Irregular Menstrual Bleeding Specialist

What do you consider irregular menstrual bleeding?

Irregular menstrual bleeding includes any bleeding that occurs when you don’t expect it. A variety of scenarios could fit this description, including:

• Bleeding between periods
• Heavy periods
• Bleeding longer than a week
• Longer or shorter cycles

When should I see a doctor about irregular periods?

If you have noticed any of the markers of irregular bleeding above, it’s important to report them to Dr. Soini. You should also see him if you encounter one or more of the following scenarios:

• Bleeding before age 9, during pregnancy, or after menopause
• You soak a pad or tampon every hour for more than two hours
• You pass clots larger than a quarter
• You miss social events or work due to your heavy flow

What causes irregular menstrual bleeding?

Several factors and medical conditions can result in irregular menstrual bleeding. Some of the most common causes include:

• Hormone imbalance from PCOS, thyroid issues, obesity, or insulin resistance
• Uterine fibroids or polyps, benign growths that affect bleeding
• Non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Infection, such as an STI
• Medications such as hormonal, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant medication
• Cancer, such as uterine and cervical cancer

Other medical conditions can account for irregular periods, so it’s vital to contact Dr. Soini for an evaluation.

How do you treat irregular bleeding?

Treatment for irregular bleeding depends on the diagnosis. Dr. Soini gathers information about your medical history, performs a physical exam, and orders tests to make an accurate diagnosis and provide treatment.

Medication

If you have an infection, Dr. Soini may prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. If you have a hormone imbalance, he may suggest hormonal birth control to reduce your flow.

Additional medication to help control menstrual blood loss include NSAIDs and tranexamic acid. You may also need an iron supplement if you develop anemia.

Surgical treatment

If more conservative efforts don’t control your irregular bleeding, Dr. Soini may suggest surgery. The following procedures may help control blood flow:

• Dilation and curettage (D&C): dilate your cervix and remove your uterine lining
• Uterine artery embolization: cut off blood supply to uterine arteries to reduce fibroids
• Endometrial ablation: destroy uterine lining with radiofrequency
• Hysteroscopic myomectomy: remove fibroids with minimally invasive hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy: remove the uterus with minimally invasive laparoscopy

If you notice abnormal bleeding, contact Dr. Soini online or over the phone to set up an appointment.