It’s estimated that 10%-35% of women experience abnormal bleeding at some point in their life. But many women don’t seek help for an irregular menstrual cycle or heavy bleeding, so the number is likely higher.
One of the frustrating things women face with abnormal bleeding is finding the cause. Our team of women’s health experts at Obstetricians and Gynecologists, PC, conducts thorough exams and diagnostic tests so we can provide the answers and treatments you need.
In this blog, we share our process for getting to the root of abnormal bleeding.
Many women don’t seek medical care when experiencing abnormal bleeding because they may not realize that their menstrual cycle or periods are atypical. The following is a list of signs and symptoms of abnormal bleeding:
It’s possible for abnormal bleeding to occur suddenly and unexpectedly. If your unusual bleeding is sudden and includes other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical care right away.
If you have abnormal bleeding that occurs often for six or more months, your condition is chronic and you need to schedule an appointment to get to the root cause of your symptoms.
Abnormal bleeding is more likely to happen when women first start their periods during adolescence and in the months or years leading up to menopause. Hormonal changes are responsible for the abnormalities in the menstrual cycle during these times.
Abnormal bleeding is also a common sign of many gynecological conditions, including:
You may also have abnormal bleeding following insertion of a copper intrauterine device (IUD). Liver disease, kidney disease, and bleeding disorders also could be the source of abnormal bleeding.
We can discover the cause of your abnormal bleeding with diagnostic tests. In order to determine what tests you need, we ask detailed questions about your menstrual cycle, including time in between periods, length of your periods, and the severity of bleeding. We review your medical and gynecological history and ask about family health history.
With this information as well as a physical and pelvic exam, we decide what tests to run. Testing may include:
We may also perform a hysteroscopic exam, an in-office test that allows us to closely examine the lining of your uterus to look for fibroids, polyps, and cancer.
Most of the tests for abnormal bleeding help us rule out conditions so we can identify the source of your symptoms. The cause of your abnormal bleeding determines how we treat it.
Unusual bleeding is common and even expected during certain stages of life, but that doesn’t make it normal. Let us help find the root cause of your abnormal bleeding so you can get the right care.
Call our office in Hastings or Grand Island, Nebraska, today, or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation with our skilled and compassionate providers. We also have satellite clinics throughout Nebraska and Kansas, providing care in rural communities where there’s limited access to health services.
