Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is now called abnormal uterine bleeding or atypical vaginal bleeding. It is a gynecological disturbance that is so common in females in their reproductive age. Back in the years, the prevalence of abnormal uterine bleeding was to be around 17.9%. Around 32.72 percent of women all over India consults gynecologist with symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding. 82.9 percent of this disease prevails in women of reproductive age. However, both menarche and post-menopause cases are notable with 12.7 and 9.21 percent of prevalence.

The major drawback for the growing prevalence of this bleeding is the lack of awareness about the disease and its treatments among women. As women of reproductive age often encounter irregularities with menstruation, such as PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, etc this hasn’t reached the spotlight. Although menorrhagia also is common with them with practically 16.06 percent of women reporting this.  

The treatments prescribed for this abnormal uterine bleeding depend on the underlying causes. Let’s talk about a normal menstrual cycle and what a reproductive life is for a woman taken to be so. 

A woman has phased in her reproductive life. Her whole life can be categorized into 3 phases excluding pregnancy.

1. Menarche,
2. Reproductive life,
3. Post menopause. 

Menarche is the first period in a girl’s life. Also marks the beginning of the reproductive phase. The fertile age starts at the onset of the first period. Menarche starts at 12 years of age. From then the menstrual cycle lasts up to menopause, the end of periods. A horde of diseases and disorders hit women during this age.

A menstrual cycle involves a complex of changes from ovulation, fertilization, pregnancy, menstruation, and a repeat. Ovulation is the releasing of ova from the mature secondary follicle once every menstrual cycle I.e, for every month. Each one thus awaits fertilization with sperm for about 48 hours. If fertilized the implantation occurs. Meanwhile, the hormones that help the reproductive system prepare the womb by layering a healthy uterine endo and myometrium. If the ova is not fertilized, all the layers get flushed out with bleeding. This is menstrual bleeding or menstruation, a menstrual cycle takes 28 days to finish. The uterine bleeding lasts for about 4-5 days on average in healthy and normal women.

For a woman’s reproductive life to be called normal, there are various ways to act normally. The bleeding throughout the menstrual cycle should not be more than 80ml which means it should not exceed 5 tablespoons. Another potential factor that makes a difference is how frequent the periods. A period has a fine length of 28 days between two consecutive ones. A menstrual cycle is shorter than 3 weeks for a longer time or is longer than five weeks for a quite considerable time is a problem. Some women face spotting between the periods. 

This is not an easy go factor to let off, bleeding after having sex has significance. These are significant changes that can manifest an altered reproductive life in women. We further talk about the consequences of heavy bleeding at a progressive level.

Causes of DUB/Atypical uterine bleeding:

It was formerly called dysfunctional uterine bleeding when it causes and elaborate knowledge is not available. Atypical uterine bleeding is when the bleeding goes on more than 28 days and longer. The cause behind the atypical uterine bleeding is listed out to be the hormones. The hormones are responsible for every change in the reproductive system. From the ovulation to the bleeding or avolulatuin or skipping of the menstrual bleeding also called as the absence of periods etc. Certain hormones cause ovulation, certain hormones shed off the lining of the uterus. All these are stimulated and carried on by female hormones like progesterone. Its fall and rise bring in various and sudden changes. Women closer to menopause and teenage girls who just started out with the menarche are most likely to experience heavy bleeding than the rest. Spotting between the periods can also occur with them. 

1. Hormonal regulation occurs from the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovaries. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates ovulation,
2. Progesterone is produced by the ovaries regulates the endometrial growth.
3. Oestrogen plays a vital role in the ovulation in non-pregnant women. Apart from the hormonal imbalances or fluctuation in certain hormones, a few factors also cause atypical uterine bleeding. 

Endometrial polyps:

Uterine polyps also called endometrial polyps grow from within the wall of the uterus in women. They arise from the endometrial lining as a small lining to large made of tissue, can be benign and cancerous. But most of the endometrial polyps aren’t cancerous. most of the cases are asymptomatic. The exact cause behind the onset of endometrial polyps is not known. However, obesity, high blood pressure, stagnant lifestyles, and drugs used to treat cancer are marked responsible for polyps.

The atypical uterine bleeding is related to the endometrial polyps in away. Women suffering from any type of atypical uterine bleeding are diagnosed with endometrial polyps. Elsewhere they are also found in women without atypical uterine bleeding. Both of these diseases are found to be existing together. However, treating polyps though cannot halt the atypical uterine bleeding completely, but has significant healing. 

Fibroids: 

The atypical uterine bleeding and fibroids co-exist frequently, though their relationship isn’t defined. Included in it say oligomenorrhea in which the bleeding lasts more than intervals and menorrhagia in which bleeding becomes heavier even in normal intervals of periods. Menorrhagia is that kind of atypical uterine bleeding that is closely associated with polyps fibroids and hormonal imbalance. Most of the menorrhagia is idiopathic. Such menorrhagia cases that do not find a cause are atypical uterine bleeding. The treatment option for dysfunctional uterine bleeding associated with these fibroid’s growth is to remove the fibroids that cause any abnormal bleeding. 

Endometrial problems:

The dysfunctional uterine bleeding that occurs in a uterus that looks normal structurally and without any hormonal issues can be due to endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial linings of the uterus grow deeper into and around the organs of the pelvic region. The tissue that has grown deeper in such a way gets shed off as in a normal menstrual cycle. The bleeding has nowhere to go and accumulates in the peritoneum sometimes. this results in severe abdominal pain, back pain, and severe bleeding. Heavy and prolonged bleeding happens in endometriosis.

The endometrial cause for abnormal uterine bleeding has not been completely established but the justifications are not to be ignored. The drawback of not being able to explain the relationship between abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial disorders is the unavailability of an accurate diagnostic test to establish it. Anyways the inflammation, swelling, hemorrhage, hemostasis, angiogenesis, and hypoxia are responsible for the shredding and bleeding. The higher the potency of endometrial dysfunction, the higher are the risks of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Intrauterine devices:

The most common complication of using intrauterine devices is abnormal uterine bleeding. The extreme bleeding starts right from the insertion and continues thereon. Minor bleeding during the insertion of the devices is common to happen and does not imply any pathological reason. The progressive complications are menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, and bleeding between the periods called spotting. The size and form of the intrauterine devices are related to blood loss. Inert IUDs cause more blood loss than copper IUDs because of their small size. Metrorrhagia occurs along with pain and causes the displacement of the IUD from its place. The extreme cases of metrorrhagia can result in abortions, extrauterine pregnancy said as ectopic pregnancy, implantation issues in the uterus, and infections in the uterus. If the intrauterine devices are placed in the uterus for more than two years, a calcium deposit develops on the surface. 

Signs of dysfunctional uterine bleeding: 

In general uterine bleeding in a woman occurs during the periods. The menstrual cycles frequency can stand anywhere between 22 to 38days on a maximum note. If that differs from the above numbers it is taken as abnormal bleeding. Similarly to knowing in-depth, a normal period lasts for less than 9 days on a standard. There will be less than an 80milli liter of blood loss in this whole period.  If any fluctuations in the length and frequency of these numbers considering periods come about for a long while, it is to be evaluated for an explanation. Excessive blood loss and prolonged bleeding at an abnormal frequency are the signs of dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

On the other side, Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is an established result of hormonal disturbances, endometrial vasoconstrictions, plug formations, and again stress. 

Based on this there are two types of dysfunctional uterine bleeding categorized.

1. Ovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding
2. Anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding. 

Anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding:

Diagnosed in women after reproductive age. Either in women at pre-menarche or post-menopause, it occurs and nowhere in between. The explanation lying behind is at that ages of women there do not occur any issues like ovulation or anovulation, no release of egg cells too. Eventually, the corpus luteum does not form. As the corpus luteum which produces progesterone is not formed, the estrogen levels splurge. The unopposed levels of estrogen in the body act in the blood vessels. With the rise in estrogen, vasopressin decreases uterine blood circulation. This changes the thickness of the blood vessels and vasodilate. It leads to a blood rush in the circulation. These thin-walled and dilated endometrial blood vessels develop hyperplasia in the uterine endometrium. Subsequently, a breakdown, regeneration, and realignment of the uterine endometrium go on. Through all these ways control over the volume of blood loss is lost in the body. And the volume of blood lost with each break down of the endometrium and duration of bleeding becomes abnormal. Anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding has its own serious effects although not associated with ovulation issues. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are more inclined to this.

Ovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding:

The ovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding cases are noticed in women who are ovulating.  90 percent of the blood lost in this bleeding first three days of the menstrual cycle. Regular episodes of heavy bleeding occur in the ovulatory uterine bleeding. As the estrogen splurge has been higher in anovulatory bleeding, the progesterone levels get higher and stay for an extended time in ovulatory bleeding. After the corpus luteum is formed, it starts producing progesterone.

In the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle both the hormones that are estrogen and progesterone decrease. Then follows the subsequent steps such as break down, regeneration, and rebuilding of the uterine endometrium. These processes may lose control and result in dysfunctional uterine bleeding. In women suffering from dysfunctional uterine bleeding, the progesterone receptors rise. The progesterone continuously acts in the uterine endometrium causing blood loss. However, some small endometrial blood vessels tend to show increased fragility. This is noticed more when the bleeding is abnormal. 

Menorrhagia

The other causes and their mechanisms are a few. Of them, menorrhagia is one. It is the term used for excessive and heavy menstrual bleeding. 

The diagnosis of this issue is an expensive affair although it can be assessed by the instances of heavy bleeding, usage and changing of pads, number of pads used, and all quantifiable measures put together. 

Although the pathological causes of menorrhagia can be vast. Endometrial polyps, endometriosis, endometrial carcinoma, uterine myoma, adenomyosis, endometrial adenocarcinoma, etc. 

Also, fragile blood vessels, regulatory molecules from angiogenesis, angiogenic factors from tumors and cancers, etc end up in hemorrhagic. 

Intrauterine devices add up to 40percent of blood loss in the device using women. It is primarily due to the increase in the fibrosis, and endometrial erosions of the areas in contact with the device. Whereas the new intrauterine devices such as levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine showed as much as a 90 percent reduction in blood loss. 

Systemic diseases

Other systemic diseases though rare but also affects menorrhagia. 20 percent of women with menorrhagia experience underlying systemic diseases. They can be coagulopathy such as thrombocytopenia, von Willebrand’s syndrome or maybe leukemia. Willebrand’s is a hereditary bleeding disorder which is a lack of Willebrand factor that is vital for hemostasis. The Willebrand’s factor goes around in the plasma along with factor VIII. This prevents the degradation of the proteins. Certain of Willebrand’s factors cause moderate to severe menorrhagia.

The thrombocytopenia aggravates bleeding, as the platelet count falls and the clotting doesn’t occur. It fails the plug formation to arrest blood loss. The coagulation deficiencies along with fibrinolysis And anticoagulants can likely result in menorrhagia. 

Hypothyroidism in women causes dysfunctional uterine bleeding which leads to menorrhagia again. Although it’s a rare instance. 

Diagnosis of dysfunctional uterine bleeding: 

70 percent of the gynecology outpatient cases are of dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Like any other ailment, it starts with the physical examination and medical history of the patient. The questions regarding Bleeding patterns, pain, and history in the family of dysfunctional uterine bleeding are asked about.

Usage of any steroids, contraceptives, non-steroidal inflammatory drugs, pain killers, intrauterine devices, heparin, and warfarin derivatives, taking ginseng, ginkgo, motherwort, etc is evaluated in the front line of diagnosis.

Next, a blood sample test is done. Blood tests give a complete blood count and measure hormone levels. Anemia is found out by these tests if the red blood cells count gets low during prolonged blood loss. 

A pelvic ultrasound will be done to have a view of the reproductive organs. This reveals any abnormal growths, such as endometriosis, endometrial polyps or uterine fibroids, etc, and internal bleeding. Women in their late 35s are recommended for the ultrasound.

Gynecologists may prescribe for laboratory assessment of thyroid-stimulating hormone, chlamydia, and pregnancy.

Endometrial biopsy or endometrial sampling is collected from the uterus if it shows any abnormal growths or thickened uterus along with persistent internal bleeding. Endometrial Sampling is recommended in those over the age of 45.

Hysteroscopy is done for the examination of the uterus through the cervix.

Magnetic resonance imaging scan: more extensive testing includes magnetic resonance imaging. This scan elucidates the clearest and most detailed pictures of your uterus. It identifies adenomyosis. 

Treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding:

The treatment plan depends on the underlying cause. Treatments vary for chronic illnesses, blood disorders, and also for women planning for having children. Whereas treatments are not suggested for women nearer to their menopause instead of a wait-and-see approach is specified. In women after taking treatments, it becomes hard to have children. But some may make kids in rare instances. In puberty women, the hormones often correct themselves on their own.

Talking whether the dysfunctional uterine bleeding is treatable or not there are various options for treating it. The frontline of treatment opted by the doctors is by oral medications.

Hormone therapy:

Prescribing birth control pills and hormones as hormone therapy can give lighter periods and make the menstrual cycles regular. A combination containing synthetic estrogen and progesterone is used in the drugs.

In women who are not planning to have children, contraceptive methods are also used. Implants and intrauterine devices that release progestin can be used as hormonal treatments. For women planning to have children, ovulation stimulating drugs are given. One of such is Clomid. The ovulation stops the menstrual bleeding and brings back to a normal menstrual cycle. If getting pregnant, the bleeding chances will anyway become zero.

If the pattern of bleeding is uncertain. That is if it is heavier and unpredictable and lower at some times, lower dose estrogens aren’t prescribed. Estrogen is given intravenously until the bleeding comes to control. It is followed up by a course of oral progestin to balance the hormones. 

In certain cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, with long and heavy bleeding some may develop thickened uterine lining. That can be treated with a procedure called dilation or curettage. Called D and C, it is performed as an outpatient surgical procedure. The thickened and built-up layers of the uterus are scraped off during this process. To treat the uterine walls that are abnormal, an additional biopsy is taken.

Depending on the results of the biopsy, if the cells are cancerous in the biopsy. Hysterectomy also says a complete removal of the uterus is done.

Other treatment options include gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. They obstruct certain hormones in the body. Fibroids are treated by these agonists. 

Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen are given before the onset of periods to lighten the blood loss. 

Tranexamic acid acts on the blood clots and heavy uterine blood loss.

Endometrial ablation is another procedure to destroy uterine thickening. This is carried out in women post-menopause or those nearer to it. Heat, cold, electricity, and laser are used to clear the uterine linings. This process makes the uterus unsuitable for pregnancy and periods are no more seen. If conceived, it can be a risky pregnancy. Hence birth control pills are used till menopause.

Myomectomy or uterine artery embolization is a surgical procedure that removes or cuts the blood vessel supply to the fibroids.

Hysterectomy is done also if the fibroids are larger and not for cancer alone.

Conclusion and care:

In general, dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a temporary condition that comes with hormonal imbalance and goes when they get right. The heavy and prolonged blood loss that happens with this issue, causes anemia. This needs a lot of vitamin and supplement treatment. In severity, a blood transfusion may be needed to combat the loss. 

The care to take to outlay these imbalances is 

1. Taking a proper and balanced diet.
2. Keeping the body physically fit.
3. Staying away from stressful and stagnant lifestyle.
4. Women shouldn’t skip meals and nutritious food
5. Avoiding certain foods with respect to dieting etc, should not be done.
6. Women who are suffering from dysfunctional uterine bleeding should focus on eating more veggies, and fruits to overcome weakness.
7. Though anaemia is also treated by vitamins, food plays a potent role.
8. Strong Immunity and structured food habits make balanced hormones.

References:

1. http://healthline.com/health/dysfunctional-uterine-bleeding
2. http://webmd.com/women/abnormal-uterine-bleeding#3
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/abnormal_uterine_bleeding#Causes
4. http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12281357
5. http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3858945
6. http://healthcentral.com/encyclopedia/dysfunctional-uterine-bleeding
7. http://watermark.silverchair.com/080060.pdf