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March 11, 2022 adminMenstrual Cycle

Women of any age can experience abnormal bleeding, vaginal bleeding that is heavy, lasts long periods of time, or occurs outside of regular menstrual cycles.

The textbooks define abnormal bleeding as blood loss from the uterus in excess of 80 ml 0r 2.8 ounces. But frankly, does anyone have the where with all to carry out such measurements? Not really. If the uterine bleeding interferes with regular activities and disrupts your routine, or is painful or very heavy, it can be considered as abnormal and warrants a visit to your gynecologist.

Many women also have irregular periods, which come so seldom that they feel like they’re bleeding all the time or come so infrequently that they only bleed once every three to four months. Though from the women’s perspective, fewer periods may be desirable, it needs to be evaluated as this will directly affect chances of conceiving.

Abnormal bleeding or spotting often happens after active sex, between periods, or after menopause.

Abnormal bleeding can make everyday activities such as household working, attending to the duties exercising or socializing stressful and difficult. Some women even have to wear a pad as well as a tampon for protection, carry them always, yet remain under the stressful thought of bleeding all the time.  They have been programmed to ‘bear it’ and so perceive the situation as ‘Heavy periods’ to be put up with.

You don’t have to live with abnormal bleeding because it’s not “normal.” Whether you’re a teen who is just starting to cope with abnormal bleeding or a woman in perimenopause who has been struggling for years, help is available. Let’s discuss the primary causes of abnormal bleeding, some common treatment options, and understand which associated conditions can exist.

What Causes Abnormal Bleeding?

To figure out what’s causing the bleeding, we need to figure out where it’s coming from. Is it coming from your uterus, cervix, or vaginal area? Bleeding that appears to be coming from the vaginal area may instead be coming from the bladder or bowels. The patient’s symptoms are often the indication of trouble, so after physical examination, which will generally include a pelvic exam to check the cervix and vagina as well as all potential sources of bleeding.

Cervicitis, a sexually transmitted illness, is one of the most prevalent causes of bleeding and discharge. The cervix, which is positioned at the lower end of the uterus, becomes inflamed and irritated. Often evaluation of the cervix for cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions is done.

However, abnormal bleeding can be the result of many conditions, mainly of the uterus (or the womb). Let’s identify primary conditions of the uterus that lead to abnormal bleeding:

  • Polyps: growths, or small clumps of cells, that form when cells in the lining of the uterus overgrow
  • Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue that borders the uterus grows into the uterine wall.
  • Leiomyoma: Fibroids are benign tumours in the uterus termed leiomyoma.
  • Hyperplasia and malignancy: when the uterine lining (endometrium) gets overly thick.
  • Coagulopathy is a condition in which the body’s ability to clot is harmed, generally as a result of low levels or the lack of blood-clotting proteins.
  • Ovulatory dysfunction occurs when ovulation is abnormal, irregular, or absent, and is a common cause of abnormal bleeding.
  • Endometrial: abnormal functioning of endometrial tissue
  • Iatrogenic bleeding: When bleeding is caused by birth control, other hormone medicines, or other pharmaceuticals, it is called iatrogenic bleeding.
  • Not otherwise classified: When doctors are unable to identify a specific cause for bleeding problems, they are labeled as “not otherwise classified.”
  • Following a physical examination, we may use ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, and other tests to assist us to identify the problem, which may include an infection examination. Finally, we go over the various treatment alternatives.
  • Bleeding that interferes with daily routine is not “normal,” and you don’t have to live with it. Whether you’re a teen who is just starting to cope with abnormal bleeding or a woman in perimenopause who has been struggling for years, help is available.

Treating Abnormal Bleeding

Many conditions can be treated with medication. If there is an infection, Simple antibiotics will relieve the problem soon. For many of the uterine sources of bleeding, hormone treatments such as birth control pills, progesterone pills, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) that help regulate and lighten periods, can be prescribed.

Patients may need minimally invasive surgery to remove abnormal tissue if conservative therapy fails or if they have uterine growth diseases like polyps or leiomyoma. The doctor may recommend a hysterectomy to remove the uterus in severe cases, and usually only after women are done with fertility. However, women should never feel pressured into hysterectomy as their only option since many treatment options are available today.

What can happen if Abnormal Bleeding is Left Untreated?

Excessive blood loss causes some women to develop iron-deficiency anaemia. When the blood is low of healthy red blood cells, this occurs. This condition can cause dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, which impacts overall work efficiency.

Untreated abnormal bleeding caused by ovulatory dysfunction, which causes irregular periods in women, can put them at risk for precancerous endometrial disorders including hyperplasia, which occurs when the uterine lining swells and can lead to uterine cancer. Even if you like just three to four periods a year, this is abnormal and should be investigated.

Women who merely have a “lack of energy,” and when we get to talking about her period, we discover she’s had abnormal bleeding her whole life and never realised it was “abnormal.”

With simple evaluation & treatments available, it’s amazing to see women get their life and energy back.

Women should seek treatment for abnormal bleeding in time as her gynaecologist will help to enhance the quality of life and offer her much-needed respite from abnormal bleeding.

We can also secure a healthy future by addressing underlying issues. Make an appointment by calling or filling out our online form.

In addition to working with a doctor, some home remedies and supportive tools can help reduce symptoms and make an abnormal period easier to manage.

Try a heating pad: Heating pads can help reduce common period symptoms, as the warmth of the heating pad can relax the muscles involved.

Wear period panties to bed: Period panties are absorbent underwear that works like a pad to absorb blood.

Sleeping in these panties may be more pleasant than sleeping with a pad, and people may wake up less frequently at night.

Diet, supplements like Vit C, D, iron help in easing the burden of abnormal bleeding.

Nevertheless, it is to be taken under the guidance of a registered medical gynaecologists’ as, just easing the symptoms doesn’t mean the underlying problems are been taken care of.

A good old wise saying is apt for this; a stitch in time saves nine.


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Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common gynaecological complaint associated with considerable morbidity and significantly affects the patient’s family, personal and social life. Abnormal uterine bleeding is the medical term for abnormalities in the frequency, volume, duration, and regularity of the menstrual cycle & occurs in absence of pregnancy.

It is a common gynaecological complaint accounting for one-third of outpatient visits to a gynaecologist. It is caused by a wide variety of organic or non-organic causes. An organic cause is a term used to describe any health condition in which there is an observable and measurable disease process, such as inflammation or tissue damage.

Non-organic causes are the one that shows the symptoms but whose disease process is either unknown or unable to be measured by current scientific means.

To understand better, let’s talk about, what is normal bleeding. This is appropriate for reproductive-age women (menarche to menopause), with bleeding occurring every 21 to 35 days, lasting 3-7 days, and a blood flow of 35 ml.

Bleeding from the vaginal area between periods is one of the signs of this illness. Extremely excessive bleeding during periods can also be caused by abnormal uterine haemorrhage. Menorrhagia is a condition that arises when severe bleeding continues for more than 7 days during periods or otherwise.

Polyps or fibroids, which are abnormal growths in the uterus, can cause AUB. AUB can also be caused by a cervical infection, a thyroid condition, or uterine cancer, among other causes. Hormone imbalance is also the known cause of heavy bleeding.

The disorder is called dysfunctional uterine haemorrhage when abnormal bleeding develops as a result of hormone imbalance. Dysfunctional uterine haemorrhage is more common in teenagers and women approaching menopause.

Treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding is determined by the patient’s age, the reason of the bleeding, and whether or not she wishes to become pregnant in the future. The different treatment options include the use of an intrauterine device, birth control pills, D&C (dilatation and curettage), endometrial ablation and hysterectomy.

There are many causes for abnormal uterine bleeding and that exactly defines the difference between abnormal uterine bleeding and dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

In both cases, menstrual bleeding and related symptoms exist but the causes are different. In case of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, it is directly linked to hormonal imbalances.

Treatment Options Available for AUB:

  • Intrauterine device (IUD): An intrauterine device (IUD) is a tiny plastic device that is put into a woman’s uterus through the vaginal canal. Hormones released by the IUD assist to prevent irregular bleeding.
  • Using birth control pills: They prevent the lining of the uterus from getting too thick & help to regularize the menstrual cycle and even reduce cramping.
  • D&C or dilatation and curettage procedure: The opening of the cervix is expanded so that a surgical instrument may be put into the uterus in the D&C or dilatation and curettage process. With the use of this instrument, the uterine lining is scraped away. The doctor then checks the removed lining for any abnormality and determines the cause of the abnormal bleeding. D&C is used to identify the source of bleeding.
  • Hysterectomy: It is a surgical treatment that involves the removal of the uterus. It prevents the patient from having any further periods and from becoming pregnant. It is normally performed under general anaesthesia and requires a person to stay at a hospital.
  • Endometrial ablation: This treatment removes the uterine lining rather than the uterus itself. As a result of the surgery, all forms of monthly bleeding are stopped.
  • Simple measures to cope up with: Abnormal uterine bleeding which arises as a result of any abnormality in the menstrual cycle and is most common. In the vast majority of cases, it can resolve itself without the need for therapy. Self-care methods and home remedies can also aid with the condition’s treatment.

Natural Ways to Reduce the Troubles Associated with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

  • The use of menstruation cups is one example of a lifestyle modification.
  • Use of heating pads which can ease the symptoms like abdominal cramps and severe pain.
  • Using period panties, for dry pad feeling, which offer sleep comfort.
  • Proper and adequate rest, Adequate hydration
  • Breathing exercises and yoga are good examples of regular exercises. These have a calming effect.
  • Consumption of adequate iron, vitamin C, and other minerals and vitamins supplements.
  • Even when a person can manage their heavy flow, it is still best to consult a doctor, who will investigate and identify any underlying issues. This can assist to lessen the flow’s intensity and duration. The menstrual bleeding disorder has a impact on other bodily functions. Right diagnosis &treatment is the key.
  • Take home points: Irrespective of any age group, menstrual disorders should not be taken lightly proper medical diagnosis & treatment not only offer relief but also reduce the future complications if any.

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January 12, 2022 adminFertility

Fertility changes with age. In women, this is very conspicuous and the window period of fertility is much smaller than in men. Males & Females attain fertility with the onset of puberty. For girls, fertility begins with the onset of ovulation and menstruation and ceases with the onset of menopause. Women can no longer conceive naturally after menopause, according to common belief.

In today’s scenario, age-related infertility is more common due to various reasons. Many women prefer to concentrate on a career for financial security and wait until their 30s to begin their families. Women take care of themselves better, so are far healthier & more updated about information available.

In general, women’s reproductive potential declines as they age, and fertility usually ends 5 to 10 years before menopause.

SIGNIFICANCE OF OVULATION AND THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN FERTILITY

During their reproductive years, women have regular monthly menstrual periods because they ovulate regularly monthly. Eggs mature inside fluid-filled spheres in the ovaries – called “follicles.” When a woman has her period at the beginning of her menstrual cycle, a hormone released in the pituitary gland (located in the brain) promotes a number of follicles on both ovaries to develop faster. The pituitary hormone that stimulates the ovaries is named FSH (FSH). Normally, only one of those follicles will reach maturity and release an egg (ovulate); the remainder gradually will stop growing and degenerate. Pregnancy results if the egg gets fertilized and gets attached to the lining of the uterus. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the endometrium is shed because conception hasn’t occurred and we say that the cycle has begun again.

In their early teens, girls often have irregular ovulation leading to irregular menstrual cycles, but by age 16 they ought to have established regular ovulation leading to regular periods. From 26 to 35 days, a woman’s periods will be regular until her late 30s or early 40s, when they will get shorter. As time passes, she is going to begin to skip ovulation leading to missed periods.

Ultimately, periods get prolonged or become infrequent until they cease completely. When a lady has not had a menstrual period for 1 full year, she is claimed to be in menopause. Fertility falls as women age due to natural, age-related changes in the ovaries. A woman is born with all of the egg-containing follicles in her ovaries that she will ever have, unlike men, who continue to produce sperm throughout their lives.

At birth, there are about one million follicles. By puberty – about 300,000. Only around 300 of the follicles left at puberty will be ovulated during the reproductive years. The majority of follicles are not used up by ovulation and are eventually lost due to atresia, a degenerative process that happens independently of a woman’s condition, such as pregnancy, normal periods, being on birth control pills, or being treated for infertility. Menopause appears to occur one year earlier in smokers than in non-smokers.

FERTILITY IN THE AGING FEMALE:

In her 20s, a woman’s reproductive years are at their maximum. Fertility gradually declines within the 30s, particularly after age 35. A healthy, fertile 30-year-old woman has a 20% chance of becoming pregnant each month she tries. That means that just 20 out of every 100 fertile 30-year-old women who try to conceive in one cycle will succeed, with the remaining 80 having to try again. By age 40, a woman’s chance is smaller than 5% per cycle, so fewer than 5 out of each 100 women are expected to achieve success monthly.

Women do not remain fertile until menopause. The average age for menopause is 47, but most women cannot have successful pregnancies in their mid-40s. These percentages are true for natural conception also as conception using fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Much misleading information is spread through the media, which often misinterprets the age impact and an attempt is made to make patients believe that fertility treatments such as IVF are the easiest way to get pregnant. The natural process of conception, as well as assisted techniques for pregnancy, are greatly affected by age. Great nutritional status, as well as the solid foundation of financial security, does not reverse the biological clock.

The success rate of infertility treatments is affected by a woman’s age. The age-related loss of female fertility happens because both the standard and therefore the number of eggs gradually decline.

FERTILITY IN THE AGING MALE:

Unlike a woman’s first reduction in fertility, a man’s sperm characteristics fall considerably later. Sperm quality deteriorates as men age, although it usually does not become a problem until a guy is in his 60s. Changes in fertility and sexual functioning do occur in men as they get older.

Despite these changes, the ability to father a child even in the 60s and 70s with a younger partner is possible

Men’s testes decrease and get softer as they age, and sperm morphology (shape) and motility (movement) tend to indicate no. There is a slightly higher risk of genetic defects of sperms, happening during DNA fragmentation.

Any illness like diabetes, BP adversely affect their sexual and reproductive function. Not all men, especially those who maintain their health over time, have major changes in reproductive or sexual functioning as they age.

Improved health status does not interfere with the natural age-related decline in fertility. It’s critical to realise that a woman’s fertility decreases as she ages due to the natural decrease in the amount of eggs left in her ovaries as she ages. This decline may happen much before most girls expect.

While addressing infertility age is the main contributing factor. There are other contributing factors like ovulation disorders, hormonal imbalances, tubal defects, varicocele, infection & uterine fibroids to name a few.


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