Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is defined as uterine bleeding that lasts longer than normal or happens at an unusual time. Bleeding may be frequent or sporadic, heavier or lighter than the expected amount. AUB might manifest as spotting or intermenstrual bleeding, post-coital bleeding, post-menopausal bleeding, bleeding that lasts longer than usual, or heavy bleeding.
There is a broad spectrum of what is considered normal in terms of monthly cycles. However, you should not have considerable issues with your menstruation every month. If the flow is so heavy or irregular that it prevents you from performing certain activities or causes you to miss school or work, you might have to visit the Best Gynecologist in Lahore for your treatment.
What Causes AUB?
Hormonal Imbalances
Certain hormones are responsible for the growth of the endometrium (uterine lining) every cycle to prepare the uterus for fetal implantation. Mostly, when there is no fertilization, the endometrial lining sheds, resulting in menses.
The endometrium can thicken up excessively in adolescents and adults who are getting close to menopause. This may result in spotting between periods or irregular or heavy menstruation.
To put it in simple words, anything that disturbs the hormonal balance can result in AUB. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), having an intrauterine device (IUD), rapid weight gain or loss, physical or emotional stress, and drugs like warfarin and birth control pills are a few examples.
Uterine Conditions
Abnormal bleeding can also be brought on by endometriosis. This occurs when the endometrial tissue growth is found in places other than the uterus. Other causes include polyps and fibroids, which are benign tumorous growths that develop in the uterine muscles, found in millions of women. Usually, these are harmless but larger fibroids may cause significant problems like AUB. Lastly, a disease called adenomyosis also causes AUB, which occurs when cells that normally make the uterine lining begin to grow in the uterine muscle.
How Is AUB Diagnosed?
Depending on your age, your doctor might request different tests. Your doctor can ask for a pregnancy test after taking your detailed history. Complete blood count in addition to other tests is ordered if your bleeding is severe to make sure you do not have a low blood count as a result of the blood loss. Iron deficiency anemia is often the consequence.
The uterus and ovaries are both visible during a pelvic ultrasound examination. It helps to detect the source of the bleeding in some cases.
Your doctor may recommend an endometrial biopsy. A very small chunk of the uterine lining will be extracted using a catheter. That piece will be sent to the lab for analysis. The result will tell whether the cells of the uterine lining are normal or cancerous.
A hysteroscopy is another procedure. A small tube containing a tiny camera is inserted into your uterus. The camera enables your doctor to view the interior of your uterus. If an abnormality is discovered, your doctor can obtain tissue for a biopsy.
Your treatment option will depend on the nature of the bleeding. There are medications and surgical procedures available to help manage your bleeding or address the underlying cause. Consider visiting a Gynecologist in Karachi to know which treatment option is the best for you.
