Vaginal bleeding or abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is bleeding from the uterus that is longer than usual or occurs at an irregular time. The bleeding may be heavier or lighter than usual and occur frequently or randomly. The term dysfunctional uterine bleeding was used when there was no underlying cause.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is a disorder of the menstrual cycle. Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods is also called breakthrough bleeding, spotting, and metrorrhagia. Any change in the amount or length of your period is also considered abnormal uterine bleeding. AUB can be from a random day of mild spotting to ten days of heavy bleeding that replaces your regular menstrual flow.
Causes
Normal vaginal bleeding, also known as your period, can occur for a few days to a week. Any bleeding outside of that is considered unusual and can be due to numerous factors. There are some possible causes behind abnormal uterine bleeding. Some causes may include:
Treatment
There are many treatment options available. Your healthcare provider can discuss the approaches that may work for you and your lifestyle.
Chormonal imbalance
Estrogen and progesterone are the 2 hormones that can regulate your cycle and any disturbance in them can affect your hormonal balance:
dysfunctional ovaries
thyroid gland problems
start or stop birth control pills
Complications of pregnancy
Complications during pregnancy can cause spotting miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy can cause bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tube in place of the uterus. Spotting during pregnancy may not mean that you are having a miscarriage.
Uterine fibroids
Uterine Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growth that usually forms in the uterus and they are very common in women who have given birth.
Infection
Vaginal bleeding between periods may imply infection of your reproductive organs. The infection can cause inflammation and bleeding that includes:
When you visit a doctor, a physical exam is also done. A complete blood count can help doctors estimate how much blood has been lost and if there is anemia. A pregnancy test is also done.
A blood test is done to check the level of iron in the body. The test can see if that is a problem for you. It also can show if hormones are out of balance or when you have a blood disorder or chronic disease.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your uterus so your doctor can look for fibroids or polyps.
The doctor uses a hysteroscopy to look inside the uterus with a small lighted scope that is placed through your cervix.
The doctor can remove a small piece of tissue and examine it under a microscope for abnormal cells using the biopsy.
MRI imaging uses radio waves and strong magnets to create detailed images of the uterus. It is not used as often, but it can help detect adenomyosis.
Your doctor will likely also perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam.
Therefore, the diagnosis will help you and the doctor to find the real cause of excessive vaginal bleeding.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the abnormal uterine bleeding - if a chronic disease or blood disorder is at the root of your symptoms, treatment can help and can also help:
How old is the woman?
How heavy the bleeding is?
If the lining of the uterus is thickened
Medications are usually the first thing your doctor will try. They include:
Hormones Birth control pills and other hormonal treatments can give you regular menstrual cycles and lighter periods.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRHa) agonists prevent your body from producing certain hormones. They can shrink fibroids for a time but are usually used in conjunction with other treatments.
By taking NSAIDs and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen a few days before your period starts, they can help relieve bleeding.
Tranexamic acid is a pill that helps blood clot and can control heavy uterine bleeding.
IUD prevents the release of a hormone called progestin that can stop heavy bleeding. Many women who use one do not have a period at all.
In some severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to stop the bleeding.
Endometrial ablation uses heat, cold, electricity, or a laser to destroy the lining of the uterus. You may end your periods completely and there will probably be no chance of pregnancy after it has been done. You will need to use birth control until menopause.
A myomectomy or uterine artery embolization will be performed. If you have fibroids, your doctor can remove them or cut the vessels that supply them with blood.
A hysterectomy is performed when the doctor removes your uterus. You may need a hysterectomy if your fibroids are very large, or if you have cancer of the endometrium or uterus. Otherwise, it is the last resort when other treatments have not worked.
Complications
There may be some complications that can occur with abnormal uterine bleeding including:
Problems getting pregnant
Anemia or blood loss
Increased risk of endometrial cancer
When to see a Doctor?
The cause of the bleeding can be serious and must be determined. You should see your doctor immediately if you are pregnant and have vaginal bleeding.
If you have other severe symptoms in addition to bleeding, you may need emergency medical attention. These include:
pain
fatigue
dizziness
fever
must double protection to provide adequate coverage
soaks one or more sanitary pads or tampons per hour
you have to change your sanitary pad or tampon overnight
expels blood clots larger than a quarter
have symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin
your periods last more than a week at a time
Most causes of heavy periods, such as fibroids, are more uncomfortable than serious. But if you don't treat the problem and you bleed a lot, you could develop anemia. Your doctor will work with you to create a plan of care that is tailored to your needs while alleviating your symptoms. This may take a bit of trial and error, so be open with your doctor and give him time.
Home Remedies
Hydrate
If you bleed a lot for a few days, your blood volume may drop too low. Drinking an additional 4 to 6 cups of water a day can help maintain blood volume.
Drink an electrolyte solution like Gatorade or add more salt to your diet to balance the excess fluid you are drinking.
Eat foods rich in vitamin C
This vitamin helps the body in absorbing iron the prevents anemia. You will find it in citrus fruits and veggies like:
oranges
grapefruits
red and green peppers
kiwis
strawberries
brussels sprouts
broccoli
tomato juice
Iron-rich foods in your diet
When you bleed, you lose iron. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a molecule that helps red blood cells carry oxygen. Heavy periods can deplete the iron in the body and cause iron-deficiency anemia.
lean meat
oysters
chicken and turkey
beans
tofu
spinach
Cook in a cast iron pot
Another way to increase your iron intake is to cook in a cast-iron skillet. Foods with high moisture, such as spaghetti sauce, absorb the most iron
Stirring the pot frequently will attract even more iron to the food.
Stress can cause spotting between periods, also a common cause of late or skipped menstrual periods.
2. What is the distinction between abnormal uterine bleeding and dysfunctional uterine bleeding?
This abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) could have several causes, however, while AUB is related to changes in hormones that have a direct effect on the menstruation cycle, this circumstance is known as dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
3. Can blood get stuck in the uterus?
Hematometry is a medical condition that involves the collection or retention of blood in the uterus. It is most commonly caused by an imperforate hymen or a transverse vaginal septum.
