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Abnormal Bleeding: A Sign of Uterine Fibroids

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) can be categorized as bleeding between menstrual cycles or after intercourse, prolonged bleeding, or an extremely heavy period. A normal period typically lasts about five days and recurs every 21 to 35 days. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about any abnormal bleeding you’re experiencing. 

For women with uterine fibroids, the most common symptom is often irregular or heavy bleeding. These benign, or non-cancerous, tumors cause cells in your uterus to grow improperly, which leads to abnormal bleeding. If you’ve noticed that you are using more feminine hygiene products than usual, it may be an indication of fibroids.

Symptoms of Abnormal Bleeding

Abnormal bleeding doesn’t always indicate a serious condition, but it’s often linked to uterine fibroids. When it comes to menstrual cycles, there’s a wide range of “normal” bleeding. However, if your bleeding is so heavy and unpredictable that it affects your everyday life, it may be due to a medical issue. Common signs of abnormal bleeding include:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Bleeding between periods, after sex, or during menopause
  • Unusually long periods of 7 days or more
  • Inconsistent menstrual cycles
  • Using more than 2 tampons or sanitary napkins per hour
  • Your hemoglobin level is under 12

Causes of Abnormal Bleeding

Abnormal bleeding can have many causes, including various medical conditions and even stress. For many women, abnormal bleeding is caused by a hormone imbalance. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are released every month as part of the ovulation process. Other potential causes of AUB include:

  • Thickening of the uterine wall or lining
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Uterine polyps
  • Cancer of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, or vagina
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • Hormonal birth control
  • Excessive weight gain or loss
  • Bleeding disorders or problems with blood clotting
Consultation for Fibroid Pain
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How Do Fibroids Cause Abnormal Bleeding?

Fibroids may put pressure against the uterine lining, which can cause more bleeding than usual. In this case, the uterus may not contract properly, preventing it from stopping the bleeding. Fibroids may also stimulate the growth of blood vessels, resulting in heavier or irregular periods and spotting between periods.

Why Am I Having Cramps Between Periods

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Treatment

Both lifestyle changes and minimally invasive procedures, such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), can significantly shrink or eliminate your fibroids. Once your fibroids have been treated, you should experience less abnormal or heavy bleeding.

Lifestyle Changes & Medication

Your doctor may recommend an intrauterine device (IUD) or birth control pills to stop the lining of your uterus from getting too thick and reduce abnormal bleeding. If you have fibroids, there are some ways to shrink them naturally, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, taking Vitamin D supplements, and limiting your alcohol consumption.

UFE Procedure: Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment

Uterine Fibroid Embolization, a minimally invasive-image guided procedure, is a safe and effective way to treat uterine fibroids and abnormal bleeding. During UFE, a small incision is made in the groin or wrist area, then a thin catheter is inserted into the artery that supplies blood to the fibroids. Tiny particles are injected to block blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink and die. UFE has a faster recovery time, fewer complications, and no hospital stay compared to major surgery.

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What to Expect from UFE

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Less Invasive
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Preserves the uterus
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No hospital stay required
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Lower risk of complications
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Quicker recovery than surgery
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Request a consultation at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.

Our Fibroid Specialists

Our affiliated fibroid specialists in New York and New Jersey are board-certified and among the nation’s most experienced at treating women with uterine fibroids. They will work closely with you to develop a personalized care plan based on your unique needs, using the most advanced technology and techniques.

Our Fibroid Centers in NY & NJ

American Fibroid Centers is your trusted source for uterine fibroid treatment in New Jersey and New York. Most of our outpatient facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission, and they are equipped with a team of highly trained, affiliated physicians. Visit us at your nearest location for innovative fibroid treatment today.

Brooklyn, NY
71, Carroll Street, New York, 11231
(833) 833-3973
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Queens, NY
28-18, 31st Street, New York, 11102
(833) 833-3973
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Fishkill, NY
60, Merritt Boulevard, Fishkill, New York, 12524
(833) 833-3973
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Harlem, NY
505, East 116th Street, New York, New York, 10029
(833) 833-3973
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West Orange, NJ
347, Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey, 07052
(833) 833-3973
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.

You really need to identify who you are when texting.
Lt P
Lt P
17:01 21 Jun 23
Very professional and informative
Kieran McDonald
Kieran McDonald
21:48 12 Jun 23
Dr. Abadir and his staff are wonderful.
debdefran
debdefran
21:28 03 May 23
Wonderful staff very kind very thorough no waiting♥️. I’ve never been to a doctors office and treated with so much respect.. I’m looking forward to my next appointment 😇
Denise Sciarra
Denise Sciarra
16:16 17 Mar 23
The staff could not have been friendlier! I was treated so well and my procedure was a huge success!
Darcy Sala
Darcy Sala
14:44 28 Feb 23
Very friendly and hard working people. Excellent doctor and team!!!Thanks for being so helpful and encouraging!
finda jackson
finda jackson
13:37 03 Feb 23
Great experience very through staff are extremely helpful and friendly no wait time I highly recommend.
william cardoza
william cardoza
15:05 12 Sep 22
A doctor who listens, smart and personable, I liked him.
sherry svec
sherry svec
21:38 16 May 22
Went there for the first time didn’t have to fill out paperwork which constantly asked the same question. Nurses were friendly didn’t have to come back a second time to have test done did it rite then, doctor explain everything set up appointment to have procedure done and I’m very confident in the doctor
GARY DINI
GARY DINI
12:23 25 Jan 22
Excellent service. Dr. Abadir and staff were attentive and thoughtful. All communication regarding my visit were clear and concise and they took the time to listen and address all of my questions. Great visit!
dennis bernstein
dennis bernstein
14:50 21 Jan 22
I thank you very much you took good care I feel great I am very happy with you and I will be back .
Maleta Ford
Maleta Ford
14:24 02 Sep 21
Super friendly and communicative. Efficient staff in the office. A unique experience for a doctors office. Dr Abadir was concise and effective in his exam and explanations
William Silsdorf
William Silsdorf
19:56 07 Jun 21
I found the staff Extremely cordial and professional. Dr. Abidir took his time and explained what procedures needed to be doneAnd why he recommended them to establish a diagnosis.Dr. Abidir was reassuring and listened to and answered all of my questions.So far I am very pleased with the endo vascularProgram here.Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
20:39 17 May 21
Pleased with staff and doctor is very compassionate
Jose Quinones
Jose Quinones
23:57 15 Mar 21
Thank you to you and your great staff.Bill Baratta
Rita Baratta
Rita Baratta
15:07 26 Jan 21
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From the Experts

Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.

When Should Uterine Fibroids Be Treated
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Request a consultation at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.