Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding Get Help To Reduce Symptoms

By Jasser Thiara, MD

Mid-Atlantic OBGYN

. https://hcavirginia.com/physicians/profile/Dr-Jasser-Thiara-MD

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Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding Get Help To Reduce Symptoms

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is a condition that affects nearly every woman at some point in her life. DUB, also referred to as abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), is a condition that causes vaginal bleeding to occur outside of the regular menstrual cycle. In fact, according to theAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine, it is most common during puberty and menopause, but can occur any time that hormones are imbalanced.

Certain hormonal conditions and medications may also trigger DUB. However, the main cause is an imbalance of sex hormones. The imbalance can cause sporadic bleeding, heavy bleeding, and/or spotting. Spotting is known as bleeding that is lighter than a normal menstrual period. It often appears pink, brown, or even light red. DUB is a condition that should be well known to women as it can severely affect many aspects of their lives.

Not only does DUB create a large physical and emotional toll on women, it can be the underlying cause of a more serious condition. AUB is a common problem for menstruating women, particularly those at the beginning (adolescence) and end (perimenopause) of their reproductive years. The majority of AUB cases occur due to anovulation. This occurs where there is continuous estrogen secretion unopposed by progesterone release from the corpus luteum that stimulates thickening of the endometrial lining, and leads to an imbalance in prostaglandin synthesis.

A lesser number of AUB cases occur with long ovulatory cycles (periods greater than 35 days apart) due to prolonged progesterone secretion and/or an inadequate release of vasoconstrictive prostaglandins. In these cases, bleeding tends to be predictable but intense and extended.

While rarely life-threatening, AUB can create burdens and disadvantages for women ranging from the workplace to their private lives. Women with heavy periods work an estimated 3.6 fewer weeks per year and lose an estimated $1,692 annually in wages compared with other women in the general workforce. Heavy periods are inconvenient and potentially embarrassing (if leakage occurs due to excessive flow).

AUB can substantially impair a woman's quality of life, leading her not only to miss work but also social and leisurely events. It can make it difficult for women to leave the house and lead a normal lifestyle at times. It can also creates a stressful outlook, and can interfere with sexual activity.

Heavy periods can cause pain and discomfort and increase the risk for iron-deficiency anemia. Acute excessive bleeding can lead to hemodynamic instability, requiring hospitalization for fluid volume management, blood transfusion, and/or intravenous estrogen therapy (which prompts the endometrium to grow rapidly and cover exposed epithelial surfaces).

Unopposed estrogen release is linked to an increased risk for endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma, while anovulation is associated with infertility. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a condition that women have either faced themselves, or have known an acquaintance that has struggled with it.

When faced with DUB women should immediately seek medical attention to help reduce the symptoms.