Abnormal uterine bleeding is any heavy or unusual bleeding from the uterus (through your vagina). It can occur at any time during your monthly cycle, including during your normal menstrual period. Vaginal bleeding between periods is one symptom of abnormal uterine bleeding. Having extremely heavy bleeding during your period can also be considered abnormal uterine bleeding. Very heavy bleeding during a period and/or bleeding that lasts more than 7 days is called menorrhagia. For example, women may bleed enough to soak through 1 or more tampons or sanitary pads every hour.

Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. Produced in the endocrine glands, these powerful chemicals travel around your bloodstream telling tissues and organs what to do. They help control many of your body’s major processes, including metabolism and reproduction.

When you have a hormonal imbalance, you have too much or too little of a certain hormone. Even tiny changes can have serious effects throughout your whole body.

Think of hormones like a cake recipe. Too much or too little of any one ingredient affects the final product. While some hormone levels fluctuate throughout your lifetime and may just be the result of natural aging, other changes occur when your endocrine glands get the recipe wrong.

Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance

Your hormones play an integral role in your overall health. Because of that, there’s a broad range of symptoms that could signal a hormonal imbalance. Your symptoms will depend on which hormones or glands aren’t working properly.

Common hormonal conditions affecting both men and women could cause any of the following symptoms:

• weight gain
• fatigue
• increased sensitivity to cold or heat
• constipation or more frequent bowel movements
• dry skin
• puffy face
• unexplained weight loss (sometimes sudden)
• increased or decreased heart rate
• muscle weakness
• frequent urination
• increased thirst
• muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
• pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints
• thinning hair or fine, brittle hair
• increased hunger
• depression
• decreased sex drive
• nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
• blurred vision
• sweating
• infertility
• a fatty hump between the shoulders
• rounded face
• purple or pink stretch marks

Symptoms

In women, the most commonTrusted Source hormonal imbalance is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Your normal hormonal cycle also changes naturally during:

• puberty
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding
• menopause
• heavy or irregular periods, including missed periods, stopped period, or frequent period
• hirsutism, or excessive hair on the face, chin, or other parts of the body
• acne on the face, chest, or upper back
• thinning hair or hair loss
• weight gain or trouble losing weight
• darkening of skin, especially along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts
• skin tags
• vaginal dryness
• vaginal atrophy
• pain during sex
• night sweats

A screening Pap smear which returns an abnormal result may in some cases prompt the scheduling of a colposcopy exam of the cervix and / or vaginal tissues.

 During a colposcopy exam, a speculum will be inserted as it is for a regular gynaecological exam. A diluted vinegar solution is placed on the cervix in order to allow a clear view of the cervix. This solution washes away mucus from the cervix and allows any abnormal cells to be more clearly visible during the exam. The cervix is visualized with the use of a colposcope, (a magnifying instrument) placed outside the vagina, allowing the doctor view of possible sources of abnormal cells.

If possible sources of abnormal cells are identified on the cervix or vaginal tissues, small biopsies of these areas may be performed. A small instrument may also be used to sample the tissue of the endocervical canal (the opening in the cervix) in order to ensure that abnormal cells are not found in an area not clearly visible with the colposcope. All samples obtained are then sent to a pathology laboratory and examined by a pathologist.

What should I expect during after a colposcopy?

You may have some vaginal bleeding. You also may have a dark discharge for a few days. This may occur from medication used to help stop bleeding at the biopsy site. While your cervix heals you will be instructed not to put anything into your vagina for a short time (no intercourse, no tampons, no douching). Depending on the results of a colposcopy your physician will recommend observation with a repeat Pap smear, medication or minor surgery called a LEEP or conization.

When to call the doctor?

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (using more than one maxi pad per hour)
• Severe lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Chills