Abnormal uterine bleeding includes problems like heavy bleeding or bleeding between your periods. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, the expert gynecological team at Dr. Gregory Shifrin, OB/GYN PC in New York, can help. They offer onsite diagnostics and a range of effective treatments for all causes of abnormal uterine bleeding at their offices in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn and the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. Call the location nearest you or use online booking to schedule a consultation today.
Abnormal uterine bleeding is blood loss that happens when you're not having a period or a change in bleeding during your period. Types of abnormal uterine bleeding include:
If the length of your menstrual cycle varies by more than 7–9 days each month, causing irregular periods, that’s also abnormal uterine bleeding.
There are numerous possible causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, including:
Birth control methods like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and hormonal contraceptive pills can sometimes cause abnormal uterine bleeding as well.
To find the cause of your abnormal uterine bleeding, your provider at Dr. Gregory Shifrin, OB/GYN PC needs to know as much as possible about your symptoms. It's a good idea to keep a record of when your abnormal uterine bleeding occurs, how long it lasts, and what symptoms you experience.
Your provider also conducts a physical examination, including a pelvic exam. You might need to have blood tests to identify problems like hormone imbalances, infections, and blood disorders. If there's any chance you're pregnant, you'll need to take a pregnancy test.
Depending on what your provider finds, you might need further tests like:
Dr. Gregory Shifrin, OB/GYN PC has state-of-the-art laboratory services and ultrasound facilities onsite.
The medication you need for your abnormal uterine bleeding depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. You might need antibiotics for an infection or medicines like antifibrinolytics to treat a clotting disorder.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can ease any pain. Other options include hormonal birth control, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and tranexamic acid to help with problems like heavy bleeding and cramps.
If medications don't help or aren't suitable, you might need surgery. Surgical treatments can affect your ability to conceive, so it's important to be sure which treatment is right for you. Options include:
This is a minimally invasive procedure used to destroy the lining of your uterus, which stops or significantly reduces bleeding.
This procedure blocks the blood vessels that feed your uterus, starving and shrinking uterine fibroids.
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure for removing fibroids.
If no other approaches work, you might need a hysterectomy, which removes your uterus. However, most women find more conservative treatments work well.
Get the help you need for abnormal uterine bleeding by calling Dr. Gregory Shifrin, OB/GYN PC or booking an appointment online today.