Abnormal uterine bleeding is menstrual bleeding that isn't normal for you.

Many things can cause this, including abnormal changes in hormone levels. This is most common during the teen years and the years leading up to menopause.

Other causes of abnormal bleeding include fibroids, polyps, cancer, and problems with blood clotting.

You may have abnormal bleeding if you have one or more of the following symptoms.

• You have your periods more or less often than normal. A normal adult menstrual cycle is about 21 to 35 days long. A normal teen cycle is about 21 to 45 days.
• You have bleeding when you don't expect to, such as between periods or after sex.
• Your periods last longer than 7 days.
• You have bleeding during your period that is lighter or heavier than usual. With heavy bleeding, you may soak through your pads or tampons often.

Heavy bleeding can lead to anemia, which can make you weak, pale, and very tired.

Over time, bleeding problems can make it hard for you to have an active life. They can get in the way of sports, sex, and other activities.

Treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding depends on what is causing it. Treatments include:

• Watchful waiting. Sometimes the bleeding gets better on its own. After a doctor makes sure that the bleeding isn't caused by a serious problem, some people choose to wait and see if their symptoms get better without treatment.
• Hormone therapy.
  • Birth control pills, patch, or ring can help make your cycle regular, prevent ovulation, and reduce or stop menstrual bleeding.
  • Progestin treatment can help you start bleeding normally.
  • The levonorgestrel IUD releases a form of the hormone progesterone into the uterus. This reduces bleeding and prevents pregnancy.
• Endometrial ablation . The doctor uses a laser beam, heat, electricity, freezing, or microwaves to destroy the lining of your uterus. This treatment may give longer-term relief.
• Hysterectomy . This is surgery to remove the uterus. It ends heavy bleeding that can't be stopped in other ways.

Birth control pills, birth control patches, and vaginal rings for birth control sometimes cause these side effects:

• Tender breasts.
• Headaches, nausea, and bloating.
• Blood clots. This risk is higher if you are over 35 and smoke.

If you want to get pregnant, you will have to wait until you have stopped taking hormones.

IUDs have other risks, such as:

• Infection.
• Heavier bleeding.

Problems are rare but can be severe. They include:

• Puncture of the uterus.
• Infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries (pelvic infection).
• Bleeding (hemorrhage).
• Blood collecting in the uterus (hematometra).
• Tearing of the opening of the uterus (cervical laceration).

Problems are rare but include:

• Problems related to surgery and anesthesia, such as:
  • Blood clots in the legs or the lungs.
  • Injury to the bladder or bowel.
  • Bleeding.
  • Infection.

• You have severe symptoms.
• You're not close to menopause.
• You don't plan to get pregnant.
• You tried other treatments, but your symptoms are still bad.