Heavy Periods

What is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is a common condition defined as uterine bleeding outside the normal volume, duration, regularity or frequency.

Do you have heavy bleeding during your periods?
Do you have bleeding that soaks through your pad or tampons every hour?
Do you have bleeding that lasts more than 7 days?
Do you have more than one period per month?
Do you have bleeding or spotting between periods or after sex?

Up to one-third of women will experience Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in their life.¹

What are the Symptoms of AUB?

Symptoms of AUB vary based on the cause and may include:

Heavy bleeding

Unpredictable periods

Frequent menstrual cycles

Periods lasting longer than 7 days

Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods, during or after intercourse
Pain in the abdomen, lower back or rectum
Pain during intercourse
Pressure on bowels & bladder
Anemia (from blood loss)
Enlarged uterus & abdomen
Infertility
Miscarriages
Passing large clots
Bleeding after menopause

Those with AUB may experience"

Fatigue due to blood loss
Intimacy problems
Mood changes
Soaking pads & tampons quickly
Missing work or social events
Constipation
Frequent urination

Does life revolve around your period?

What are possible causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

Common causes of AUB include:

Fibroids

Dense tissue growths that can develop inside the uterine cavity, uterine walls or outside the uterus. Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous).

Polyps

Endometrial cells that cluster and grow in the uterine cavity or cervix. Polyps can become cancerous.

Thickened Endometrium (without atypical cells)

Irregularities in hormone levels can lead to endometrial tissue that is thicker than normal, resulting in a heavy and long period, often with large blood clots.

How is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding diagnosed?

Blood work may be the first step to rule out pregnancy, check your blood’s clotting capabilities, test for anemia and measure your thyroid levels. A more thorough exam may be needed.

You have options

Treat the root cause, not the symptoms

If you thought hormones and hysterectomies were your only options to control your period, we have good news: our practice offers minimally invasive, non-hormonal treatment options for AUB from Minerva Surgical.

But the first step is getting a definitive diagnosis.

Visit AUBandMe.com, an educational resource created for women. Learn about your uterus, heavy periods, causes and treatment options.

^{1. Davis E, Sparzak PB. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. [Updated 2022 Aug 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan. Accessed August 22, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532913/}