Treatments for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Medical and Minimally Invasive Surgical Options
by Kathryn Hoch, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Boulder Medical Center
Modern AUB treatments are designed to enable you to get back to living your best life.
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the most common problems that motivate women to see a gynecologist. In the past, there were few options for treatment other than a hysterectomy. Now, many of my patients who come in to address this issue are often surprised that there are more options for treatment and that, just because their mother or grandmother had a hysterectomy, does not mean they will need one too.
The process for determining appropriate treatment for AUB is straightforward. Typically, the gynecologist records a detailed medical history and performs a physical exam. This information, along with a woman’s age and childbearing preferences, determines which treatment recommendations are presented to the patient.
Options for treatment fall into two categories — medical and surgical. Your gynecologist will review the pros and cons of each and help you decide which option is best. When medical treatments such as hormonal management or other protocols are not good choices or prove to be ineffective, there are also two surgical procedures — hysterectomy and endometrial ablation. A hysterectomy is viewed by most physicians as the final resort when other treatments have failed, except in cases of uterine cancer or precancerous changes. The second option, endometrial ablation, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes a thin layer of tissue in the uterus. This is usually a “day surgery’ that can provide excellent results with lower risk and minimal downtime.
If you are suffering from heavy or painful periods, ask your gynecologist about which option is best for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. Today’s treatments are advanced and effective with the goal of enabling you to get back to living your best life.
About Kathryn Hoch, MD
Dr. Katie Hoch is part of the women’s care team at Boulder Medical Center. As an OB-GYN physician, Dr. Hoch appreciates working in a medical specialty that is a perfect match for her professional interests and skills. “Obstetrics and gynecology is a nice mix of primary care and surgery, something that most other medical fields don’t offer,” she explains. “I get to care for women during their pregnancy, deliver their babies, and see them regularly all the way through menopause. You really get to know people well when you travel through major life events together!”
Learn More:
- Dr. Hoch’s Full Profile
- For Appointments Call (303) 938-4710
- Dr. Hock sees patients at our Foothills and Longmont locations.