A Complete Guide about Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

What is Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding?

It is defined as abnormal bleeding from uterus due to hormonal changes in the body. It is not caused by any other reason like miscarriage, blood clotting, etc. 

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is often caused by lack of ovulation. This leads to imbalance in hormone levels and results in bleeding. Sometimes bleeding occurs even during ovulation. Reasons behind this are still not known properly. It is one of the most common types of vaginal bleeding in women.

ABNORMAL BLEEDING

DUB is a hormonal imbalanced disorder which results in excessive and heavy bleeding. Ovulation is the process in which an ovary produces an egg during the menstrual cycle. 90% of cases occur in absence of ovulation. It is common in extremes of reproductive cycle like in young girls who have just started with their menstrual cycle or women experiencing menopause. At these stages, women do not produce proper or a mature egg. 

Due to this a hormone called progesterone is not produces in the body. This leads to excess production of estrogen which causes heavy bleeding at the end. Either the flow will be very heavy or the periods will stretch for more than 7-8 days. Both the cases are signs of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Only about 10% of women have DUB when they are ovulating. In this case progesterone level is high in absence of estrogen in the body which causes heavy bleeding.

Causes:

Many women suffer from the problem of excessive or heavy bleeding during their periods. Often there is spotting or extended periods also. Vaginal bleeding is not always normal depending on the condition and the problems faced. 

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding occurs due to imbalance of hormones in the body. It is very heavy flow of bleeding through uterus during periods. Sometimes the normal menstrual cycle stretches for a very long time which is another sign of DUB.

 There might be bleeding in cases of miscarriage or illness also. It is important to know when it is DUB in order to undergo proper treatment for it.

DUB is generally caused due to stress, hormonal imbalance or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a situation when many cysts are developed from the ovaries and they fail to produce egg. The whole process of release of an egg is called ovulation. In absence of ovulation, hormonal changes take place which result in excess bleeding and heavy periods. In absence of egg, a hormone called estrogen is produced in excess in the body which leads to heavy flow. 

Most of the women go through DUB in absence of ovulation but there have been rare cases where they ovulate but still get DUB. These are very uncommon cases.

DUB is heavy flow of heavy blood from uterus. It is usually caused by hormonal imbalance in the body. In fact, one of the ovaries releases an egg. This process is called ovulation. In cases when women do not ovulate, it results in dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Due to this there are some changes in the body which are hormonal in nature. 

Usually this is the cause for DUB, but sometimes it may happen due to other reasons also. Stress and illness are also considered to trigger DUB sometimes. It is more common in young girls and women who are nearing menopause. It is also called anovulatory bleeding.

Symptoms:

There are certain signs which points toward the problem of DUB. Normal menstrual cycle is 21 days. When period appear frequently than every 21 days or farther apart then 35 days, it may be an indictor. Normal periods occur for 4-6 days, anyone having periods for more than 7 days or when the flow is heavier than the normal is a common symptom. Also if clots are passed or you require changing sanitary napkins or tampons every 1-2 hours, then you must consult the doctor for it. With normal observation you can know whether you need to undergo tests for DUB or not.

Treatment For Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding :

First step is making sure that you consult a doctor if you find any symptom of it. It is important that a woman must have proper knowledge and awareness. As far as treatment goes there are many options available. Some treatments are there to normalize menstrual cycle, others are there to reduce heavy bleeding or in some cases stop the bleeding altogether. A short course of estrogen is often advised, hormone which helps in reduction of bleeding. Hormonal pills are also available to balance them. In very severe cases when the other methods do not work, surgery is also advised. But it is the last option after all the treatments. 

This bleeding condition can cause lot of distress to a woman. Any sign or symptom should be taken seriously and should be consulted with the doctor.

How can it be diagnosed?

Diagnosis is not very difficult. If you feel that your bleeding is too heavy and often have to changes napkins or tampons at very small intervals or when you periods go on for more than 7-8 days, then doctor should be consulted. The doctor first has to find out whether it is DUB or other type of vaginal bleeding. 

Once that is found out then proper treatment can be started. Some tests are conducted to find out what type of bleeding it is and what should be the proper treatment. If the doctor finds out that you have no other illness or disease which may be the cause for bleeding, then it is DUB.

Is treatment available for it?

Yes, there are treatments available which gives positive results. Once you have been diagnosed with it, then the doctor will suggest the treatment which will be most beneficial and affective. There are medicines available to balance all hormonal activities. Estrogen is an important factor in DUB. Often doses of it are suggested as a form of treatment. Apart from this, surgery is also an option but that is always the last suggestion given for very extreme cases.

 Dysfunctional  bleeding is a common disorder which affects the women. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help in living a proper and happy life.

Treatment for dysfunctional uterine abnormal bleeding is easy once the correct diagnosis is done. It is mainly caused due to hormonal imbalances and for that there are medicines which help in bringing hormonal balance in the body. Doses of estrogen are also advised to counter it. Surgery is also there but it is advised only for extreme cases and is used very rarely.

Alternative Treatment:

Alternative or home treatments are also there. They can be used only if you have proper knowledge about DUB and its causes. This involves concentrating on including proper nutrients in daily diet. It helps in preventing heavy periods and flow. This not only prevents heavy flow but also helps in preventing anemia in body. Other supplements that are advised are certain vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, etc. 


They are beneficial and help in keeping dysfunctional uterine bleeding at bay. There are other herbal medicines available which can be used at home to counter it and prevent it. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help in overcoming this disorder.