Heavy or unusual bleeding through the vagina, experienced by women during or in-between the regular periods is called abnormal uterine bleeding. The bleeding is termed abnormal because it is usually irregular, heavier and is usually caused by hormonal or structural abnormalities of the female reproductive system. Abnormal uterine bleeding is more commonly diagnosed at the beginning of the reproductive cycle and at the end of it in older women. At our clinic in Mumbai, 20% of the AUB cases occur in adolescent girls, more than 50% are occur in women above age 40. Following are the situations when the uterine bleeding is considered abnormal: Bleeding between the normal periods.
- Spotting or bleeding after intercourse.
- Bleeding that happens after menopause.
- Irregular cycles which vary by more than 8-9 days.
- Abnormally heavy bleeding during your regular period.
- Bleeding while your menstrual cycles happen to be shorter than 24 and longer than 38 days.
Causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: There is no one single cause for abnormal uterine bleeding experienced by women. Following some of the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding experienced by women:
- Structural abnormalities like polyps,