Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) can be a very unnerving problem for many women. The normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days lasting 2-8 days without bleeding in between periods. AUB is bleeding at times other than during a normal period or may be heavy bleeding during your period. Some of the more common causes of AUB are:

• Pregnancy
• Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
• Obesity
• Fibroids
• Infection (cervix, endometrium)
• Endometrial polyps
• Cervical polyps
• Bleeding disorders
• Adenomyosis
• Oral contraceptives (birth control)
• Vaginal trauma
• Thyroid problems
• PCOS
• Hyperprolactinemia
• Ovarian tumors
• Cancer (cervical, uterine, ovarian)

Certain blood tests, pelvic ultrasound, and tissue biopsies (cervical, endometrial) may be performed to aid in diagnosing the cause of the AUB. Occasionally, a hysteroscopy may be recommended to further evaluate the cause of bleeding, especially in postmenopausal women.