Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treatment in Los Angeles
Abnormal uterine bleeding is a serious health issue that you should not ignore. Healthcare professionals define it as any bleeding between periods, when you bleed longer than your natural cycle, or when you’re experiencing excessive flow.
This condition is unpredictable and can affect women at any time. The causes and symptoms of abnormal bleeding can vary wildly from woman to woman. Therefore, seeking medical help from an experienced urogynecologist is imperative.
What Causes Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
There are many different causes of abnormal bleeding. However, one of the most common is hormonal changes. A woman’s hormone levels change dramatically throughout the month. During the ovulation process, estrogen and progesterone release. If fertilization does not occur, the egg and uterine lining will shed every 28 days or so.
But, hormonal imbalances can lead to an issue called Menorrhagia. The condition is when menstrual bleeding lasts longer than seven days. Hormones can also create heavy menstrual bleeding. Women can experience more volume as well as larger clots.
Hormonal changes are most common around premenopause and menopause. However, certain lifestyle factors can cause hormones to go awry, too. Obesity, extreme weight loss, and stress all come into play. The same goes for hormone-related diseases and exposure to some medications. In most cases, the hormone issues that cause heavy menstrual bleeding accompany additional symptoms. Most women will experience changes like sporadic hair growth, mood swings, and physical vaginal changes.
Beyond hormone issues, other issues can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. Uterine cancer, cervical cancer, and blood platelet conditions can be the culprit. Even structural abnormalities may be to blame for Menorrhagia. For example, non-cancerous fibroids, polyps, and a thickened uterine lining will often create unusual bleeding patterns.
The truth is, uterine bleeding is a complex process and many things can go wrong. The only way to know what’s going on for sure is to get a proper diagnosis by a doctor.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treatment
Because of the many causes of abnormal and heavy menstrual bleeding, treatment options can run the gamut from simple medications to complex surgeries. Prior to determining the best course of action, your urogynecologist will perform a series of tests. They may include, but are not limited to:
- Pap/HPV
- Infection swabs
- Complete blood count
- Fasting blood glucose
- Liver function
- FSH and LH hormone
- Thyroid function
- Biopsy
- Hysteroscopy
Once your healthcare provider understands the root cause of the issue, they can create a treatment plan catered to your body. Many urogynecologists will combine treatments to provide the best results possible.
If hormones are to blame, hormone therapy might be the remedy of choice. Physicians might recommend low-dose birth control, intrauterine devices for progestin, or high-dose estrogen medications for those suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding. It all depends on the results of your diagnostic tests.
In more severe cases, physicians may recommend a surgical approach. Advances in Minimally invasive procedures allow quick recovery from a hysterectomy, myomectomy, or endometrial polypectomy, to permanently address symptomatic polyps and fibroid tumors.
Risk of abnormal tissue formation is greater in perimenopausal and menopausal women and addressing any changes in bleeding status should be closely evaluated and treated.
If you’re suffering from abnormal bleeding, contact the offices of Dr. Tahery. As an experienced urogynecologist, Dr. Tahery offers many treatment options to address this issue.