Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
What is Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
This is abnormal or irregular bleeding that is not caused by an infection, a tumour or pregnancy.
It usually occurs at the beginning or end of the reproductive stage of a woman's life, ie. at puberty or the menopause. This is due to the fact that the production of hormones may be erratic at these times.
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is diagnosed only after other causes of uterine bleeding have been ruled out.
What are the Symptoms of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Abnormal and irregular bleeding
What are the Causes of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is caused by the erratic production of hormones. That is why it is more commonly associated with puberty and the menopause.
The endometrium (lining of the womb) is stimulated to grow by the hormone oestrogen. If this is not balanced by the presence of progesterone, the endometrium may continue to grow until it outgrows its blood supply. At this point it breaks away and is discharged, causing irregular and sometimes heavy bleeding.
If this bleeding is very heavy and very frequent, anaemia can result.
Menorrhagia (abnormally long periods) is often a symptom of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. There may also be an irregular bleeding pattern.
Other causes of abnormal bleeding patterns, such as endometriosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease must be outruled before it can be assumed that the menorrhagia is due to dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
Traditional Medical Treatments for Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
By definition, dysfunctional uterine bleeding is only said to exist when other causes of abnormal bleeding have been ruled out. Therefore, treatment usually consists of relieving the symptoms of the bleeding so that it does not interfere with a woman's normal life or cause anaemia. This may include taking medications such as the oral contraceptive pill and possibly taking iron supplements to reduce the chances of developing anaemia.
In some cases, surgery may be required. In the past, hysterectomy (surgical removal of the womb) was the only surgical option to relieve heavy bleeding in older women. Nowadays, there are a number of options short of hysterectomy, such as endometrial ablation where the lining of the womb (the endometrium) may be removed using a telescopic instrument inserted through the vagina and neck of the womb (cervix).The Mirena coil is now used to reduce or cease bleeding altogether.
Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Alternative practitioners concentrate on good nutrition as a way to prevent heavy periods that are not caused by uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, endometriosis, or cancer. Iron supplementation (100 mg per day) not only helps prevent anemia, but also appears to reduce menorrhagia in many women. Other recommended dietary supplements include vitamins A and C. Vitamin C improves capillary fragility and enhances iron uptake.
Vitamin E and bioflavonoid supplements are also recommended. Vitamin E can help reduce blood flow, and bioflavonoids help strengthen the capillaries. Vitamin K is known to play a role in clotting and is helpful in situations where heavy bleeding may be due to clotting abnormalities.
Botanical medicines used to assist in treating abnormal bleeding include spotted cranesbill (Geranium maculatum), birthroot (Trillium pendulum), blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), and yarrow (Achillea millifolia). These are all stiptic herbs that act to tighten blood vessels and tissue. Hormonal balance can also be addressed with herbal formulations containing phytoestrogens and phytoprogesterone.