Abnormal Bleeding Specialist

Generations Women's Healthcare

Gynecology located in Norton, OH & Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Abnormal uterine bleeding may include more than one period a month, an extremely heavy flow, or a period that lasts longer than seven days. Susan Clark, MD, and Lindsay Smith, PA-C, at Generations Women’s Healthcare, with offices in Norton and Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, specialize in treating gynecological conditions such as abnormal bleeding. Their focus is on providing the most effective care available and the information you need to make knowledgeable decisions about your health. Don’t ignore abnormal bleeding. Schedule an evaluation today by calling the nearest office or booking your visit online.

Abnormal Bleeding Q&A

How do I know if I have abnormal bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding is essentially any type of bleeding that occurs outside a normal menstrual cycle. The length of a cycle varies from one woman to the next, but it’s usually 21 to 35 days. A typical period generally lasts from four to seven days.

Symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding include:

Bleeding between periods, including spotting
Any bleeding after menopause
Bleeding or spotting after sex
Heavy menstrual flow that soaks through a pad or tampon within an hour or less
A period that lasts for more than seven days, even if the flow is light
Periods that occur more frequently than every 21 days
Skipping periods
Absence of a period with a negative pregnancy test for longer than three months during reproductive years

Blood associated with abnormal uterine bleeding may be red, pink, or brownish and may occur as an obvious flow or resemble a blood-tinged discharge.

Note that irregular periods are one of the hallmark signs of perimenopause, which is the transition your body undergoes before menopause (cessation of menstruation).

An official menopause diagnosis occurs after 12 consecutive months without a period. Uterine bleeding after that point is never normal and requires medical attention.

What causes abnormal bleeding?

Abnormal bleeding may relate to hormone imbalances, structural abnormalities in the uterus, infection, and even some medications. Less frequently, it can be a sign of cancer.

Common causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Untreated or undertreated thyroid disease
Fibroids, benign (noncancerous) growths in or on the uterus
Adenomyosis, thickening, and enlargement of the uterus
Endometriosis, abnormal growth of uterine tissue (endometrium) outside the uterus
Anovulation, when ovaries don’t release an egg
Faulty response to hormone levels in birth control
Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections affecting the cervix and/or uterus
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), often related to sexually transmitted infections
Significant weight loss or gain

Along with abnormal bleeding, hormonal imbalances related to perimenopause or conditions such as PID or endometriosis may cause cramping and bloating in the lower abdomen as well as vaginal dryness and an increased incidence of urinary tract infections.

How do you treat abnormal bleeding?

Effective treatment for abnormal bleeding at Generations Women’s Healthcare starts with a thorough evaluation that typically includes a pelvic exam and diagnostic studies that help your provider accurately identify the underlying cause of the bleeding.

Depending on your symptoms, your evaluation may include various lab tests, including blood and urine studies and a pelvic ultrasound or other imaging study to view the structure of your uterus.

Based on those results, your Generations Women’s Healthcare specialist develops a personalized treatment plan that might include changes in your birth control, hormone replacement therapy, or treatment for PCOS, fibroids, or other conditions causing your abnormal bleeding.

For an accurate diagnosis and relief from abnormal bleeding, schedule an evaluation at Generations Women’s Healthcare today. Call the nearest office or use the convenient online scheduling tool to book your visit.

What we offer