Abnormal Bleeding

What is abnormal bleeding?

Abnormal bleeding refers to unexpected bleeding or bleeding that’s different from your normal menstrual cycle. It could be:

• Unusually heavy: quickly soaking through tampons and pads hour after hour
• Prolonged: lasting longer than a week
• Irregular: occurs between menstrual cycles or at times outside of your regular period
• Postmenopausal: bleeding after menopause

Bleeding after sex is also considered abnormal and can be cause for concern.

What causes abnormal bleeding?

There are many causes of abnormal bleeding, which vary depending on your age, overall health, and specific circumstances. Common causes include:

• Hormonal imbalance: Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all significantly impact your estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to irregular bleeding.
• Uterine fibroids or polyps: Though noncancerous, these growths in your uterus can lead to heavy or irregular bleeding.
• Endometriosis: This painful condition develops when uterine tissue grows outside your uterus, causing abnormal bleeding and possible infertility.
• Thyroid disorders: If your thyroid is over- or underactive, it can impact your menstrual cycle and trigger abnormal bleeding.
• Infections: Infections in any of your reproductive organs cause you to spot or bleed.
• Cancer: Certain cancers, like uterine or cervical, can cause abnormal bleeding.

Also, your menstrual cycle can get disrupted if you’re under a great deal of stress or you’ve gained or lost a lot of weight recently. 

Dr. Hildahl meets with you to learn about your health history, give you a pelvic exam, and run tests to determine the exact cause of your abnormal bleeding.

How is abnormal bleeding treated?

Depending on what’s causing your abnormal bleeding, Dr. Hildahl may recommend one of these treatment options:

Hormonal treatments

Birth control pills, hormone therapy, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) can help regulate hormone levels and control heavy bleeding.

Medications

Dr. Hildahl can prescribe medicine to help reduce the bleeding or manage your discomfort.

Surgery 

If fibroids, polyps, or other growths are the reason for your abnormal bleeding, surgical options like a D&C (dilation and curettage) or myomectomy (removal of fibroids) might be the best solution.

Endometrial ablation

Dr. Hildahl provides NovaSure® endometrial ablation, a quick radiofrequency procedure that removes the lining of your uterus and puts an end to chronic heavy bleeding.

It’s also possible that lifestyle changes like weight loss and stress management could help. 

If you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding, help from the caring team at North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics is a call or click away. Use the online scheduling option or contact the office today.