Abnormal uterine bleeding also called menometrorrhagia is a condition of female health condition when she bleed between her monthly periods or when her periods are extremely heavy and/or prolonged. Normal menstrual flow typically lasts about five days and occurs every 21 to 35 days.
What is the difference between menorrhagia and menometrorrhagia?
Menometrorrhagia was once an umbrella term for two different conditions that sound nearly the same:
- Menorrhagia: Excessive and/or prolonged menstruation.
- Metrorrhagia: Excessive, prolonged and/or irregular bleeding unrelated to menstruation.
In 2011, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) changed the names to prevent confusion. Menorrhagia is now called heavy menstrual bleeding. Menometrorrhagia is now called abnormal uterine bleeding.
Who does it affect?
The term “abnormal uterine bleeding” primarily describes bleeding in non-pregnant people in their reproductive years. But this doesnot mean that irregular bleeding will not affect If a women is post-menopausal or pregnant.
If a femlae is bleeding and have experienced menopause,she must have a checkup.Bleeding after menopause is never normal. Blood may be red, pink, brown or even rust-like in appearance.
A female must have to consult doctor if she is bleeding during pregnancy. Some causes are harmless, but others require medical attention, especially if the bleeding happens late in her pregnancy.
How common is abnormal uterine bleeding?
Not everyone who experiences abnormal uterine bleeding reports their symptoms. As a result, 10% to 35% of women worldwide may have abnormal uterine bleeding. But the numbers may be higher. It is most common during menarche (when menstruation begins) and perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause).
Hormone imbalances are often to blame for abnormal uterine bleeding. They are most common among people whose periods are just beginning or near ending.
SYMPTOMS
signs
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (formerly called menorrhagia).
- Bleeding at unusual times (between periods, after intercourse).
- Unusually long periods (seven days or longer).
- Inconsistent menstrual cycles.
Symptoms
- Passing blood clots that are the size of a quarter or larger.
- Changing menstrual products less than every two hours.
- Bleeding in between periods or for longer than a week.
- Symptoms of anemia, like feeling fatigued, weak, or short of breath.
- Symptoms of pica, which include hair loss, pale skin and the urge to eat non-food items (paper, hair, dirt, etc.)
CAUSES
Abnormal uterine bleeding can have many causes, including a variety of medical conditions and even stress:
- Hormone imbalances
- Anovulation.
- Thyroid disease.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Over weight
Structural abnormalities in your uterus
- Polyps.
- Fibroids.
- Adenomyosis.
Precancer and cancer
- Uterine cancer.
- Cervical cancer.
- Vaginal cancer.
- Ovarian cancer.
- Endometrial hyperplasia.
Infections
- Trichomoniasis.
- Cervicitis.
- Chlamydia.
- Gonorrhea.
- Endometritis.
- Vaginitis.
Other medical conditions
- Von Willebrand disease.
- Liver disease.
- Kidney disease.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Leukemia or platelet disorder
Retained foreign bodies and trauma
Forgetting to remove an IUD can lead to infection and abnormal bleeding. Trauma to uterus, caused by an injury, can also cause bleeding.
Diagnosis
Abnormal uterine bleeding can be diagnosed by asking several questions by your doctors.These questions may include:
- What brings on the bleeding?
- What other symptoms are experiencing?
- pregnant OR not?
Physical exam, including:
- A pelvic exam.
- A cervical exam.
- A Pap smear (Pap test).
TESTS
several tests or procedures for diagnoss of abnormal uterine bleeding include:
- A pregnancy test.
- Blood tests.
- A thyroid test.
- Hormone levels test.
- A hysteroscopic exam of your uterus lining (endometrium).
- A pelvic ultrasound.
- A biopsy of your endometrium.
PREVENTION
Many causes of abnormal uterine bleeding cannot be prevented.But we can reduce risk of certain conditions that lead to abnormal bleeding. For instance, maintaining a healthy weight plays a potential role in keeping hormones balanced. Avoiding diets that contain a high amount of animal fat can reduce the risk of some cancers. Practicing safer sex can reduce risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause abnormal uterine bleeding.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT
PHOSPHORUS 200-Very useful medicine for frequent and profuse or short uterine bleeding between the periods due to fibroids, uterine polyps or cancer.Also useful also happens in nursing women. Menses too early and scanty, not profuse , but last too long.
SEPIA 30-Very effective medicine for dysfunctional uterine bleeding during menopause. Recommended when hot flushes, irritability and sadness are accompanied along with bleeding.Suited to those females who have indifference to her loved ones with feeling of bearing down sensation in the uterus.
CHAMOMILLA 30-Effective medicine for dysfunctional uterine bleeding from anger with forcing pains. There is dark and clotted blood.
AMBRA GRISEA 30-Usefull for discharge of blood between periods , due to exertion, at least incident. Given when condition become worse after hard stools, walking a little longer,etc.
RL 05
RL37
