is defined as heavy, prolonged, or irregular bleeding that is not caused by menstruation.

Signs & Symptoms of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

The most typical sign of DUB is irregular menstrual flow. Additionally, it may happen during your menstrual cycle. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding:

Bleeding or spotting in between menstrual cycles
Bleeding or spotting after sex
Bleeding or spotting after menopause
longer than 07 days menstrual cycles
Bleeding that starts within 21 days of the previous cycle
Bleeding that begins more than 35 days after the previous cycle
Heavy bleeding throughout your menstrual cycle (some AUB sufferers can saturate or wet a pad or tampon in less than an hour)’
Pressure or discomfort in the pelvic region

Spotting is usual in the early stages of pregnancy, but bleeding can indicate an unsafe condition known as an ectopic pregnancy. A fertilized egg implants located outside your uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. It might also indicate that you’re having a miscarriage.

If you suffer any of the following severe AUB symptoms, Consult with your healthcare immediately:

Passing large clots
Weakness
Pale skin
Fainting or Dizziness
Low blood pressure
Tender Breasts
Bleeding with a positive pregnancy test
Increased heart rate

Cause

Abnormal uterine bleeding can be caused by pregnancy, a period of time in which no egg is produced, cancer, bleeding disorders, uterine scarring, infection, trauma, fibroids, or polyps. The majority of diseases can occur at any age, but others are more likely to develop during a certain period in a woman’s life.

Bleeding before a girl’s first menstruation is usually considered abnormal. It might be caused by trauma, a foreign body, vaginal discomfort, or problems with the urinary tract. In addition, sexual assault might cause bleeding. Many girls experience irregular bleeding during the first several months after their first menstrual cycle. This normally resolves on its own when the girl’s hormones return to normal.

The following are other reasons why bleeding is abnormal:

Ovulation issues: Insufficient ovulation can result in irregular, sometimes excessive, monthly bleeding. There’s a chance that some parts of the endometrium (the tissue lining the uterus) can become too thick if you miss many menstrual cycles without an egg. This disorder may manifest in the early years after menarche as well as throughout the perimenopause. Women who have specific medical disorders, including hypothyroidism and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), may also experience it.
Uterine polyps: These little growths are seen inside the uterus. Estrogen has a strong effect on polyp formation, even if its cause is unknown. DUB might result in spotting between cycles because of small blood arteries in the polyps.
Uterine fibroids: Small growths that develop inside the uterus, uterine lining, or uterine muscle are known as uterine fibroids. Similar to polyps, uterine fibroids have no recognized origin. However, estrogen appears to be involved in their development.
Adenomyosis: This disorder causes the endometrium to develop into the uterine wall. Menstrual discomfort that becomes worse with age and excessive bleeding are possible symptoms.
Bleeding disorders: Heavy bleeding can occur when a woman’s blood does not clot correctly. If you’ve had heavy periods since you began menstruation, you could have a bleeding issue.
Medications: Hormonal birth control strategies may alter bleeding, maybe leading to breakthrough bleeding (bleeding other than period) . Aspirin & blood thinners are two examples of medications that might induce severe menstrual bleeding. Heavy menstrual flow may result from using a copper IUD, particularly in the first year of usage.
Cancer: An early indicator of endometrial cancer may be abnormal bleeding during menstruation. The majority of endometrial cancer instances affect postmenopausal women in their mid-60s. Early diagnosis is frequently made when the condition is most treatable. Endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) is a disease that has the potential to progress to endometrial cancer. Moreover, it results in irregular uterine bleeding. Endometrial cancer can be avoided with treatment for this disease.
Other causes: Heavy menstrual bleeding may be brought on by endometriosis and other endometrial-related issues. Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy are two other pregnancy-related reasons for irregular uterine bleeding.
STDs, or sexually transmitted infections: DUB can result from STDs that produce inflammation, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. When the sores are more inflamed after intercourse, bleeding from STDs typically happens.

Learn More: Female Condoms – or Internal Condom, How to Use

A Note from Kamarth

Under women’s health, AUB or Abnormal uterine bleeding is a very serious problem. The major symptoms of AUB is irregularity in periods or excessive bleeding and other symptoms are mentioned above. Treating AUB problems requires early diagnosis and appropriate care. If you are suffering any of the symptoms, consult with the doctor or click here to read about treatment of Abnormal uterine bleeding and how to diagnose it.

Some Additional Doubt

Question: What is abnormal uterine bleeding?
Answer: Abnormal uterine bleeding is defined as excessive menstrual bleeding or bleeding that happens in between the menstrual cycles.

Question: What causes abnormal uterine bleeding?
Answer: Sometimes, AUB may be caused by hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids or polyps, bleeding disorders, or other underlying medical conditions.

Question: Can abnormal uterine bleeding be a sign of cancer?
Answer: Abnormal uterine bleeding is not necessarily a sign of endometrial cancer, however it may occur especially in women who have just gone through menopause.

Question: Is abnormal uterine bleeding treatable?
Answer: Yes, It is treatable but treatment options depend on the cause of it.

Question: Should I see a doctor if I have abnormal uterine bleeding?
Answer: Yes, it is important to consult a doctor to find the exact cause and appropriate treatment for the same.

Reference Links:-
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284797278_Abnormal_Uterine_Bleeding
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000903.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532913
https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-in/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/menstrual-abnormalities/abnormal-uterine-bleeding
https://medicine.yale.edu/obgyn/education/wham/moderator/1.%20abnormal%20uterine%20bleeding_407550_51433_v1.pdf

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Kamarth

Quick Links

Table of Contents