Description
Irregular bleeding from the uterus that is not the result of an identifiable medical illness or structural abnormality of the uterus, such as a fibroid tumor. A hormone imbalance is the most common cause. A failure to ovulate is commonly associated with dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
Symptoms
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding between normal menstrual cycles, mood swings, abnormal growth of hair.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests include: blood clotting profile, hormone levels (LH, FSH, androgen, progesterone), serum pregnancy tests-HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), thyroid studies (TSH ;Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), and/or pelvic ultrasound.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Protime, activated partial thromboplastin, LH, LH (luteinizing hormone) (follicle-stimulating hormone), androgen, progesterone, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), D and C, endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests include: blood clotting profile, hormone levels (LH, FSH, androgen, progesterone), serum pregnancy tests-HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), thyroid studies (TSH ;Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), and/or pelvic ultrasound.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Protime, activated partial thromboplastin, LH, LH (luteinizing hormone) (follicle-stimulating hormone), androgen, progesterone, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), D and C, endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Treatment
Common treatments include hormonal treatments (such birth control pills, estrogen or progesterone) and nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin). Desmopressin may be recommended if a bleeding tendency is discovered and other treatments aren't effective. Severe cases require endometrial ablation (burning of the uterine lining) or hysterectomy. Iron is often given for co-existing anemia.