Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
How to examine functional uterine bleeding?
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding primarily requires checking for any present anemia with routine blood tests and coagulation studies. Ultrasound is needed to examine the pelvis and uterine cavity, including the thickness of the endometrium. Treatment methods should be considered based on these results. Some cases can be managed with medication; others may require another diagnostic curettage to further clarify the condition of the endometrium; some may need contraceptives or similar treatments for 3-6 months, as this is fundamentally an endocrine issue involving hormonal imbalance, where hormonal treatment tends to be quite effective.
What to eat for functional uterine bleeding
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding cannot be treated with the same medication for everyone; it is crucial to consider the specific findings of medical examinations. If dysfunctional uterine bleeding has caused anemia, it is essential to start taking hematinics early. A few may need blood transfusion treatment and should also pay attention to a diet rich in iron and high in nutrients. Some cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding can be treated with hormonal medications because it is originally caused by hormonal disorders in the body. The most commonly used treatment is short-acting contraceptives, but some cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding require diagnostic curettage surgery.
Functional uterine bleeding refers to abnormal bleeding from the uterus.
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding in women is when the reproductive system has no organic lesions but is caused by internal and external factors that lead to abnormal gonadal axis function, resulting in irregular vaginal bleeding. For example, it is common for women to experience large emotional fluctuations due to family changes or other events, or changes in their work and living environments, excessive fatigue, frequent staying up late, etc., all of which can cause abnormal gonadal axis function. Furthermore, some endocrine disorders in women, such as elevated blood glucose levels and abnormal thyroid or adrenal gland function, can also affect the function of the gonadal axis and cause dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
Functional uterine bleeding is what?
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is caused by abnormal ovulation, resulting in abnormal uterine bleeding. In adolescence, due to the immature development of the gonadal axis, most do not have normal ovulation. Although there is follicular development, the absence of ovulation means that the endometrium is not affected by progesterone. Therefore, when estrogen breakthrough bleeding occurs, it may manifest as irregular vaginal bleeding, excessive menstrual flow, or prolonged menstrual periods, which is the blood supply during adolescence. In menopause, women can also experience dysfunctional uterine bleeding due to ovarian failure, immature follicle development, abnormal ovulation, or the absence of ovulation, which can all cause irregular vaginal bleeding.
What are the symptoms of functional uterine bleeding?
Functional uterine bleeding is primarily characterized by severe disruptions in menstrual cycle, amount, and duration. The disruptions in menstrual cycles typically manifest as an early onset of menstruation. The amount of menstruation is typically characterized as excessive, and the duration tends to be prolonged. Some women experience heavy bleeding or incomplete clearing, where they may remain unclean for half a month or even one or two months. This condition is primarily seen in adolescent girls and women going through menopause. Adolescent girls with uterine bleeding may experience anemia, and it could lead to infertility later on. Menopausal uterine bleeding may be accompanied by severe anemia, requiring some to be hospitalized for blood transfusions. Moreover, it is essential to perform an ultrasound if the uterine endometrium is thick, to rule out endometrial pathology.
What to be aware of during a functional uterine bleeding curettage?
When women experience dysfunctional uterine bleeding, if oral medical therapy is ineffective, diagnostic curettage can be used to stop bleeding and to understand the causes of the bleeding. Before undergoing curettage surgery, women should not have sexual intercourse within five days to avoid infections in the reproductive tract. During the curettage process, it is crucial to thoroughly scrape the entire uterine wall, especially the areas around the corners of the uterus. If any abnormal scrapings, such as dirty, greyish-white substances that resemble endometrial cancer, are encountered during the scraping, the procedure should be terminated immediately to avoid causing uterine perforation. For one month after the surgery, sexual intercourse, sitz baths, and swimming should be avoided to prevent infections in the reproductive tract.
How to treat functional uterine bleeding?
Functional uterine bleeding should be treated according to the patient's age. If functional uterine bleeding occurs during adolescence, menstrual regulation treatment is needed. If it occurs during the reproductive age, it requires menstrual regulation and hemostasis, along with treatment to promote ovulation. If functional uterine bleeding occurs during menopause, it is mainly due to a lack of progesterone, and treatment with progesterone can be applied at this time. If there is endometrial thickening, dilation and curettage may be necessary, and the treatment plan should be determined based on the pathological results after the procedure.
What causes functional uterine bleeding?
Functional uterine bleeding is commonly seen in adolescence and menopause, primarily caused by the absence of normal ovulation. Without ovulation, there is no production of progesterone, leading to irregular vaginal bleeding or heavy bleeding under the influence of estrogen. The main treatment method is menstrual regulation. For adolescent girls, menstrual regulation and ovulation induction treatment are needed, as this is caused by abnormal development of the gonadal axis. Progesterone can be used for menstrual regulation. In menopausal women, menopausal functional uterine bleeding mostly results from abnormal ovulation, essentially due to a lack of progesterone, so treatment with progesterone can be applied. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)
Is functional uterine bleeding serious?
Functional uterine bleeding is a disease caused by hormonal imbalances in women. Most cases of functional uterine bleeding are not serious, but being not serious does not mean it can be ignored. Generally, when a woman experiences functional uterine bleeding, it is recommended to immediately seek medical attention at the gynecology outpatient clinic of a local hospital, undergo a gynecological color ultrasound, sex hormone panel, and other relevant examinations. Identify the causes and types of functional uterine bleeding, and adopt different treatment plans based on different results. Meanwhile, it is important to note that if the bleeding is heavy, it may be necessary to perform a blood cell examination to determine whether anemia has occurred.
How is functional uterine bleeding treated?
Functional uterine bleeding is a common endocrine disorder among women. When functional uterine bleeding occurs, it is recommended that the patient visit a local hospital to determine the type of functional uterine bleeding. Functional uterine bleeding can be divided into ovulatory and anovulatory types, and the treatment plans for different types vary. Therefore, identifying the type is key to how it is treated. Currently, oral hormonal medications are commonly used to treat functional uterine bleeding clinically.