Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, also known as Abnormal Uterine Bleeding is defined as heavy or irregular bleeding that occurs outside or in the absence of (menstruation, medical condition, or pregnancy).
The fundamental cause behind dysfunctional uterine bleeding is the imbalance within female sex hormones. These hormonal imbalances can either be due to certain medical conditions or can also be side effects of some medications.
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding Due to Medical Conditions
There are certain medical conditions that often result in dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Some of these are:
- Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids also called leiomyomas, are small, noncancerous growths within the uterus, uterine lining, or uterine muscle. Uterine fibroids can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding as well as bleeding between periods which results in anaemia, fatigue, etc., along with dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
- Endometriosis: The condition where the tissues that line the uterus start to grow in other places, including in and around the uterus, in the ovaries, within the fallopian tubes, etc., is known as Endometriosis. They are either painless or cause extreme pain and irritation. Endometriosis leads to heavy bleeding or irregular periods.
- PCOS – PCOS also known as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders in women which involves the irregular function of the ovaries. This leads to an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone, making the menstrual cycle irregular or absent.
- Uterine polyps – Uterine polyps are small growths that occur within the uterus that attach to the inner wall of the uterus and extend into the uterine cavity. The exact cause of these polyps is unknown but has to do with the estrogen hormone, majoritively. The blood vessels present inside these polyps lead to light bleeding or spotting in between periods.
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding Due to Medications
Some prescription and nonprescription medicines can also cause dysfunctional uterine bleeding such as:
- Birth controls
- Hormonal therapy or Hormonal Agents
- Medicines used for the treatment of Cancer
Let’s know the symptoms of dysfuntional uterine bleeding
Some of the most common bleeding patterns that occur in dysfunctional uterine bleeding include:
- Spotting
- Menstrual clots (bleeding that contains clots)
- Heavy, painful bleeding
- Bleeding that occurs in between periods
Other bodily symptoms that occur with dysfunctional uterine bleeding are:
- Anaemia
- Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia (Pain or tenderness throughout the body)
- Back pain
- Severe stomach pain
- Muscle/ bone ache
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Breast tenderness/ pain
What to do when you have dysfuntional uterine bleeding
It is best to talk to the best gynecologist in Coimbatore if you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding can be diagnosed through Ultrasound/ Endometrial Biopsy/ Blood tests. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is completely treatable and the most common and simple way to treat is through oral contraceptives that can easily regulate the cycle of your menstruation.