Abnormal Bleeding: Understanding Menstrual Changes

For many women, changes in their menstrual cycle (like heavy or irregular periods) are considered a normal part of life. But an unpredictable or overwhelming period is not just an inconvenience. It can be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires medical attention. 

Here’s what you need to know about spotting the signs, seeking medical advice when needed and exploring your care options.

According to obstetrician gynecologist Cori Shollenberger, MD, with LVPG Gynecology–Tower Place in Bethlehem, symptoms of abnormal bleeding may include bleeding that soaks through more than two pads in an hour, periods that last longer than seven days, spotting between periods, or bleeding that disrupts your usual daily activity.

Because menstrual cycles vary, it can be difficult to quantify exactly how much bleeding is “too much.” Generally speaking, any amount of bleeding that causes you distress or negatively impacts your quality of life warrants a conversation with a clinician. 

If you are trying to determine whether your symptoms require a medical evaluation, look for these benchmarks.

• Irregular cycles: Bleeding more frequently than every three weeks or skipping periods entirely.
• Intermenstrual bleeding: Spotting or bleeding in between your normal cycles.
• Heavy volume: Bleeding through more than two pads in a single hour.
• Severe pain: Painful periods and cramping that do not respond to over-the-counter pain medications.

“The most important thing women should know about abnormal bleeding is that they don't need to live with it,” says Dr. Shollenberger. “Sometimes a change in periods can be a sign of other health problems, so it's important to talk with a clinician and find out if you need further testing.” 

There is no single “one-size-fits-all” cure for abnormal uterine bleeding. Dr. Shollenberger says that in most cases, there are multiple ways to treat a patient's symptoms. “We take into account a patient’s stage in life, medical history and personal preferences to make a joint decision about treatment options,” she explains. 

Reviewing these factors may look like: 

• Taking into account your age and whether you plan to have children in the future, which may determine the therapies that are most safe and effective for you.
• Understanding your past diagnoses, cardiovascular health or underlying bleeding disorders, which can help your doctor determine the best next steps in your care.
• Knowing whether you prefer medical management (like hormonal therapies) or a definitive surgical solution, which will help your team make critical decisions in your care. 

At the Women's Health Center at Tower Place, our experts specialize in comprehensive women-centered care that is designed to get you fast answers — and fast relief. “We provide a wide variety of gynecology care at the Women's Health Center,” says Dr. Shollenberger. Whether you are seeking care for abnormal menstrual bleeding, breast health, gynecological services or more, the Women’s Health Center is here to help. 

Care at the Women’s Health Center includes a range of state-of-the-art technologies that can help facilitate precise diagnostics and faster recovery times. For example, “our advanced gynecologic ultrasound is key in diagnosing causes of abnormal uterine bleeding,” says Dr. Shollenberger. Advanced gynecologic ultrasound is a leading-edge imaging tool that allows our specialists to view the uterine cavity with exceptional clarity. This specialized imaging is key to accurately diagnosing structural causes of bleeding, such as uterine fibroids, polyps or adenomyosis, without requiring invasive initial testing.

For patients who may benefit from surgical management, several of our surgeons are trained in robotic assisted minimally invasive surgery. Using robotic platforms, our surgeons operate with enhanced precision, 3D high-definition visualization and greater dexterity. This advanced surgical approach offers benefits like smaller incisions and minimal scarring, reduced postoperative pain and lower risk of infection, minimal blood loss and faster recovery time. 

Using leading technologies to advance treatment options is just one of the ways the Women’s Health Center empowers patients. Guided by compassion and expertise, our clinicians are committed to supporting women at every age and stage of life with personalized care, innovative treatments and unwavering support.

You do not have to schedule your life around your period. If your bleeding is causing you distress, reach out to our experts to schedule an evaluation and explore your options. Call 888-402-LVHN to learn more.