Dr Steven R. Goldstein is a Gynecologist in Manhattan who has helped thousands of women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). If you've ever felt confused about your period — whether it's coming too often, lasting too long, or showing up when it's not supposed to — you're not alone. As an abnormal uterine bleeding specialist NYC, Dr Goldstein sees women every day who are frustrated, concerned, or just plain tired of dealing with unpredictable cycles and abnormal bleeding.
Let’s break down what’s normal, what’s not, and what could be going on if your period seems to be writing its own rules.
What Is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)?
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, or AUB, is a medical term
we use when bleeding from the uterus doesn't follow a typical menstrual
pattern. That might mean:
- Your period comes too often
- It lasts longer than usual
- You bleed between periods
- Your flow is much heavier or lighter than normal
While these symptoms might feel alarming, the good news is there are usually explanations — and treatments — available.
Types of Abnormal Bleeding
Let’s go over some common patterns of abnormal
bleeding and what they mean in plain language:
1.
Intermenstrual Bleeding
This is when you bleed between your regular periods. Spotting now and
then can be normal, especially if you're on birth control, but frequent or
heavy mid-cycle bleeding should be checked out.
2.
Metrorrhagia
This refers to bleeding that’s irregular — you might bleed a little one week,
then nothing for a few days, then bleed again. It’s unpredictable and can be
frustrating.
3.
Menorrhagia
This is the medical term for periods that are too heavy but come at
regular intervals. If you're soaking through a pad or tampon every hour or
passing large clots, that qualifies as heavy.
4.
Polymenorrhea
If your period comes too frequently — less than 21 days apart — this is
called polymenorrhea. That’s more than one period a month, and it can be
exhausting.
5.
Oligomenorrhea
This is the opposite — periods that are too far apart, more than 37 days
between them. While some women naturally have longer cycles, a sudden change
can be a sign of a hormonal issue or another underlying problem.
What Causes Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
There are many possible reasons why your uterus may be misbehaving. Some are temporary, while others may need medical treatment. Here are a few of the most common culprits:
1. Hormonal Imbalances
Your menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones. If
something throws them off — like stress, weight changes, thyroid issues, or
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — it can lead to irregular bleeding.
2. Anovulation (Not Ovulating)
If you're not ovulating regularly, your periods may
become irregular or unusually heavy. This kind of bleeding is often referred to
as “dysfunctional” because it’s not following the usual monthly cycle.
Anovulatory cycles are especially common during puberty and perimenopause.
3. Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas)
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. They’re common — especially in women in their 30s and 40s — and they can cause heavy or prolonged periods. Fibroids that grow inside the uterine lining (called submucosal fibroids) are particularly known to cause bleeding.
Interestingly, we don’t fully understand why fibroids
cause bleeding, but one reason may be that as they grow, they increase the
surface area inside your uterus. More surface = more bleeding.
4. Pregnancy-Related Bleeding
Always rule out pregnancy first! Even if you weren’t
trying to conceive, unexpected bleeding might be related to pregnancy or even a
miscarriage.
5. Other Causes
Sometimes, bleeding can come from the cervix or vagina, not the uterus. Infections, inflammation, or, in rare cases, precancerous or cancerous changes could be the source. This is why it’s so important to get checked if you notice something unusual.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Here are a few signs it’s time to book an appointment:
- You bleed between periods more than once or twice
- Your period is coming too often or skipping months
- You’re soaking through pads/tampons every hour
- You’ve noticed a big change in your cycle
- You’re feeling tired, dizzy, or weak (which could mean anemia from blood loss)
What Can Be Done?
The treatment for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding depends on the cause. Your period is a window into your overall health. If something seems off, don’t ignore it. As an abnormal uterine bleeding specialist in NYC, Dr Goldstein is here to help you figure out what’s going on and how to get things back on track.
To determine the cause of the abnormal uterine bleeding, Dr Goldstein uses minimally invasive, painless transvaginal ultrasounds or Sonohysterograms to see the uterus, uterine lining, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix live. He is known as pioneer in the field of gynecologic ultrasounds and personally performs all these procedures.
Dr Goldstein, a leading Gynecologist in Manhattan encourages women not to suffer in silence. Irregular or heavy periods are not something you “just have to live with.” There are solutions, and we’re here to help you find them.
