How is abnormal uterine bleeding treated?

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How is abnormal uterine bleeding treated?

Your treatment depends on what’s causing your bleeding. Medications and surgical options are available to manage your bleeding or treat what’s causing it.

Medications

Medications used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding include:

  • Birth control pills.
  • Progestin (can be given by a shot, implant or device placed in your uterus called an IUD).
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®).
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can temporarily stop or reduce bleeding by preventing ovulation.
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists (elagolix®) can manage heavy period bleeding related to fibroids.

Surgery

There are several procedures available to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. Ask your provider about how often they perform a given procedure. Seeing a provider who frequently performs a procedure often leads to faster recovery with fewer complications.

  • Hysteroscopy. A procedure where your provider removes atypical structures in your uterus, like fibroids and polyps.
  • Uterine artery embolization. Stops blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
  • Myomectomy. Removes fibroids while keeping your uterus intact and preserving your ability to get pregnant and have children.
  • Endometrial ablation. Destroys your uterus lining through the use of a laser, heat, electricity, microwave energy or freezing. You shouldn't have this procedure if you want to get pregnant and have children.
  • Hysterectomy. Removes your uterus. Hysterectomy is often used to treat cancer or cancerous changes in your endometrium. Advanced stages of cancer may need radiation or chemotherapy.

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