Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) stems from a variety of causes, including hormonal problems, structural issues, and systemic factors that may have caused imbalances and abnormalities to your reproductive organs. This alarming condition has no preferred age and can happen to those assigned females at birth from all stages of life! Statistically speaking, approximately one-third of biological females will have abnormal uterine bleeding, most of which appear during menarche and perimenopause.1 Naturopathic medicine takes a preventive and complementary approach that will help you identify and address the root causes of abnormal bleeding, nurture hormonal balance, and support your body’s natural abilities to heal itself.
Understanding Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) happens when there is bleeding in the uterus that, instead of pregnancy, is related to problems with hormonal imbalance, immune response, or uterine dysfunction.1 During a regular menstrual cycle, progesterone (a pregnancy-promoting hormone) withdrawal happens, setting off a series of well-organized changes in the lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium.1 This includes the programmed cell death (apoptosis) of certain cells, release of inflammatory substances, and activation of enzymes that break down tissue, all of which help shed the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and start its repair for the next ovulation cycle.1 For bleeding to stop effectively, the small spiral arteries in the uterus need to constrict to stop blood flow and form clots. However, these processes do not function properly in people with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), eventually causing irregular and persistent bleeds.
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is not only limited to heavy volumes of blood, but also considers the regularity, duration, and frequency of your menstrual cycle. The normal menstrual cycle happens every 24-38 days, with 5-80 mL of blood loss during this period, and lasts for 2-7 days each cycle.1 Numbers below and above these ranges should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider. However, the most important thing to consider in qualifying whether you are experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding or not is if the problem already affects your quality of life, meaning your daily activities, routines, and productivity have already been strained by this abnormality. Allopathic Management of AUB in Reproductive-Aged Patients
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) depends on the underlying problem, as well as your goals in relation to pregnancy. Generally, for those in their “reproductive years,” hormonal contraceptives are prescribed in efforts to regulate your menstrual cycle through the actions of estrogen and progesterone. Medications to prevent bleeding and manage anemia may also be given when indicated.
AUB in Post-Menopausal Women
After menopause, which signals the complete cessation of your period, some women experience unexpected bleeding, which can vary from light pinkish-gray or brown spotting to a heavier flow similar to a normal period flow. This occurrence should be considered alarming, as menstrual-like bleeding should not happen once menopause is reached. Such bleeding episodes might not be accompanied by any pain, yet they can act as signs of underlying health issues requiring immediate attention. Hormonal changes, polyps, or other benign conditions might contribute to this unusual bleeding, but in most cases, it could signal more serious concerns, such as malignant tumors. Regardless of the characteristics of the vaginal bleeding episode, it is important to consult your gynecologist immediately if you encounter any bleeding after menopause. Early evaluation promotes detection and prompt management of any potential health concerns during the early stages of the disease.
The Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic care combines different approaches to holistically prevent and manage abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). This includes herbal remedies, nutritional strategies, and lifestyle medications, which are all incorporated into your health plan to nurture your optimal well-being.
Botanical Medicine Nature has an abundant amount of secrets that can help protect and nurture your uterine lining. These may be in the form of Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) which can strengthen your uterus and nurture its normal tone, Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) which nurtures progesterone levels and helps regulate hormonal pathways in the body, and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) which is effective in controlling excessive bleeding. Before exploring and using botanical medicines, it is very important to talk to your naturopathic doctor who will guide you through discovering the right herbs, doses, and preparations for your optimal health. Because most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy or with concomitant use of medications for certain disease conditions, talking to your naturopathic doctor will help prevent unwanted consequences from unregulated use and ensure that the herbs you use are safe and effective for your unique health concerns. Nutrition To maintain hemodynamic stability despite problems with blood loss, it is very important to replete nutrient loss. Supplementing the food you eat with iron, vitamin B, and vitamin C can help prevent the development of anemia from blood loss. Additionally, avoiding foods made of wheat, rye, or barley, can help reduce problems with inflammation that may have triggered the abnormalities in your uterus. Lifestyle Changes Stress can affect your risks of developing abnormal uterine bleeding and irregular menstrual periods through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which is the regulatory mechanism in your body that is responsible in managing the levels of your reproductive hormones.2 Practicing mind-body techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help nurture your body’s abilities to respond to stress. Nurturing Your Reproductive Health
At Natural Path to Wellness, we believe that nurturing and optimizing your reproductive and whole-body health is not just about addressing present concerns, such as in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), but also about guiding you through the natural path that leads to a healthier future.
By identifying and addressing the root causes of AUB, we empower your body to heal itself, thereby nurturing resilience and vitality. Discover the transformative journey of healing with naturopathic medicine, where your body's innate ability to restore balance is celebrated and nurtured. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
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THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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