Anovulatory (dysfunctional uterine) bleeding

Alternative names:

bleeding - dysfunctional uterine; dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Definition:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding patterns that are a component of menstrual cycles where ovulation did not occur (no egg was produced).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Anovulatory or dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that it is determined ONLY after other causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (such as systemic diseases, medications, eating disorders, gynecological infections, structural anomalies, or tumors) have been ruled out. Anovulatory cycles are common for the first year after menses (when menstrual periods first start) and later in life as women approach menopause (the cessation of menstrual periods). Approximately 20% of cases occur in adolescents and 40% in women over 40 years old.