WHAT IS DYSFUNCTIONAL UTERINE BLEEDING?

Vaginal bleeding that is not related to a woman's normal menstrual pattern. There is excessive menstrual bleeding which presents either as greater flow (Menorrhagia), intermenstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia) or reduced intervals between cycles (Polymenorrhoea).

AFFECTS

Adolescent girls and premenopausal women more than others.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

Painful, prolonged or irregular bleeding per vaginum. This may or may not be preceded by a period of amenorrhoea.

Due to excessive blood loss, you may develop anemia.

CAUSES:

• Hormonal imbalance.
• Cervicitis and cervical erosion.
• High blood pressure.
• Liver disorders.
• Use of drugs containing hormones, anticoagulants or aspirin.
• Tumors of the uterus and cervix, including polyps and fibroid tumors.
• Infection in the uterus (rare).
• Lacerations of the cervix (rare).
• Psychological factors such as stress.

RISK INCREASES WITH

Indiscriminate use of birth-control pills.

HOW TO PREVENT

Cannot be prevented.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE?

• Presence of typical symptoms.
• History and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as a Pap smear, pregnancy test and blood studies and chemistries.
• Surgical diagnostic procedures, such as colposcopy, biopsy and dilatation and curettage (D&C) of the uterus.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Anemia.

PROBABLE OUTCOME

Usually curable in 2 or 3 months, sooner with surgery. Recurrence is common, depending on the underlying cause.

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Hormones to correct a hormone imbalance.
• Pain relievers.
• Tranquilizers to reduce anxiety.
• Antihypertensives, if high blood pressure is causing the disorder.

ACTIVITY

Stay as active as possible, depending on the underlying condition. Consult your doctor about continuing sexual relations.

DIET

No special diet. Iron supplements may be necessary for anemia.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY, IF

• You have abnormal uterine bleeding.
• The following occurs during treatment:
  • Bleeding becomes excessive. (You saturate a pad or tampon more often than once an hour).
  • You develop signs of infection, such as: fever; a general ill feeling; headache; dizziness; or muscle aches.
  • New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.