What are the symptoms of functional uterine bleeding?

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 12, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
57sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of functional uterine bleeding?

When women experience dysfunctional uterine bleeding, the clinical symptoms are varied. For example, some women still have a relatively regular menstrual cycle, occurring monthly, but exhibit bleeding between periods, such as the most common ovulatory bleeding. Other women experience vaginal bleeding before or after their period, such as when there is an abnormality in the function of the corpus luteum, leading to brown vaginal discharge clearly related to the menstrual cycle. Some women have irregular menstrual cycles, with no predictability of when menstruation will occur, characterized by intermittent spotting or irregular vaginal bleeding. If such conditions persist, they can lead to anemia from blood loss in women, manifesting as dizziness, fatigue, sleepiness, and loss of appetite.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
34sec home-news-image

How is functional uterine bleeding treated?

Functional uterine bleeding is a common endocrine disorder among women. When functional uterine bleeding occurs, it is recommended that the patient visit a local hospital to determine the type of functional uterine bleeding. Functional uterine bleeding can be divided into ovulatory and anovulatory types, and the treatment plans for different types vary. Therefore, identifying the type is key to how it is treated. Currently, oral hormonal medications are commonly used to treat functional uterine bleeding clinically.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
50sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 1sec home-news-image

What to be aware of during a functional uterine bleeding curettage?

When women experience dysfunctional uterine bleeding, if oral medical therapy is ineffective, diagnostic curettage can be used to stop bleeding and to understand the causes of the bleeding. Before undergoing curettage surgery, women should not have sexual intercourse within five days to avoid infections in the reproductive tract. During the curettage process, it is crucial to thoroughly scrape the entire uterine wall, especially the areas around the corners of the uterus. If any abnormal scrapings, such as dirty, greyish-white substances that resemble endometrial cancer, are encountered during the scraping, the procedure should be terminated immediately to avoid causing uterine perforation. For one month after the surgery, sexual intercourse, sitz baths, and swimming should be avoided to prevent infections in the reproductive tract.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Does functional uterine bleeding cause abdominal pain?

When women experience dysfunctional uterine bleeding, if this occurs during an anovulatory period, such as in adolescent or menopausal women, they generally do not experience abdominal pain. Some women have relatively regular menstrual cycles and only exhibit irregular bleeding between periods; these women still ovulate, and they may experience painful menstruation when their period comes. Furthermore, if dysfunctional uterine bleeding persists, it can lead to a decrease in a woman's immunity. Some women may develop concurrent gynecological inflammation, such as inflammation of the endometrium or adnexa. Even if menstruation does not occur, these women may experience abdominal pain, presenting as unilateral lower abdominal pain or heaviness, and the pain may intensify during menstruation.