Abnormal uterine bleeding can be an alarming condition for women. It refers to irregular or excessively heavy menstrual bleeding, and can have a variety of causes, including endometrial changes, endometrial cancer, abnormal or absent ovulation, thyroid issues, and ovarian cysts, among others. While treatment methods vary, premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding should seek gynecological care to determine how to manage their causes and symptoms. With locations in St. Peters and St. Louis, MO, Advanced OB-GYN Services provides expert reproductive and pregnancy care for women.

This team of gynecologists shares some of their insights on managing abnormal uterine bleeding:

• Non-Hormonal Treatment: Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antifibrinolytics have been shown to curb abnormal uterine bleeding in various degrees. These are most commonly used for women who do not want to compromise fertility or do not want to take oral contraceptives. A gynecologist must prescribe them, and they can be fairly expensive.
• Hormonal Treatment: Oral contraceptives are chosen to manage abnormal uterine bleeding by women who have bleeding disorders but also want a regulated contraceptive method. Progestins are also hormones that can be used as treatment, requiring a 21-day course to effectively reduce bleeding. Such hormonal treatments are usually more cost-effective than non-hormonal or surgical treatment methods.
• Surgical Treatment: When abnormal uterine bleeding is caused by polyps and fibroids in the uterus, surgery may be the best option for treatment. There are various forms of surgery; the type that is performed depends on the gynecologist’s recommendations and on the woman’s wish to conceive children. About one-fifth of women who undergo surgery eventually get a hysterectomy as a sure way to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. While hysterectomies are effective, they can also be costly and have risks associated with ovarian failure in later years.

For more information on abnormal uterine bleeding or to receive gynecological care for other concerns, make an appointment with a gynecologist at Advanced OB-GYN Services today. Call their St. Peters location at (636) 928-1800 or (314) 291-2140 for the St. Louis office. Visit their website for more information on all of their services.