Question: What Causes Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
Answer: The causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities of the uterus, and other medical conditions which include Von Willebrand's disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP, liver or kidney diseases, leukemia, and certain medications.
Other potential causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include:
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Chronic medical conditions including diabetes, lupus, sarcoidosis, and thyroid diseases
- Precancerous conditions such as cervical dysplasia
- Infection
Some women who have uterine fibroid tumors experience excessive uterine bleeding, although not all women who have fibroid tumors experience abnormal uterine bleeding. In fact, about 50% of women who have uterine fibroid tumors don’t have any symptoms.
Additionally, some women who use the Copper-T IUD sometimes experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
See: Types of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Sources: “Menstrual Disorders;” Healthy Women.org, NWHRC; accessed 09/13/07.
