Is functional uterine bleeding serious?

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Functional uterine bleeding is a disease caused by hormonal imbalances in women. Most cases of functional uterine bleeding are not serious, but being not serious does not mean it can be ignored. Generally, when a woman experiences functional uterine bleeding, it is recommended to immediately seek medical attention at the gynecology outpatient clinic of a local hospital, undergo a gynecological color ultrasound, sex hormone panel, and other relevant examinations. Identify the causes and types of functional uterine bleeding, and adopt different treatment plans based on different results. Meanwhile, it is important to note that if the bleeding is heavy, it may be necessary to perform a blood cell examination to determine whether anemia has occurred.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Functional uterine bleeding refers to what?

Functional uterine bleeding is a common disease in women. The main cause of functional uterine bleeding is due to hormonal imbalances in the body, leading to irregular vaginal bleeding. This condition is divided into several different categories, each of which involves different types of endocrine disorders. Therefore, when a woman experiences functional uterine bleeding, it is advisable to visit a local hospital for gynecological color ultrasound and sex hormone tests, among others, to assess the state of the female reproductive and endocrine systems and to formulate the next steps in the treatment plan based on different results.

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Written by Zou Fu Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of functional uterine bleeding?

Functional uterine bleeding is primarily characterized by severe disruptions in menstrual cycle, amount, and duration. The disruptions in menstrual cycles typically manifest as an early onset of menstruation. The amount of menstruation is typically characterized as excessive, and the duration tends to be prolonged. Some women experience heavy bleeding or incomplete clearing, where they may remain unclean for half a month or even one or two months. This condition is primarily seen in adolescent girls and women going through menopause. Adolescent girls with uterine bleeding may experience anemia, and it could lead to infertility later on. Menopausal uterine bleeding may be accompanied by severe anemia, requiring some to be hospitalized for blood transfusions. Moreover, it is essential to perform an ultrasound if the uterine endometrium is thick, to rule out endometrial pathology.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What causes functional uterine bleeding?

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding refers to the situation where a woman's uterus, ovaries, and brain do not have any actual organic lesions, such as the absence of uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts, yet there are functional changes that lead to bleeding. For example, the most common causes include excessive mental stress during schooling, emotional changes due to the death of a family member, or changes in living environment due to business trips, all of which can trigger uterine bleeding. In some cases, uterine bleeding may be a manifestation of a systemic disease; for instance, some women may experience it due to severe anemia or as a result of prolonged dieting and poor dietary habits leading to malnutrition and weight loss, especially if there is a sudden drop in weight. Additionally, some women may have metabolic diseases that can also cause uterine bleeding. Metabolic diseases include conditions such as elevated blood sugar, abnormal lipid levels, or anomalies in thyroid and adrenal gland functions.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of functional uterine bleeding?

Functional uterine bleeding, clinically divided into ovulatory and anovulatory functional uterine bleeding, presents differently depending on the type. Typically, the clinical manifestation of anovulatory functional uterine bleeding includes prolonged menstrual dripping or heavy vaginal bleeding. In such cases, it is recommended that patients seek immediate medical attention at a local hospital for a clear diagnosis and timely treatment. Ovulatory uterine bleeding is often characterized by changes in the menstrual cycle; some women may experience a shortened cycle, while others may have an extended menstrual cycle.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What to eat for functional uterine bleeding

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding cannot be treated with the same medication for everyone; it is crucial to consider the specific findings of medical examinations. If dysfunctional uterine bleeding has caused anemia, it is essential to start taking hematinics early. A few may need blood transfusion treatment and should also pay attention to a diet rich in iron and high in nutrients. Some cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding can be treated with hormonal medications because it is originally caused by hormonal disorders in the body. The most commonly used treatment is short-acting contraceptives, but some cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding require diagnostic curettage surgery.