Procedures
Abnormal bleeding

Overview

Abnormal bleeding, also known as abnormal uterine bleeding, is heavy or unusual bleeding from the uterus which may occur at any time during your menstrual cycle, including your normal menstrual period.

There are several causes of abnormal bleeding, such as pregnancy, polyps or fibroids. In rare cases, thyroid problems, infections of the cervix, or cancer of the uterus may cause abnormal bleeding. Hormonal imbalance may also cause abnormal bleeding in some women. Abnormal bleeding that is caused by hormonal imbalance is common in teenagers or in women who are approaching menopause.

What are the related symptoms of abnormal bleeding?

Bleeding between periods is the most common symptom of abnormal bleeding. Other symptoms may include:

• Excessive heavy bleeding during your period
• Menstruation that lasts more than 7 days called menorrhagia
• Bleeding at unusual times such as after sex or during menopause
• Inconsistent menstrual cycles

What are the treatment options for abnormal bleeding?

Depending on the cause of the abnormal bleeding, such as a chronic illness or a blood disorder, or whether you plan to have children, Dr Hlabisa will help determine the best treatment suitable for you. He may recommend the following:

• Hormone treatment – Birth control pills and other hormone medication may be prescribed to help give you regular menstrual cycles and lighter periods.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) – These drugs are prescribed to help stop your body from making certain hormones and to shrink a fibroid for a while.
• NSAIDs – Taking anti-inflammatories may help lighten the bleeding.
• Endometrial ablation – This procedure involves the use of heat, cold, electricity or a laser to destroy the lining of the uterus.
• Myomectomy or uterine artery embolization – This is recommended if you have fibroids. It involves Dr Hlabisa removing the fibroids or cutting off the vessels that supply the fibroids with blood.
• Hysterectomy – This procedure involves the removal of the uterus to treat large fibroids, endometrial or uterine cancer.