Abnormal Bleeding: Definition And Common Treatment Options
Most women bleed differently. Some experience short, light periods, but the bleeding is more prolonged and heavier in others. However, normal menstrual bleeding generally lasts 3–8 days and comes every 21–35 days. Unfortunately, this doesn't apply to all age-appropriate females because of a condition known as abnormal uterine bleeding. Keep reading to learn more about this issue and the various effective solutions experts use to treat it.
What Is Abnormal Bleeding?
Abnormal bleeding is a term that may apply to anyone bleeding between their monthly periods or experiencing significantly prolonged or heavy periods. Although this common phenomenon can arise from harmless sources like weight loss and birth control pills, seeing a doctor becomes necessary when it manifests frequently. That is vital because numerous severe issues can cause abnormal periods, including cancer, cervix infection, clotting disorders, and chronic renal disease.
Common Treatments for Abnormal Bleeding
If you are a victim of erratic bleeding, the following treatments may help:
1. Medications
There are various medications you can use to treat or prevent abnormal menstrual bleeding. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. NSAIDs primarily alleviate heavy periods by reducing the elevated prostaglandin levels common in women with excessive uterine bleeding. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) can also help you regulate menstrual cycles and avoid frequent prolonged or excessive bleeding. OCPs effectively decrease menstrual flow, reestablish normal bleeding patterns, and protect you from iron deficiency anemia. The best thing is that these pills offer all that and help you prevent unwanted pregnancies simultaneously.
2. Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus and, sometimes, the fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and surrounding structures. A gynecologist can recommend either partial or total hysterectomy, depending on your condition. But, generally, specialists go with this invasive procedure after all treatment options have failed. Although most gynecologists consider vaginal hysterectomy the default route for this treatment option, your patent factors, preferences, and pelvic pathology may demand other approaches like abdominal and robotic-assisted hysterectomies. If you live with abnormal periods, a hysterectomy can help you alleviate unexpected, heavy bleeding.
3. Hysteroscopy
Many experts today use hysteroscopy to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. They favor it because it enables them to observe patients and investigate unusual bleeding before taking further steps. The investigation, in this context, heavily relies on endoscopy—a medical imaging procedure that allows gynecologists to examine their clients' uterine cavity through the cervix. The process involves inserting a hysteroscope into the uterus via the vagina and cervix. If the specialist finds bleeding areas, they may use surgery, electric current, or laser beams to destroy them. Most people prefer hysteroscopy because it's associated with less pain medication and shorter hospital stays and recovery time.
Contact your doctor to learn more about the treatment of abnormal bleeding.
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