Chicago gynecologist helps women resolve abnormal menstrual bleeding
It can be difficult to determine if your periods constitute abnormal menstrual bleeding. Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, in Chicago has experience in treating women of all ages and all gynecological stages of life. We can help determine if your periods are abnormal, diagnose the cause(s), and develop a treatment plan. We are committed to creating personalized treatments.
What is normal vaginal bleeding?
In order to understand what is abnormal vaginal bleeding, it is helpful to know what normal is. Normal bleeding is the monthly shed of blood from your uterus. It occurs as a result of cyclic hormonal changes. This cycle usually repeats approximately every four weeks.
What is abnormal vaginal bleeding?
Abnormal bleeding from the vagina occurs either at the wrong time in the normal cycle, or in varying amounts. If you think you are having abnormal flow, it is important to think of your normal characteristics to help us evaluate and treat the current situation.
Three questions that need answered if abnormal bleeding occurs
- Are you pregnant? An early sign of pregnancy can be abnormal bleeding. However, later in the pregnancy, abnormal bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
- What is the pattern? Duration, interval, and amount of bleeding can suggest what is causing it.
- Are you ovulating? To determine if you are showing signs of ovulation, we may take hormone blood tests, have you track body temperature daily, or (rarely) take a sample of the uterine lining. Abnormal bleeding can be a sign you are not ovulating.
Possible treatments
Depending on the cause of your abnormal bleeding, we treat with an appropriate method that works best for you. Possibilities include oral contraceptives, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and the Mirena intrauterine device.
Don’t suffer any longer with uncertainty. Call us today to schedule a consultation – 312-440-9400.
