Abnormal uterine bleeding is unusual bleeding from the uterus. It includes bleeding after sex, or bleeding or spotting between menstrual cycles. It may also include bleeding that is heavier than normal, menstrual cycles that last longer than usual, or bleeding that occurs after menopause.

Abnormal uterine bleeding can affect teenagers, women in their reproductive years, pregnant women, and women who have reached menopause. Common causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include:

Pregnancy.
Abnormal growths within the lining of the uterus (polyps).
Benign tumours or growths in the uterus (fibroids). These are not cancer.
Infection.
Cancer.
Too much or too little of some hormones in the body (hormonal imbalances).

Any type of abnormal bleeding should be checked by a healthcare provider. Many cases are minor and simple to treat, but others may be more serious. Treatment will depend on the cause of the bleeding and how severe it is.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Ask your healthcare provider about:
- Taking medicines such as aspirin and NSAIDs. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to take them.
- Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal medicines and supplements.
If you were prescribed iron pills, take them as instructed by your healthcare provider. Iron pills help to replace iron that your body loses because of this condition.

Managing constipation

In cases of severe bleeding, you may be asked to increase your iron intake to treat anaemia. Doing this may cause constipation. To prevent or treat constipation, you may need to:

Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
Take over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
Eat foods that are high in fibre, such as beans, wholegrains, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars, such as fried or sweet foods.

Activity

Alter your activity to decrease bleeding if you need to change your sanitary pad more than one time every 2 hours:

Lie in bed with your feet raised (elevated).
Place a cold pack on your lower abdomen.
Rest as much as possible until the bleeding stops or slows down.

General instructions

Do not use tampons, douche, or have sex until your healthcare provider says these things are okay.
Change your sanitary pads often.
Get regular examinations. These include pelvic examinations and cervical cancer screenings.
It is up to you to get the results of any tests that are done. Ask your healthcare provider, or the department that is doing the tests, when your results will be ready.
Monitor your condition for any changes. For 2 months, write down:
- When your menstrual cycle starts.
- When your menstrual cycle ends.
- When any abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs.
- What problems you notice.
Keep all follow-up appointments. This is important.

Contact a healthcare provider if:

You have bleeding that lasts for more than one week.
You feel dizzy at times.
You feel nauseous or you vomit.
You feel light-headed or weak.
You notice any other changes that show that your condition is getting worse.

Get help right away if:

You faint.
You have bleeding that soaks through a sanitary pad every hour.
You have pain in the abdomen.
You have a fever or chills.
You become sweaty or weak.
You pass large blood clots from your vagina.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem which is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

Abnormal uterine bleeding is unusual bleeding from the uterus.
Any type of abnormal bleeding should be checked by a healthcare provider. Many cases are minor and simple to treat, but others may be more serious.
Treatment will depend on the cause of the bleeding and how severe it is.
Get help right away if you faint, you have bleeding that soaks through a sanitary pad every hour, or you pass large blood clots from your vagina.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

Medical knowledge, Patient Education

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding