Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) is irregular vaginal bleeding caused by changes in hormone levels. When this happens, your periods may come less than 21 days apart, or more than 35 days apart. Vaginal bleeding may be heavy, or last for longer than a week. Often times, DUB occurs when you fail to ovulate during your menstrual cycle, which causes abnormal levels of certain hormones. Sometimes this pattern of an ovulation continues for several cycles or more, which may warrant a visit to your health care provider. The most common treatment for DUB is the use of various hormone medications. Sometimes the doctor will just advise you to wait a few months before beginning treatment.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredIt is recommended that you call your doctor about bleeding that is heavy, prolonged, or between periods; bleeding accompanied by an odor, discharge, or severe pain; or bleeding or spotting during a pregnancy or suspected pregnancy. Watch Dr. Oz talk about abnormal bleeding and endometrial cancer.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredDysfunctional uterine bleeding can be treated completely through hormone therapy in most cases. Some people may require removal of the lining of the uterus to fix heavy bleeding, either through dilation and curettage or endometrial ablation. Rarely, people may require a hysterectomy to completely remove the uterus. Because of the serious results of this surgery, such as infertility, it is no longer used as often as it was in the past and is usually only used with menopausal women. Anemia is a possible complication, but this can be treated through iron supplements. -
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 2 AnswersDysfunctional uterine bleeding symptoms may be ovulatory (excessive bleeding during menstrual cycles) or anovulatory (linked to a disorder that prevents ovulation). Ovulatory DUB symptoms may be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, or luteal phase dysfunction, among other conditions.Anovulatory DUB symptoms may also be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis, but also hypothyroidism or ovarian failure.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSome thyroid and hormone disorders can cause dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Hypothyroidism, for example, can prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg; this causes the hormones to remain high later in the menstrual cycle. Other illnesses can affect treatment -- women with heart or blood vessel disorders or who are at high risk for heart disorders are not usually given birth control pills for treatment. The cycle of abnormal thickening and irregular shedding associated with dysfunctional uterine bleeding can cause precancerous cells to develop.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 2 Answers
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is caused by abnormal levels of the hormone estrogen. In women with normal periods, the high level of estrogen decreases after releasing an egg. With dysfunctional uterine bleeding, the egg is not always released and the woman's uterine lining sheds irregularly. Other causes of hormone imbalance, including thyroid problems and some medication, can also cause DUB.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredWomen with dysfunctional uterine bleeding experience irregularly timed periods (less than 28 or more than 35 days apart) with occasional bleeding in between periods. Vaginal bleeding during the period is often heavier than normal and lasts more than the normal period length of seven days. Excessive blood loss can lead to fatigue and anemia. Beyond the menstrual cycle, women will experience symptoms of irregular hormone levels. This includes body hair growth and mood swings.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredDysfunctional uterine bleeding is very treatable. It is important, however, that you go to your doctor to see if you have any complications. Anemia can be treated with iron but can be serious if not addressed. Infertility is a common problem. Endometrial cancer is a concern among women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding, so your doctor will check for this cancer if you are at high risk for it.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredTo prepare for a doctor's appointment about dysfunctional uterine bleeding, it would be helpful to make a list of your symptoms, even if they don't seem relevant (they may include hot flashes, mood swings, or fatigue). Some doctors recommend a diary of your bleeding that makes note of the date and how heavy your bleeding was that day. Your doctor would also benefit from knowing your diet and other medications that you are on. Prepare a list of questions you have for the doctor, including treatment options, diagnostic tests, and other symptoms of which you should be aware.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredBefore diagnosing dysfunctional uterine bleeding, your doctor will want to rule out other causes of excessive bleeding like pregnancy and blood clotting problems. Then the doctor will determine whether or not you have dysfunctional uterine bleeding by doing a pelvic exam and a number of laboratory tests to check blood counts, hormone functioning, and anemia. If you are at high risk for developing endometrial cancer, the doctor may also to a biopsy of your uterine lining. Other tests may include transvaginal ultrasonography and hysteroscopy, if needed.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredDysfunctional uterine bleeding can affect your ability to become pregnant. 90% of women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding do not regularly ovulate, and therefore have great difficulty trying to get pregnant. If you wish to become pregnant and have dysfunctional uterine bleeding, your doctor may prescribe you with fertility drugs to induce ovulation and different methods of treatment for DUB may be used.