What causes functional uterine bleeding?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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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 Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to examine functional uterine bleeding?

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding primarily requires checking for any present anemia with routine blood tests and coagulation studies. Ultrasound is needed to examine the pelvis and uterine cavity, including the thickness of the endometrium. Treatment methods should be considered based on these results. Some cases can be managed with medication; others may require another diagnostic curettage to further clarify the condition of the endometrium; some may need contraceptives or similar treatments for 3-6 months, as this is fundamentally an endocrine issue involving hormonal imbalance, where hormonal treatment tends to be quite effective.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
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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 Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What causes functional uterine bleeding?

Functional uterine bleeding is commonly seen in adolescence and menopause, primarily caused by the absence of normal ovulation. Without ovulation, there is no production of progesterone, leading to irregular vaginal bleeding or heavy bleeding under the influence of estrogen. The main treatment method is menstrual regulation. For adolescent girls, menstrual regulation and ovulation induction treatment are needed, as this is caused by abnormal development of the gonadal axis. Progesterone can be used for menstrual regulation. In menopausal women, menopausal functional uterine bleeding mostly results from abnormal ovulation, essentially due to a lack of progesterone, so treatment with progesterone can be applied. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is functional uterine bleeding serious?

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding severity varies from person to person, depending on the specific bleeding situation and individual differences. Some people have mild symptoms and can improve by changing their lifestyle, such as losing weight, gaining weight if underweight, avoiding staying up late, and maintaining a regular life schedule. However, in some cases, dysfunctional uterine bleeding can lead to severe anemia, ineffective drug treatments, or endometrial changes, requiring procedures like curettage.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is there a treatment for functional uterine bleeding?

Functional uterine bleeding is not considered a complex or difficult condition in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Therefore, when a woman suffers from functional uterine bleeding, treatment is possible. It is recommended that patients seek consultation at the gynecology clinic of their local hospital, undergo gynecological ultrasound and sex hormone tests among other related examinations, and adopt different treatments based on the results of these tests. Clinically, hormonal medications are commonly used for treatment. Many women experience significant improvement in their functional uterine bleeding after one to two treatment cycles. Most women will regain regular menstrual cycles.