Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

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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 each menstrual cycle [normally about ].

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).

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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