Terms to describe bleeding
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Related terms · Irregular bleeding · Non-menstrual bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding is a general term for bleeding where the timing, amount, or duration of menstruation differs from your usual pattern.
Overview
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Look at these three points first
- Abnormal uterine bleeding is a broad term for bleeding where the timing, amount, or duration of menstruation differs from usual; it is not a definitive diagnosis.
- Causes vary, including pregnancy-related bleeding, ovulation changes, uterine fibroids, polyps,adenomyosis, medications, and bleeding disorders, making bleeding records and examinations necessary.
- Seek prompt medical evaluation if there is a possibility of pregnancy, postmenopausal bleeding, bleeding heavy enough to soak a pad quickly, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Meaning and Distinctions
What is abnormal uterine bleeding?
Pregnancy, ovulation changes, uterine or cervical diseases, and medications are among the various causes checked. Abnormal uterine bleeding is a broad term for bleeding where the timing, amount, or duration of menstruation differs from your usual pattern.
- Easily confused terms
- ‘Abnormal uterine bleedingitself is not a single cause or a definitive diagnosis.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- The timing of bleeding, possibility of pregnancy,Anemiaand necessary tests are determined.
- What to record for your visit
- Please seek prompt medical evaluation for possibility of pregnancy, postmenopausal bleeding, or severe bleeding.
Learn more
Connecting Abnormal Uterine Bleeding to My Symptoms
Record when and how much you bled using numbers and behaviors
On a calendar, note the start and end dates of bleeding and how it differs from your usual period. Record the interval between changing pads or tampons, the number of times you leaked at night, and any large blood clots or pain. Distinguish whether it occurred after intercourse or between periods. Even if you cannot measure the exact amount of blood, noting changes in your daily activities helps in determining the need for anemia tests and other examinations.
Stopping the bleeding and finding the cause are done together
If there is sudden heavy bleeding, blood pressure, pulse, anemia, and the possibility of pregnancy are checked first, and treatment to control the bleeding is provided if necessary. Once the condition is stable, blood tests, ultrasound, and endometrial evaluations may be considered depending on age and symptoms. Please disclose all use of anticoagulants, aspirin, hormone medications, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Herbal medicine treatment plans are categorized based on the pattern of bleeding and the speed of recovery
In Korean medicine treatment, we distinguish whether bright red bleeding occurs alongside heat sensations and thirst, whether small amounts of bleeding persist longer when fatigued, whether bleeding stops and restarts along with blood clots and pelvic pain, or whether dizziness, throbbing, and insomnia remain after bleeding. While continuing treatment for the cause identified through examinations, we prioritize herbal medicine treatment according to the prominent combination of symptoms. Following treatment, we track the number of bleeding-free days, nighttime changes and large blood clots, and changes in hemoglobin alongside dizziness and fatigue in the same record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions when looking into abnormal uterine bleeding
Is any spotting between periods considered abnormal uterine bleeding?
Bleeding between menstrual periods may be included in abnormal uterine bleeding, but there is more than one cause. We determine the necessary medical evaluation by checking for recurrence, timing of intercourse or ovulation, possibility of pregnancy, and medication use.
At what level of bleeding should I go to the emergency room?
If bleeding continues to the point where you must change pads or tampons every hour, and you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, or a feeling that you might faint, seek emergency evaluation immediately. Do not wait if there is a possibility of pregnancy and bleeding is accompanied by severe pain.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideAbnormal Uterine BleedingAbnormal uterine bleeding is bleeding that occurs at a different time, amount, or duration than the expected period. This includes spotting between periods or after sexual intercourse, bleeding that lasts more than 7 days, cases where the cycle changes significantly, and postmenopausal bleeding. If there is a possibility of pregnancy and bleeding occurs with pelvic pain, or if menstrual products are soaked through every hour for more than 2 hours accompanied by dizziness, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, an emergency evaluation takes priority over a consultation regarding the cause.→
- Condition GuideImplantation BleedingImplantation bleeding is a common term for light bleeding that may occur around the time a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. A small amount of pink, brown, or red blood may appear on underwear or tissue about 1 to 2 weeks after fertilization, but it cannot be confirmed as implantation bleeding based on color, amount, or duration alone. Early pregnancy bleeding also occurs due to changes in the cervix, infections, early pregnancy loss, or ectopic pregnancy. If there is a possibility of pregnancy or a pregnancy test is positive, notify your gynecologist of the bleeding and, if necessary, confirm the location and progress of the pregnancy via serum hCG and ultrasound. Severe pelvic pain on one side, shoulder pain, dizziness, fainting, or heavy bleeding require immediate emergency evaluation.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat should I check first when menstrual pain and bleeding change?First, check if the pain is more severe than usual, if bleeding has increased or occurred between periods, or if there is a possibility of pregnancy. If you experience bleeding that requires changing menstrual products every hour, dizziness as if you might faint, shortness of breath, or if you have one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder pain, and bleeding along with a possibility of pregnancy, you must be evaluated immediately without waiting for your next appointment. If it is not an urgent situation, please record not only the pain level but also any preceding changes, such as a feeling of blockage in the solar plexus, constipation, or cravings for sweets before menstruation, to help narrow down the treatment questions more quickly.→
- Women's Health ColumnWhen menstrual flow increases, how are the causes and treatments of excessive bleeding categorized?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.
- ACOG: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
- National Korean Medicine Clinical Information Portal: Korean Medicine Standard Clinical Practice GuidelinesWe referred to the general principles of establishing Korean medicine treatment plans tailored to each patient's symptoms and recovery status while respecting the treatment for the identified cause.