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Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

by — Last updated: 2023-03-27 in Women's Health

Table of Contents

Knowing your body is the first step in achieving optimal health. For women of reproductive age, it is important to be alert and pay attention to signs of changing patterns such as those commonly observed with menses.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is defined as abnormal uterine bleeding outside of menses that is no attributable to any anatomic, physiologic or organic causes. Henceforth, it is a diagnosis of exclusion, a diagnosis made when no other cause can be found.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is thought to be caused by an alteration in the level of hormones during menstrual cycle in many cases. Some texts report that in this condition, the female fails to ovulate, and in that aspect it slightly resembles (but is not the same as) PCOS. This condition presents almost as all other bleeding problems cited in this article: periods lasting longer than normal, heavier bleeding (need to change sanitary pads more often, sometimes 5 to 6 times per day), severe cramps and abdominal bloating during menses, vaginal spotting long after the end of menses, passing clots during and after periods, and irregular period timing. It is good to know that soaking through a maxi pad more than once every hour can pose an immediate danger to your health, and women experiencing severe bleeding should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Other factors

Sometimes, the problem does not stem from the inside, but rather from the outside. Medications such as steroids (oral contraceptives are an example) can have an impact on our hormonal cycle and cause a certain level of imbalance, which in turn can result in abnormal uterine bleeding. Also, miscarriage is a possible cause of bleeding outside one’s period.

Women who have miscarried (and are unfortunately not aware of it) may pass blood clots through their vagina, or may experience vaginal spotting.

If you suspect that you might be pregnant (if you have missed your period for instance) and you are experiencing some uterine bleeding and spotting, consult immediately with your Gynecologist to ensure that what you are experiencing is not a miscarriage.

Symptoms to look out for

There is a myriad of symptoms that you can experience and that are tell-tale signs of abnormal uterine function. These are the primary symptoms that should indicate to you that something is going south, and should prompt you to consult with your physician immediately:

-          Menses that are heavier than normal;

-          Abnormal cramping during menses

-          Vaginal spotting several days after the end of your menses;

-          Bleeding during sexual intercourse.

See Also: Perimenopause Problems: Depression, Bleeding and Weight Control

What should I do if I experience bleeding outside of my period?

If you ever experience bleeding outside of your period, the first step is to consult your Gynecologist (or family physician) as soon as possible. It is very important to take quick and immediate action by doing so, as your Gynecologist is the best professional entity that could help you sort things out. Abnormal bleeding outside of your periods could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.

Following investigations (blood tests, ultrasounds, etc.) your doctor will be able to identify the cause of your abnormal uterine bleeding, and depending on the cause (as well as on your personal choice), different treatment options are available. For some females, hormonal therapy and pain medications (if any pain is experienced) are just enough. For others, surgical correction (such as in the case of severe fibroids) are the sole option. Discuss with your Gynecologist and find out what is right for you.