Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is bleeding caused by a lack of hormonal control, an abnormal increase or decrease in estrogen or progesterone. It is more frequent in women close to menopause, or on the contrary in adolescents, between 13 and 20 years of age.
We talk about this type of bleeding when causes such as pregnancy, infection or a tumor have been ruled out, and its cause is mainly of endocrine origin, producing an alteration in hormones.
One of the most frequent causes of this hormonal dysfunction is that one of the ovaries does not release eggs, which is known as anovulation. This disorder occurs especially in young women, to whom menstruation has recently arrived and their reproductive organs are not fully developed
How do I know if I have dysfunctional uterine bleeding?
A woman’s menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, and can range between 21 and 40 at most. Our menstrual phase, that is, the bleeding itself, lasts from 2 to 7 days. If we observe any irregularity in these aspects, we must go to the doctor and have him do a study to find out what it is due to. If they confirm that the cause is due to an endocrine imbalance, we are dealing with a dysfunctional uterine bleeding (HUD).
Treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- In adolescents who suffer from this problem, it is common that over time it regulates itself, that their hormonal levels normalize and so do their menstrual cycles.
- Another option is to carry out a hormonal treatment with oral contraceptives. If after said treatment the bleeding does not stop, we would not be facing dysfunctional uterine bleeding but rather an organic one, which is why a correct diagnosis is essential.
