Abnormal Bleeding

For many women, menstruation involves painful, excessive bleeding and other worrying issues. If you develop bleeding problems, visit board-certified OB/GYN Dee L. Hubbard, MD, at her practice in Catonsville, Maryland. She can identify abnormal bleeding’s cause and offer effective solutions, including hormone therapy. Call Dr. Hubbard’s office to request a consultation or book one online today.

What is abnormal bleeding?

Abnormal bleeding affects many women, primarily during the years between puberty and menopause when menstruation occurs. Common examples of abnormal bleeding include the following:

• Menstrual cycle less than 24 days or over 38 days
• Bleeding for more than eight days
• Heavy periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after menopause

If you experience abnormal bleeding regularly or if it affects your quality of life, visit Dr. Dee L. Hubbard, MD, for a prompt evaluation.

Why does abnormal bleeding happen?

Abnormal bleeding has various gynecological causes, including the following conditions:

• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Hormonal birth control side effects
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Gynecological cancer

Sometimes, the cause of abnormal bleeding is unclear, and it could be nothing to worry about. Even so, heavy periods can be difficult to manage and may result in anemia (low iron levels in your blood).

How is abnormal bleeding evaluated?

During an abnormal bleeding evaluation, Dr. Hubbard asks about your gynecological and medical history, menstrual cycle, symptoms, and family history. She then performs a physical exam, including an internal pelvic exam.

Dr. Hubbard may recommend diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause of abnormal bleeding. These procedures might include:

• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Pap smear and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing
• STD testing
• Ultrasound scan
• MRI or CT scan

Dr. Hubbard might perform a laparoscopy if these investigations don’t provide enough information for an accurate diagnosis. This minimally invasive procedure uses a laparoscope (flexible instrument with a light and camera) that Dr. Hubbard inserts through a small abdominal incision.

The laparoscope’s camera transmits images to a monitor so Dr. Hubbard can view your reproductive organs in detail.

What treatment might I need for abnormal bleeding?

Abnormal bleeding treatment might include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics for bacterial infections, hormonal contraception, or disease-specific medication.

Dr. Hubbard might recommend endometrial ablation if these treatments don’t have sufficiently effective results. The procedure involves using heat, cold, or radiofrequency energy to remove the endometrium lining your uterus.

The endometrium is the source of bleeding, so removing it should resolve the problem. However, you should only undergo endometrial ablation if you’re sure you don’t want children in the future.

Call Dr. Dee L. Hubbard, MD, to arrange an abnormal bleeding evaluation or schedule a consultation using the online booking feature today.