HORMONE IMBALANCESAND UTERINE BLEEDING
Many women think that any vaginal bleeding is their “period” or menses. However, a period or menses is bleeding that is preceded by ovulation fourteen days earlier. Abnormal Uterine bleeding is defined as bleeding coming from the uterus and usually occurs outside of a menstrual period. Or it may be heavier, lighter, or lasts longer than normal. It can be spotty or heavy bleeding.
According to Dr Steven R. Goldstein, an Obgyn in Manhattan, If a woman is post-menopausal, there should be no bleeding whatsoever. Not even staining. If this is happening in your case, then you should see your gynecologist as soon as possible for an evaluation. Post menopausal bleeding is outside the context of this article.
Unfortunately, women are told they need a Dilation and Curettage (D&C) to find the cause of their abnormal bleeding. A D&C involves dilation of the cervix and then scraping of the endometrial lining of the uterus. This is a painful, costly procedure with associated risks and requires anaesthesia.
Even worse is the fact that three fourths of these operations turn up nothing and turn out to be totally unnecessary. Furthermore, many women fear cancer from this abnormal bleeding.
There are several causes for abnormal uterine bleeding such as uterine polyps, fibroids, miscarriage, the onset of menopause, cancer and hormonal imbalances.
However, hormonal imbalances are one of the least thought of reasons for abnormal uterine bleeding. Dilatation and Curretage (D&C) or endometrial biopsy for diagnosis are both painful and expensive. Fortunately there is another option.
As one of America’s best gynecologists and an obgyn in Manhattan, Dr Goldstein uses painless transvaginal ultrasounds (Vaginal Sonograms) and Sonohysterograpy performed right in his office within a few minutes to determine the cause of any abnormal uterine bleeding. Using the clear, high-resolution images provided by non-invasive Sonohysterography or Vaginal Sonograms, Dr Goldstein is able to isolate the cause of the abnormal uterine bleeding.
For instance, examination of the high-resolution images of the uterine lining may show that the bleeding is due to a hormonal imbalance. Without progesterone, unopposed estrogen can cause heavy, spotty bleeding and an abnormally thick endometrial lining, which is easily seen on a Vaginal Sonogram.
The key is the operator for these vaginal sonograms (transvaginal ultrasounds). Dr Goldstein personally performs these transvaginal ultrasounds while using his left hand on the pelvis to feel and detect any pain or movement of the organs. This is called dynamic ultrasonography.
Abnormal bleeding may also occur from cancer or hyperplasia (pre cancer). Even in this case, vaginal probe ultrasounds and fluid enhanced Sonohysterography can eliminate the need for almost all diagnostic D&C’s and the pain, cost and risks associated with them.
Dr Goldstein is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York School of Medicine, and a former Director of Gynecologic Ultrasound at New York University Medical Center and is a past President of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.
If you are suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding and need to determine the cause, then have a vaginal sonogram as your first means of diagnosis which can detect if a hormonal imbalance is the cause of your abnormal uterine bleeding. If you are in the NY area, then a consultation with Dr Steven R. Goldstein, a leading specialist for abnormal uterine bleeding NYC, may be in order.