What tests can find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding?
In addition to a careful history and physical examination, laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures may be used to identify the cause of abnormal bleeding. If you could be pregnant, your doctor may order a pregnancy test. If your bleeding is heavy, your doctor may want to check your blood count to make sure you don’t have anemia (low iron) from the blood loss. Depending on your age, your doctor may order some of the following tests: • ultrasound – An ultrasound uses sound waves to assess an organ’s physical shape and structure. In a transvaginal ultrasound, a small ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina so that it is closer to the uterus and can provide a clearer image of uterine contents. A transvaginal ultrasound is a minimally invasive way to determine whether abnormal uterine structures, or signs of excessive endometrial growth, are present. However, because it cannot distinguish between different types of structural abnormalities, further testing may be necessary if any ar
