Anovulatory (dysfunctional uterine) bleeding

Alternative names:

bleeding - dysfunctional uterine; dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Treatment:

Young women within several years of menarche (the initial menstrual period) are not treated unless symptoms are exceptionally severe (such as heavy blood loss causing anemia).

In women of childbearing age, treatment is aimed at achieving regular menstrual cycles with normal patterns. Oral contraceptives are frequently used for this purpose. If pregnancy is desired, ovulation induction may be attempted with medication.

In older women who may be approaching menopause, treatment may be elected to offset symptoms. Providers may choose from a variety of regimens including estrogen and progesterone supplementation and/or surgery (such as a hysterectomy).

Expectations (prognosis):

Hormonal regulation is usually successful in alleviating symptoms. Induced ovulation, in women desiring pregnancy, is successful in approximately 80% of cases.

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 may be a factor in the development of endometrial cancer

Call your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have unusual vaginal bleeding occur.