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What exactly is abnormal uterine bleeding? |
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What causes abnormal uterine bleeding? |
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Could it be cancer? |
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What is the best way to diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding? |
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What are your treatment options? |
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What is the best way to diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding?
The first step in diagnosing abnormal bleeding is to take a thorough menstrual
history. When a woman has recent changes in menstrual flow, this may indicate
a fibroid or a polyp. A woman with longstanding heavy flow all of her life may
have hormonal or blood clotting problems. Irregular menstrual periods may be
caused by an ovarian problem, especially in younger or older women. |
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The next step involves a physical examination. An enlarged uterus may indicate
fibroid tumors, but a normal uterus does not rule out small fibroids inside the
uterine cavity. |
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Ultrasound is the most common diagnostic technology used to evaluate the
uterus. It uses sound waves to image the pelvic structures rather than X-ray.
Ultrasound is a visual pelvic examination. The uterus may show signs of fibroids
within the muscle wall, or endometrial polyps in the uterine cavity. However,
ultrasound is only an indirect visualizing technique. Other indirect techniques
that may be used include CT-scans and MRIs. |
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Direct visualization of the uterine cavity is accomplished with hysteroscopy (using
a small narrow scope that goes through the cervix). The doctor can look inside
the uterus for small polyps or small submucosal fibroids. |
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Laboratory tests may be required. A blood count is important,
especially when the patient is suspected as having anemia.
Abnormal thyroid function may cause abnormal bleeding and
can be corrected medically. Small pituitary tumors called
prolactinomas may also cause abnormal bleeding. These tumors
are sometimes associated with breast milk secretion, so when
a woman complains of both irregular bleeding and secretions
from the breast, a prolactin test becomes important. FSH(follicle
stimulating hormone) is the pituitary hormone that regulates
the ovary. If FSH is elevated it indicates the abnormal bleeding
is due to ovarian failure and impending menopause.
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