Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)
Alternate Names : Anovulatory bleeding, Bleeding - dysfunctional uterine, DUB, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menorrhagia - dysfunctional, Polymenorrhea - dysfunctional, Metrorrhagia - dysfunctional
Symptoms & Signs
A woman with dysfunctional uterine bleeding may notice the following changes in her menstrual cycle: - Bleeding or spotting from the vagina occurs between periods
- Menstrual periods may be less than 28 days (more common) or more than 35 days apart
- Time between menstrual periods changes with each cycle
- Bleeding is heavier (passing large clots, needing to change protection during the night, soaking through a sanitary pad or tampon every hour for 2 - 3 hours in a row)
- Bleeding lasts for more days than normal or for more than 7 days
Other symptoms caused by changes in hormone levels are: - Excessive growth of body hair in a male pattern (hirsutism)
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Tenderness and dryness of the vagina
A woman may feel tiredness or fatigue if she is losing too much blood over time and becomes anemic.
Diagnosis & Tests
The health care provider will do a pelvic examination. Lab tests may include: The following procedures may be done: - Endometrial biopsy may be done to look for infection, precancer, or cancer, or to help decide on hormone treatment.
- Hysteroscopy is an office procedure in which the doctor inserts a flexible tube with a light and a tiny camera on the end into the uterus through the vagina.
- Transvaginal ultrasound may be done to look for abnormalities in the uterus or pelvis.
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