National Library of Medicine
Part of National Institutes of Health, this is the world’s largest medical library.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Many treatment options are available for bleeding abnormally heavy or at unusual times outside of a menstrual cycle
Abnormal uterine bleeding takes place when a female bleeds at unusual times in her menstrual cycle. It could also be at an unexpected time in her life.
It can occur before age 10, during pregnancy, after menopause or when your menstrual flow is lighter or heavier than normal.
The most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding is called menorrhagia. This is heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding that interrupts your daily activities. You may soak through sanitary pads or tampons that require hourly changing for more than seven days.
Bleeding from the vagina that is not normal, such as bleeding between menstrual periods, after sex or after menopause can indicate any number of conditions.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Causes
Many things can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, including:
- Uterine fibroids
- Infection
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endometriosis
- Endometrial cancer or polyp
- Ectopic pregnancy
Overview
The most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding is called menorrhagia. This is heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding that interrupts your daily activities. You may soak through sanitary pads or tampons that require hourly changing for more than seven days.
Bleeding from the vagina that is not normal, such as bleeding between menstrual periods, after sex or after menopause can indicate any number of conditions.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Causes
Many things can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, including:
- Uterine fibroids
- Infection
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endometriosis
- Endometrial cancer or polyp
- Ectopic pregnancy
Our expert physicians will work to diagnose the cause of your bleeding. That way, we can provide the most effective treatment possible for you.
Your physician will listen to your needs and concerns, review your medical history and evaluate your symptoms. From there, your physician will provide diagnostic tests that may include any of the following:
- Complete physical exam
- Pelvic examination
- Blood tests
- Pap test
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy
Diagnosis
Our expert physicians will work to diagnose the cause of your bleeding. That way, we can provide the most effective treatment possible for you.
Your physician will listen to your needs and concerns, review your medical history and evaluate your symptoms. From there, your physician will provide diagnostic tests that may include any of the following:
- Complete physical exam
- Pelvic examination
- Blood tests
- Pap test
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy
IU Health physicians care for you as a whole person. Our physicians use the latest scientific treatments to treat all uterine bleeding causes.
Our leading edge medicine and treatment options are available first and often only at IU Health. Some of these may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Oral contraceptives
- Hormone treatment with progesterone
- Endometrial ablation
- Hysterectomy
- Uterine fibroid embolization
Treatment for Adolescents
For adolescents, experts at Riley Hospital for Children offer the only fellowship-trained pediatric and adolescent gynecology services in the state.
Our experts provide menstrual management, including menstrual suppression, and complete diagnostic and therapeutic services. These services are provided with compassion and understanding for the unique needs of younger patients.
Treatment
IU Health physicians care for you as a whole person. Our physicians use the latest scientific treatments to treat all uterine bleeding causes.
Our leading edge medicine and treatment options are available first and often only at IU Health. Some of these may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Oral contraceptives
- Hormone treatment with progesterone
- Endometrial ablation
- Hysterectomy
- Uterine fibroid embolization
Treatment for Adolescents
For adolescents, experts at Riley Hospital for Children offer the only fellowship-trained pediatric and adolescent gynecology services in the state.
Our experts provide menstrual management, including menstrual suppression, and complete diagnostic and therapeutic services. These services are provided with compassion and understanding for the unique needs of younger patients.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
This nonprofit organization offers information, education and advocacy in the field of reproductive medicine.
American Cancer Society
This is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. This page focuses on uterine sarcomas.
National Women's Health Information Center
This United States Department of Human Services’ website dedicates itself to women’s health information.
National Cancer Institute
Part of the National Institutes of Health, this is the United States government's principal agency for cancer research and training.
Resources
National Library of Medicine
Part of National Institutes of Health, this is the world’s largest medical library.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
This nonprofit organization offers information, education and advocacy in the field of reproductive medicine.
American Cancer Society
This is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. This page focuses on uterine sarcomas.
National Women's Health Information Center
This United States Department of Human Services’ website dedicates itself to women’s health information.
National Cancer Institute
Part of the National Institutes of Health, this is the United States government's principal agency for cancer research and training.