Dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Clarifying its definition, mechanisms, and management

R. J. Worley
Postgraduate medicine · 1986 · vol. 79(3) , pp. 101–106 · doi:10.1080/00325481.1986.11699304 · PMID:3945605 · W2401699228
Other OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 7 in-corpus citations
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Dysfunctional uterine bleeding stems from ovarian endocrinopathies like estrogen withdrawal or sustained production, with treatment strategies differing based on bleeding timing and cause.

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Abstract

"Dysfunctional uterine bleeding" is not a generic term for abnormal uterine bleeding. Rather, it refers solely to bleeding caused by an ovarian endocrinopathy. Estrogen withdrawal and inappropriately sustained estrogen production are the two mechanisms responsible. The latter mechanism produces estrogen breakthrough bleeding, which is common in women with chronic anovulation. Treatment of estrogen withdrawal bleeding depends on when in the menstrual cycle bleeding occurs. Anovulatory bleeding is best treated with progestin. Estrogen therapy is contraindicated, except in patients with profuse anovulatory bleeding unresponsive to progestin treatment, because it increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.

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MeSH descriptors

Uterine Hemorrhage Adenocarcinoma Adenocarcinoma Administration, Oral Adolescent Adult Anovulation Anovulation Anovulation Anovulation Body Temperature Drug Therapy, Combination Endocrine Glands Endocrine Glands Estrogens Estrogens Estrogens Estrogens Female Humans

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