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Abnormal Bleeding

Sarasota OB/GYN Associates Our Services Abnormal Bleeding

Sarasota OB/GYN Associates

OB/GYNs & Urogynecology located in Sarasota, Venice & Port Charlotte, FL

If you bleed in-between periods or have heavy, painful periods, your bleeding may be considered abnormal due to a women’s health issue like endometriosis or uterine fibroids. At Sarasota OB/GYN Associates in Sarasota, Venice and Port Charlotte, Florida, Katrina Davis, MD, FACOG, and Lyvie-Sara Sylvestre, MS, MD, offer comprehensive diagnostic testing to identify the cause of your abnormal bleeding as well as treatments to restore your reproductive health. Call the practice or make an appointment online today for expert gynecological care.

Abnormal Bleeding Q & A

What is abnormal bleeding?

A normal menstrual cycle should last 21-35 days with menstrual periods lasting seven days or less. On average, a woman should release around 2.8 ounces of menstrual blood in each cycle. Any bleeding outside of these parameters is considered abnormal.

For example, if you have menstrual cycles that last longer than 35 days or if you have periods more frequently than every three weeks, your cycle is considered abnormal. 

While it’s normal to have light spotting between periods, especially around ovulation, it shouldn’t last for long or require sanitary items.

If your periods are heavy and you need to change your tampon or sanitary towel more than once an hour for several consecutive hours, you may have a condition called menorrhagia.

What causes abnormal bleeding?

You may have abnormal bleeding for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons for abnormal bleeding is a hormonal imbalance that causes irregularities in your menstrual cycle. 

You might also have:

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • Uterine fibroids or polyps
  • Endometriosis
  • Adenomyosis
  • Pregnancy
  • A medication side effect from anti-inflammatories, hormonal medicines, or anticoagulants
  • IUDs
  • Uterine or cervical cancer
  • Inherited bleeding disorders

Abnormal bleeding can severely disrupt your life. You don’t need to put up with irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or other symptoms. Make an appointment with the experts at Sarasota OB/GYN Associates for expert diagnosis and treatment to regulate your symptoms.

How is the cause of abnormal bleeding diagnosed?

The doctors at Sarasota OB/GYN Associates use a variety of diagnostic tools to identify the cause of your abnormal bleeding. They start with a thorough physical exam that includes a pelvic exam and blood tests.

They might order diagnostic imaging testing like ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, and hysteroscopy. They may also use minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures to examine your organs and take tissue samples for further testing.

How is abnormal bleeding treated?

Your treatment depends on the condition causing your abnormal bleeding. Your doctor at Sarasota OB/GYN Associates may suggest medication like birth control pills to regulate your menstrual cycle.

They can also prescribe medicines like gonadotropin-releasing hormone agents to shrink fibroids and other uterine growths.

In some cases, you may need a minimally invasive procedure like a myomectomy or endometrial ablation to remove fibroids or abnormal endometrial growth.

You can count on the experts at Sarasota OB/GYN Associates to diagnose the cause of your abnormal bleeding and offer customized treatments to relieve your symptoms. Call or schedule an appointment online today.

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