Uterine Bleeding

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Latest Edit: Hector 2013-05-21 (EDT)

Uterine bleeding, or dysfunctional uterine bleeding, refers to benign abnormal bleeding. It is a common problem in women 30 - 50 years old[1] and is associated with conditions such as fibroids or endometrial polyps.

Uterine Bleeding
Uterine bleeding.jpg

Uterine Bleeding
See Also Women's Health, Uterine Fibroids, Iron Deficiency
Books Books on Women's Health
Articles Articles on Women's Health

Related Symptoms and Conditions

The following conditions commonly have abnormal uterine bleeding as a symptom:[2]

  • Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract and its main symptom is abnormal uterine bleeding. Women with abnormal uterine bleeding who are 35 years and older should have an endometrial evaluation.[3]

Characteristics

Uterine bleeding typically occurs due to an anovulatory cycle (when the ovaries do not release an egg). When an egg is not released during ovulation, the endometrial tissue is stimulated by excessive and prolonged exposure to estrogen. Because ovulation must occur for progesterone to be produced, progesterone is often low.[4] Uterine bleeding can also occur with ovulatory cycles.[5]

Common Symptoms

  • Dysfunctional uterine bleeding can manifest in several ways:
  • Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
  • Periods that are less than 28 days or longer than 35 days apart
  • Cycles that vary in length from month to month
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days

Diagnostic Testing

Uterine bleeding.jpg

A variety of tests may be required to determine the source of uterine bleeding:[2] Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a diagnosis of exclusion, uterine and systemic causes must be excluded using the following investigations:[6]

Common Questions

  • When was your last menstrual period?
  • How long is your cycle?
  • How many days do you bleed?
  • Is the flow heavy or light? Are there clots?
  • Do you have breakthrough bleeding or spotting?
  • Do you have any premenstrual symptoms?
  • Are you trying to get pregnant?
  • Have you ever been pregnant?
  • Do you bruise or bleed easily?
  • Are you sexually active?
  • What forms of contraception do you use?
  • Is there a history of sexually transmitted diseases?

Naturopathic Treatment

The goal of naturopathic treatment is to support and work in tandem with the healing power of the body and to address the causal factors of disease with individual treatment strategies. Though some cases of uterine bleeding may require urgent attention, most cases are due to benign conditions that are easily addressed.[2] The naturopathic treatment strategy for uterine bleeding involves addressing the underlying condition, such as uterine fibroids.

It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor before engaging in any treatment plan.

References

Reviewed by Iva Lloyd, BScH, RPE, ND [1]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Farrell E (2004 Nov) Dysfunctional uterine bleeding Aust Fam Physician;Vol33(11):906-8 PMID: 15584330.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Hudson T (2007) Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health. McGraw-Hill.
  3. Albers JR, Hull SK, Wesley RM (2004 Apr 15) Abnormal uterine bleeding Am Fam Physician;Vol69(8):1915-26 PMID: 15117012.
  4. Kumar R, Abbas A, DeLancey A, Malone E (2010) Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. Eighth Edition. Saunders Elsevier.
  5. Chen BH, Giudice LC (1998 Nov) Dysfunctional uterine bleeding West J Med;Vol169(5):280-4 PMID: 9830356.
  6. Pitkin J (2007 May) Dysfunctional uterine bleeding BMJ;Vol334(7603):1110-1 PMID: 17525454.