Abnormal Bleeding

Any bleeding that differs from your normal menstrual cycle is abnormal. It’s a common symptom of many health conditions and benefits from an evaluation. Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz MD, PA, and his caring team in Miami and Hialeah, HCA Florida Kendall Regional Hospital, specialize in diagnosing and treating abnormal bleeding. To find out the cause of your irregular or heavy bleeding, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.

What is abnormal bleeding?

Abnormal bleeding includes any uterine bleeding outside the normal menstrual cycle. A normal menstrual cycle runs anywhere from 21-35 days, with a period that lasts up to seven days.

Your bleeding is abnormal if you bleed between periods, your periods are longer than seven days, or you have heavy periods that affect your daily life. Not having a period for more than three months or having an irregular period (7-9 periods a year) is also abnormal.

Abnormal bleeding is common and may develop from many causes. If you have abnormal bleeding, Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz MD, PA, and his team can determine the cause and provide the appropriate care. 

What causes abnormal bleeding?

You can develop abnormal bleeding from an underlying medical condition, hormonal changes, or stress. Weight changes may also affect your menstrual cycle. 

Common causes of abnormal bleeding include:

• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 
• Polyps
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Gynecological cancer
• Adenomyosis (endometrium grows into the wall of the uterus)
• Bleeding disorder

Hormonal birth control may cause abnormal bleeding. It’s also common to have abnormal bleeding when you first start your period and in the years and months leading up to menopause. 

What can I expect during an abnormal bleeding consultation?

You can expect a patient-centered exam when you visit Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz MD, PA, and his team for help with your abnormal bleeding. The team reviews your symptoms and menstrual cycle, including your gynecological, medical, and family history.

They do a physical and pelvic exam and may run diagnostic tests to find the underlying cause of your irregular bleeding. Testing might include a Pap smear, blood work, or an ultrasound. 

What treatments are available for abnormal bleeding?

The team customizes your treatment plan for abnormal bleeding based on the cause. Initially, medications are recommended, such as hormonal birth control or tranexamic acid (a medication for heavy menstrual bleeding).

If these interventions fail to improve your abnormal bleeding, the team may recommend surgical intervention to treat the root cause (removal of fibroids) or an endometrial ablation (a procedure that destroys the endometrial lining to stop heavy bleeding).

For help with abnormal bleeding, call Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz MD, PA, or schedule an appointment online at the office nearest you today.