Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) can be a very unnerving problem for many women. The normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days with a period lasting 2-8 days without bleeding in between periods. AUB is bleeding at times other than during a normal period or may be heavy bleeding during your period. Some of the more common causes of AUB are:
- Pregnancy
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Obesity
- Fibroids
- Infection (cervix, endometrium)
- Endometrial polyps
- Cervical polyps
- Bleeding disorders
- Adenomyosis
- Oral contraceptives (birth control)
- Vaginal trauma
- Thyroid problems
- PCOS
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Ovarian tumors
- Cancer (cervical, uterine, ovarian)
Certain blood tests, pelvic ultrasound, and tissue biopsies (cervical, endometrial) may be performed to aid in diagnosing the cause of the AUB. Occasionally, a hysteroscopy may be recommended to further evaluate the cause of bleeding, especially in postmenopausal women.