Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is irregular vaginal bleeding that is not caused by a serious medical problem, such as miscarriage or cancer. In most cases, dysfunctional uterine bleeding is related to changes in hormone levels.
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is:
- Menstrual bleeding that occurs more often than every 21 days (a normal menstrual cycle is 21 to 35 days long).
- Menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days (normally 4 to 6 days).
- Blood loss of more than 80mL each menstrual cycle [normally about 30mL].
Treatment options include:
- Waiting to see if symptoms get better on their own.
- Hormone therapy.
- Surgery, such as hysterectomy or endometrial ablation.
Women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding should be examined for other causes of symptoms and tested for anemia (low red blood cell count).
| Author | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | February 12, 2008 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
February 12, 2008
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