What is abnormal uterine bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding is irregular bleeding from the uterus. It may be bleeding that is heavier, lighter, or lasts longer than your usual period. Or it may be bleeding that doesn't occur at your regular time. For example, you may have heavy bleeding during your period or in between periods. Let your doctor know if your bleeding is different than usual. They can check for problems.

Bleeding during pregnancy is a different problem. If you are pregnant and have any amount of bleeding from the vagina, be sure to tell your doctor.

Symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding include:

• Getting your period more or less often than normal. A normal adult menstrual cycle is about 21 to 35 days long. A normal teen cycle is about 21 to 45 days.
• Periods that last longer than 7 days.
• Bleeding during your period that is lighter or heavier than usual. With heavy bleeding, you may soak through your pads or tampons often.
• Bleeding when you don't expect to, such as between periods or after sex.

Your doctor will review your history of symptoms and menstrual periods. Your doctor will ask how often, how long, and how much you have been bleeding. (If you can, bring with you a record of the days you were bleeding, how heavy or light the flow was, and how you felt each day.)

You may also have tests to help find the cause of your symptoms and to rule out serious health problems. These tests may include:

• A pelvic exam.
• A fluid sample from your cervix or vagina.
• A pap or HPV test.
• A urine test.
• A blood test.
• An ultrasound.
• A biopsy. For this test, your doctor takes a tiny sample of tissue from your uterus.

There are many ways to help treat abnormal uterine bleeding. Some are meant to return the menstrual cycle to normal. Others are used to reduce bleeding or to stop monthly periods. Treatments can include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
• Hormone therapy. This can include hormonal birth control or other medicines.
• Hysteroscopy. This procedure can remove polyps or fibroids.
• Surgery, such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. It may be done when other treatments don't work.

Sometimes symptoms get better without treatment. After a doctor rules out serious problems, some people choose to wait and see if symptoms get better on their own.

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• You may be low in iron because of blood loss. Eat a balanced diet that is high in iron and vitamin C. Foods with a lot of iron include red meat, shellfish, and eggs. They also include beans and leafy green vegetables. Talk to your doctor about taking iron pills or a multivitamin.