​Abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding can significantly impact your quality of life. It can be related to a number of conditions including problems with the uterus, hormone problems, or other conditions.

A normal menstrual cycle is typically between 24 and 38 days, with the average menstrual cycle lasting 28 days. The cycle starts with the first day of one period and ends with the first day of the next period. When you are experiencing excessive bleeding or menstrual cycles that last longer than 38 days or shorter than 24 days, it can take an emotional and physical toll and be a cause for concern.

When abnormal uterine bleeding interferes in your life and health, the experts at The Christ Hospital Health Network have the experience and skill to diagnose and treat you so you can get back to good health.

Although abnormal uterine bleeding can occur at any age, it is most common when you are young, 9 to 14 years of age, or during perimenopause—usually beginning in your mid-40s.

Abnormal uterine bleeding causes

Abnormal uterine bleeding can be caused by many different factors. At your appointment, your doctor will take a family history and a history of your menstrual cycles to help pinpoint the cause of your bleeding.

Although sometimes there is no identifiable cause for abnormal bleeding, common causes, include:

• Bleeding disorders—that impair blood clotting and may lead to heavy bleeding and longer periods
  

• Certain medications—especially anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting and anti-inflammatories
  

• Certain types of cancer—although rarely the cause, reproductive cancers like uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer can cause irregular uterine bleeding
  

• Hormone imbalance—like estrogen and progesterone and PCOS
  

• Ectopic pregnancy—when the fertilized egg attaches itself in a place other than inside the uterus
  

• Fibroids—tumors that grow in or around the uterus
  

• Infection of the uterus or cervix
  

• Miscarriage—the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks
  

• Polyps—uterine growths that cause heavier, longer or irregular periods
  

• Problems with ovulation—when the ovaries don’t produce, mature or release eggs 
  

Abnormal uterine bleeding risk factors

There are just a few factors that can increase your risk for having abnormal uterine bleeding, including:

Many women question if what they are experiencing is considered normal and may put off seeing a doctor about symptoms. 

If you have noticed any of these changes, it is time to make an appointment with your doctor: