Abnormal Uterine Bleeding/Endometrial Ablation
The lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium, is shed each month during your menstrual cycle. Sometimes this menstrual bleeding may become irregular, heavy or prolonged. One in five women will experience heavy bleeding at some point during the childbearing years. It is more common as you get closer to menopause. Sometimes heavy bleeding may be caused by hormonal changes, fibroids, or other uterine abnormalities. A pelvic exam, blood work or ultrasound may be used to help diagnose this.
Heavy bleeding if left untreated may lead to fatigue, anemia and frustration. Sometimes the bleeding may be controlled with hormones such as birth control pills, the Mirena IUD, or a D&C (scraping the lining of the uterus). An ablation is another option which uses some form of energy to burn away the uterine lining. It is a relatively quick and painless procedure done in an outpatient surgery setting. NovaSure ablation is the most commonly used procedure. Please see the link below for more information from their website.