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.

It's important to let your doctor know if you have abnormal uterine bleeding. There are many ways that treatment can help. Medicines, hormone therapy, or both may help reduce bleeding or make your menstrual periods more regular. If these don’t work, surgery may be an option.

You can use home treatment for some problems related to abnormal uterine bleeding.

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can help reduce bleeding and menstrual pain. It works best when you start taking it 1 to 2 days before you expect bleeding or pain to start. If you don't know when your period will start next, take your first dose of an NSAID as soon as bleeding or premenstrual pain starts. Be safe with medicines, and follow your doctor's instructions.

Irregular menstrual bleeding can lead to low levels of iron in the blood. This condition is known as iron deficiency anemia. You can help prevent anemia by increasing the amount of iron in your diet.