Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) is an abnormal uterine bleeding which occurs outside the regular cycle of menstruation. It usually presents as heavy menstrual bleeding.
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is more common around the menarche and peri-menopause. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding often occurs when the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, is stimulated to grow by the hormone estrogen. When exposure to estrogen is extended, or not balanced by the presence of progesterone, the endometrium continues to grow until it outgrows its blood supply. Then it sloughs off, thereby causing irregular heavy bleeding.
Symptoms of Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB):
Vaginal bleeding between periods
Abnormal menstrual periods
Variable menstrual cycles (usually less than 28 days between menstrual periods)
Variable menstrual flow ranging from scanty to profuse
Infertility
Mood swings
Hot flashes
Vaginal tenderness
Menorrhagia and Menometrorrhagia?
Menometrorrhagia was once an umbrella term for two different conditions that sound nearly the same:
Menorrhagia: excessive and/or prolonged menstruation.
Metrorrhagia: excessive, prolonged and/or irregular bleeding unrelated to menstruation.
Not everyone who experiences abnormal uterine bleeding reports their symptoms. As a result, 10% to 35% of women worldwide may have abnormal uterine bleeding. But the numbers may be higher. It’s most common during menarche (when menstruation begins) and perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause).
Hormone imbalances are often to blame for abnormal uterine bleeding. They’re most common among people whose periods are just beginning or near ending.
