What Causes Abnormal Bleeding?
Periods are often unpleasant, but abnormal bleeding can greatly interfere with your schedule, comfort, and enjoyment of life. If you’re experiencing frequent abnormal uterine bleeding, visit to your OB/GYN to find out if something is wrong.
Abnormal bleeding can be caused by a number of factors, and a specialist can help you determine a cause and create a treatment plan. You should feel heard when you bring up these issues, and the team at OB/GYN Specialists in Denton, Texas, provides women with the compassion, care, and understanding they deserve.
Abnormal uterine bleeding
There is more than one form of abnormal bleeding, and they aren’t mutually exclusive. You can experience just one issue or two or more of them at the same time. If you’re suffering from any form of serious or recurring abnormal bleeding, talk to your OB/GYN. Types of abnormal uterine bleeding include:
- Unusually short or long periods (shorter than two days, or longer than a week)
- Heavy periods
- Irregular periods
- Frequent spotting
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Bleeding during pregnancy
If your abnormal bleeding is accompanied with severe pain or fever, seek medical help right away. If you’re bleeding during pregnancy, bring this up with your OB/GYN as soon as possible, as it can be a sign of miscarriage.
Causes of abnormal bleeding
Most cases of abnormal uterine bleeding are caused by hormone imbalances in the body. Such imbalances are often due to:
- Birth control, including IUDs and the pill
- Intense stress (physical and emotional)
- Ovarian issues
- Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
Some cases of abnormal bleeding are caused by conditions like endometriosis, which affects the uterine lining and leads to lengthy, heavy, and painful periods. Infections of the reproductive organs can lead to bleeding, so take any fevers seriously. Growths — both cancerous and noncancerous (fibroids) — can cause spotting and unusual bleeding as well.
Diagnosis and treatment options
Try to keep a record of your cycle, and answer all of your doctor’s questions to aid in a proper diagnosis of the cause behind your abnormal bleeding. From there, your doctor may order certain tests, including a pelvic exam, biopsy, or even an ultrasound.
Treatment varies depending on your diagnosis. For example, women with thyroid issues often receive medications to balance thyroid hormones, while your doctor may recommend medications or even surgery for endometriosis.
Don’t let abnormal bleeding frighten you or interfere with your life. A visit to OB/GYN Specialists can provide answers to your questions and ensure that you get the treatment you need. If you’re suffering from abnormal bleeding, contact us by calling 940-202-0566 today.