Abnormal Bleeding & Heavy Periods
Understanding Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the most common reasons women seek the advice of a gynaecologist. While changes to your menstrual cycle can occur throughout life, bleeding that is unusually heavy, prolonged, frequent or unpredictable should not simply be accepted as ‘normal’.
Heavy or abnormal bleeding can significantly affect your quality of life, leaving many women feeling exhausted, anxious or unable to participate fully in work, family life or social activities. In some cases, it may also indicate an underlying gynaecological condition that requires investigation and treatment.
Dr Nancy Peters provides comprehensive assessment and personalised management for women experiencing abnormal bleeding. She takes the time to understand your symptoms, identify the underlying cause and develop an individualised treatment plan based on your age, health, future fertility plans and personal preferences.
What Is Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
Abnormal uterine bleeding refers to any menstrual bleeding that differs from your usual pattern.
This may include:
- Heavy periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding after menopause
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Periods lasting longer than seven days
- Frequent periods occurring closer together than expected
- Unpredictable bleeding
Many women experience abnormal bleeding at some stage in their lives, particularly during adolescence and the years leading up to menopause. However, persistent or severe bleeding should always be assessed by a gynaecologist.
Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)
Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is one of the most common forms of abnormal uterine bleeding.
You may have heavy periods if you:
- Need to change pads, tampons, menstrual cups or period underwear very frequently
- Pass large blood clots
- Bleed for more than seven days
- Need to wake overnight to change protection
- Experience fatigue or iron deficiency
- Find your periods interfere with work, exercise or daily activities
Heavy periods are common, but they are not something you simply have to live with. Effective treatment is available for most women.
When Should You See A Gynaecologist?
You should arrange an appointment if you experience:
- Heavy periods affecting your daily life
- Bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding after menopause
- Persistent irregular periods
- Pelvic pain associated with bleeding
- Symptoms of iron deficiency such as fatigue or shortness of breath
- Sudden changes to your normal menstrual pattern
Early assessment often allows conditions to be diagnosed sooner and provides a wider range of treatment options.
What Causes Abnormal Bleeding?
There are many possible causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, including hormonal changes, structural abnormalities and underlying medical conditions.
Common causes include:
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Endometrial polyps
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Perimenopause
- Thyroid disorders
- Bleeding disorders
- Hormonal contraception
- Pregnancy-related conditions
- Cervical abnormalities
- Endometrial hyperplasia
- Endometrial cancer (less commonly)
Because there are many possible causes, a thorough assessment is important before deciding on the most appropriate treatment.
How Is Abnormal Bleeding Investigated?
Dr Peters takes a careful and methodical approach to understanding the cause of abnormal bleeding.
Depending on your symptoms, investigations may include:
- A detailed medical history
- Pelvic examination
- Cervical screening test
- Blood tests
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Endometrial biopsy
- Hysteroscopy
- Colposcopy where appropriate
These investigations help identify the underlying cause and guide the most appropriate management.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause of your bleeding, your age, the severity of your symptoms and whether you wish to have children in the future.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many women can be successfully managed without surgery.
Treatment options may include:
- Non-hormonal medication
- Hormonal medication
- Combined oral contraceptive pill
- Progesterone-only treatments
- Mirena® IUD
- Iron supplementation where required
Dr Peters will explain the benefits and potential side effects of each option so you can make an informed decision.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
When medication is not effective or appropriate, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended.
These may include:
- Hysteroscopy
- Removal of uterine polyps
- Removal of submucosal fibroids
- Endometrial biopsy
- Mirena insertion
Many of these procedures can be performed using modern minimally invasive techniques with relatively quick recovery.
Surgical Treatment
For some women, surgery offers the most effective long-term solution.
Depending on the underlying condition, surgery may include:
- Laparoscopic myomectomy
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy
- Fibroid surgery
- Endometriosis surgery
- Adenomyosis management
- Cervical procedures where indicated
With advanced fellowship training through the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery (AGES) Accredited Training Program, Dr Peters offers modern minimally invasive surgical options wherever appropriate.
Individualised Care for Every Woman
Abnormal bleeding affects every woman differently. While one woman may simply want lighter periods, another may be planning a pregnancy or approaching menopause. For this reason, there is no single treatment that is right for everyone.
Dr Peters works closely with each patient to develop an individualised management plan that considers:
- Your symptoms
- Your diagnosis
- Your age
- Future pregnancy plans
- Your overall health
- Your lifestyle and preferences
Her goal is to help women regain confidence, improve quality of life and achieve the best possible long-term outcome.
Why Choose Dr Nancy Peters for Abnormal Bleeding?
Women often choose Dr Nancy Peters because she takes the time to identify the underlying cause of abnormal bleeding rather than simply treating the symptoms. With advanced AGES training in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery, she offers both medical and surgical treatment options, ensuring every woman receives personalised, evidence-based care tailored to her individual needs.
Book An Appointment
If you are experiencing heavy periods, irregular bleeding, bleeding after menopause or any other abnormal bleeding, Dr Nancy Peters can provide a thorough assessment and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.
Appointments are available in Miranda for both private and public patients.