How to treat functional uterine bleeding that has lasted for more than ten years?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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If a woman has been suffering from dysfunctional uterine bleeding for more than ten years, a detailed examination should first be conducted to understand the causes of the bleeding. Blood tests can be done for hormonal profiles, thyroid, and adrenal functions, as well as blood glucose levels to identify any issues, such as potential ovarian dysfunction, which can be treated with short-acting oral contraceptives. Long-term irregular vaginal bleeding can lead to anemia, requiring a blood test to assess the severity of the anemia. If the anemia is not severe, oral iron supplements can be taken to correct it. Some women might experience infections due to prolonged bleeding, in which case broad-spectrum antibiotics can be prescribed to treat the infection. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat functional uterine bleeding that has lasted for more than ten years?

If a woman has been suffering from dysfunctional uterine bleeding for more than ten years, a detailed examination should first be conducted to understand the causes of the bleeding. Blood tests can be done for hormonal profiles, thyroid, and adrenal functions, as well as blood glucose levels to identify any issues, such as potential ovarian dysfunction, which can be treated with short-acting oral contraceptives. Long-term irregular vaginal bleeding can lead to anemia, requiring a blood test to assess the severity of the anemia. If the anemia is not severe, oral iron supplements can be taken to correct it. Some women might experience infections due to prolonged bleeding, in which case broad-spectrum antibiotics can be prescribed to treat the infection. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of functional uterine bleeding?

Functional uterine bleeding, clinically divided into ovulatory and anovulatory functional uterine bleeding, presents differently depending on the type. Typically, the clinical manifestation of anovulatory functional uterine bleeding includes prolonged menstrual dripping or heavy vaginal bleeding. In such cases, it is recommended that patients seek immediate medical attention at a local hospital for a clear diagnosis and timely treatment. Ovulatory uterine bleeding is often characterized by changes in the menstrual cycle; some women may experience a shortened cycle, while others may have an extended menstrual cycle.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.