Uterine Bleeding Doctor in Houston
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treatment in Houston
Abnormal uterine bleeding is a significant health concern that should not be overlooked. It includes any bleeding between periods, prolonged bleeding, or excessively heavy menstrual flow.
This condition can be unpredictable and may affect women at any stage of life. The causes and symptoms can vary greatly, making it essential to seek medical attention from an experienced urogynecologist.
Causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Abnormal bleeding can stem from various causes, with hormonal changes being one of the most common. Women’s hormone levels fluctuate throughout the month, particularly during ovulation when estrogen and progesterone are released. If fertilization does not occur, the egg and uterine lining shed approximately every 28 days.
However, hormonal imbalances can cause conditions like Menorrhagia, where menstrual bleeding lasts longer than seven days. These imbalances can also result in heavier menstrual bleeding with increased volume and larger clots. Hormonal changes are especially common around premenopause and menopause but can also be triggered by factors such as obesity, extreme weight loss, stress, hormone-related diseases, and certain medications. Additional symptoms often accompany hormonal issues, including sporadic hair growth, mood swings, and physical changes in the vaginal area.
Aside from hormonal problems, other causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include uterine and cervical cancers, blood platelet conditions, and structural abnormalities like non-cancerous fibroids, polyps, and a thickened uterine lining. Due to the complexity of uterine bleeding, a proper diagnosis from a doctor is crucial to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Given the variety of causes, treatment options range from medications to complex surgeries. Your urogynecologist will perform a series of tests to determine the best course of action. These tests may include:
- Pap/HPV test
- Infection swabs
- Complete blood count
- Fasting blood glucose
- Liver function tests
- FSH and LH hormone tests
- Thyroid function tests
- Biopsy
- Hysteroscopy
Once the cause is identified, your healthcare provider will develop a personalized treatment plan. If hormones are the cause, hormone therapy may be recommended, including low-dose birth control, intrauterine devices for progestin, or high-dose estrogen medications for heavy menstrual bleeding.
In more severe cases, surgical options may be necessary. Advances in minimally invasive procedures allow for quick recovery from surgeries like hysterectomy, myomectomy, or endometrial polypectomy, which can effectively address symptomatic polyps and fibroid tumors.
It’s important for perimenopausal and menopausal women, who are at a higher risk for abnormal tissue formation, to closely monitor and treat any changes in bleeding status.
Uterine Bleeding Doctor in Houston