Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)

Alternative Names:

Anovulatory bleeding; Bleeding - dysfunctional uterine; DUB

Treatment:

Young women within a few years of their first period are not treated unless symptoms are exceptionally severe, such as heavy blood loss causing anemia.

In other women, the goal of treatment is to control the menstrual cycle. Oral contraceptives or progestogen therapy are frequently used for this purpose. If the woman has anemia is present, iron supplements may be recommended.

If the woman wishes to get pregnant, medication may be given to stimulate ovulation.

Women whose symptoms are severe and resistant to medical therapy may need surgical treatments including endometrial ablation (a procedure that burns or removes the lining of the uterus) or hysterectomy.

In older women who may be approaching menopause, treatment may be include hormone supplementation or surgery to relieve symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Hormone therapy usually relieves symptoms.

Complications:

Infertility resulting from lack of ovulation
Severe anemia as a result of prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding
Prolonged buildup of the uterine lining without adequate menstrual bleeding (a possible factor in the development of endometrial cancer)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have unusual vaginal bleeding.

References:

Rakel P, ed. Conn’s Current Therapy 2005. 57th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1286-1288.

Stenchever A. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:1082-1084.

Review Date: 5/15/2006
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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