I’m 45 and have irregular/heavy bleeding but I don’t want to have a hysterectomy, what are my alternatives?
Hysterectomy can usually be avoided, as a treatment for irregular or heavy bleeding. You should be evaluated for potential anatomic causes such as fibroids, polyps, overgrowth of the uterine lining or cancer. Hormone levels may be assessed. If all studies are normal it is considered “dysfunctional uterine bleeding.” Treatment includes correction the underlying cause (simple procedures to remove polyps or fibroids or correction of hormones). Hormonal treatment with birth control pills or progesterone may be considered. An off label use of a progesterone IUD may decrease bleeding. Another procedure called an endometrial ablation may also be performed. Fletcher R. Wilson, M.D.
