Irregular uterine bleeding

Introduction

Irregular uterine bleeding is quite common during menopause and may harm the health and quality of life of women inflicted with it. Some women who have heavy or prolonged bleeding may reach a state of anemia.

Common causes for irregular uterine bleeding are hormonal disorders, fibroids, uterine polyps and benign, pre-cancerous or malignant tumors of the uterus and/ or ovaries.

Investigation

Investigation includes gynacological examination and vaginal or abdominal ultrasound. Sometimes, blood tests are performed as well in order to get an idea of the patient's hormonal condition or the degree of her anemia.

In some cases it is necessary to obtain and check a cervical swab and an endometrial sample. When a uterine polyp is diagnosed, it can be seen in the uterine cavity and removed via optical fiber (a procedure called hysteroscopy).

Treatment

Treatment of irregular uterine bleeding depends on its cause. In most cases it can be treated with various hormonal preparations that regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent excessive bleeding.

One option is to insert into the uterus a special intra uterine device (IUD) that secretes hormones (Mirena) and thereby substantially reduces uterine bleeding. In other cases, bleeding can be stopped by searing the lining of the uterus (ablation) employing a procedure which is only minimally invasive but efficient.

If all of these do not work a hysterectomy needs to be considered. In most cases that can be done by laparoscopy which yields high success rates, fast recovery and low complication rates.

The hysterectomy is done by inserting special equipment through tiny incisions in the abdominal wall, under observation of the abdominal cavity via optical fiber, thus avoiding the need to open the abdomen.

דילוג לתוכן