Definition

Abnormal uterine bleeding occurs when women lose too much blood during their menstrual cycle.

Alternative Names

• Menorrhagia
• Hemorrhage
• Irregular Menstruation
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
• Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

Symptoms

• Menstrual flow that soaks through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour
• The need to use double sanitary protection to control menstrual flow
• The need to change sanitary protection during the night
• Menstrual periods lasting longer than seven days
• Menstrual flow that includes large blood clots
• Heavy menstrual flow that interferes with a woman’s regular lifestyle
• Constant pain in the lower abdomen during menstrual periods
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Bleeding after menopause
• Fatigue

What Affects Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

Abnormal uterine bleeding can occur when a women ovulates irregularly, which is common in the teenage and perimenopausal age group. However, abnormal uterine bleeding can occur at any time during a woman’s reproductive life.

On average, a normal menstrual flow typically occurs every 21-28 days. With normal menstruation, women lose about 2 to 2½ ounces of blood (in addition to fluid) during each period. Simple changes that include stress level, diet changes, exercise routine, recent weight gain or loss, or trying a new birth control method can all affect a woman’s menstrual flow.

2/2/2009