Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Pelvis | Urology | Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (Disease)


Description

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) is abnormal genital tract bleeding based in the uterus and found in the absence of demonstrable structural or organic pathology.

Symptoms of dysfunctional uterine bleeding include absent periods, irregular menstrual periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, and painful menstrual periods.

A woman with dysfunctional uterine bleeding has abnormal vaginal bleeding that is not caused by a bleeding lesion in the uterus. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a common condition. Normal menstrual bleeding should last about 5 days, but varies from 3 to 7 days. Usually, periods that last for longer than 7 days are abnormal. Normal menstrual blood loss is during a period is 30 cc (2 tablespoons) to 250 cc (1 cup).

Causes and Risk factors

It is usually due to hormonal disturbances: reduced levels of progesterone causes low levels of pgf2 alpha and causes menorrhagia; increased levels of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) (a fibrinolytic enzyme) leads to more fibrinolysis.

The failure to ovulate is the most common hormone abnormality found in patients with dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Diagnosis ad Treatment

Management of dysfunctional uterine bleeding predominantly consists of reassurance, though mid-cycle estrogen and late-cycle progestin can be used for mid- and late-cycle bleeding respectively.

Treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding may include iron supplements, vitamin supplements, hormone therapy, oral contraceptives, dilation and curettage, and hysterectomy. ...