Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

2 medicines

Abnormal uterine bleeding is any menstrual pattern outside the normal range, from heavy or prolonged periods to bleeding between cycles, often managed with hormonal treatment.

Aygestin

Norethindrone

5mg

Aygestin is a womens health medication containing Norethindrone, available as 5mg tablets.

from $0.86 / tablet View

Provera

Medroxyprogesterone

5/10mg

Provera is a womens health medication containing Medroxyprogesterone, available as 5/10mg tablets.

from $0.63 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding is any menstrual bleeding outside the normal range in timing, duration, or volume. This includes heavy or prolonged periods, irregular cycles, and bleeding between periods or after menopause.
  • In women of reproductive age, the most frequent cause is a disrupted balance between oestrogen and progesterone. Polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, and endometrial polyps are other common underlying causes.
  • Hormonal treatment with a progestogen such as norethindrone or medroxyprogesterone is a cornerstone of management for bleeding driven by hormonal imbalance.
  • See a doctor promptly for bleeding that is severe or sudden, or comes with dizziness or signs of anaemia.

What drives it

Causes range from hormonal imbalance and structural changes in the uterus to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, or endometrial polyps. In women of reproductive age, a disrupted relationship between oestrogen and progesterone is the most frequent culprit. Stress, significant weight change, and thyroid dysfunction can all tip that balance, adding an irregular or heavy pattern on top of an otherwise normal cycle.

Hormonal treatment options

For bleeding driven by hormonal imbalance, progestogens are a cornerstone of treatment. Norethindrone is a synthetic progestogen used to regulate cycle length and reduce heavy flow, while medroxyprogesterone works in a similar way and is used for both short-term cycle control and longer-term management. Both sit within the broader field of women's health medicine, alongside other hormonal therapies used to manage gynaecological conditions. A doctor will usually confirm the cause, sometimes with an ultrasound or blood tests, before settling on a specific regimen.

When to see a doctor

Bleeding heavy enough to soak through protection within an hour, bleeding after menopause, or bleeding accompanied by dizziness, fainting, or signs of anaemia such as fatigue and pale skin needs prompt medical evaluation. Bleeding between periods that persists over several cycles is also worth assessing rather than managing alone.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.