Anovulatory bleeding is menstruation that occurs without ovulation. It is quite common among girls who have just started menstruating and women who are nearing menopause. When ovulation does not occur, the level of estrogen and progesterone in the uterus is disturbed, leading to DUB (dysfunctional uterine bleeding).
This condition is diagnosed after other causes of irregular uterine bleeding have been eliminated. Treatment depends on the intensity and timing of the bleeding, the patient’s age, and if she is trying to conceive.
Symptoms
- vaginal bleeding between periods
- abnormal menstrual periods
- variable menstrual cycles (usually less than 28 days between menstrual periods)
- variable menstrual flow ranging from light to heavy
- infertility
- mood swings
- hot flashes
- vaginal tenderness
- hirsutism — excessive growth of body hair in a male pattern
Possible Causes
- long-distance travel and changes in circadian rhythms (regular changes in mental and physical characteristics that occur in the course of a day)
- medications, such as hormone therapy and oral contraceptives
- ovarian cysts or other hormone-secreting tumors
- strenuous physical activity
- significant weight loss or gain
- extreme emotional stress
- chronic disease, illness, infection
- eating disorders
- polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- pregnancy
Treatment
Unless the symptoms are exceptionally severe, young women within the first year of their period are not treated for DUB. However, for other women, birth control pills or progesterone therapy are commonly prescribed to help control the menstrual cycle.
If the woman wishes to get pregnant, medication may be given to stimulate ovulation.
Surgical treatments, such as endometrial ablation (a procedure that burns or removes the lining of the uterus) or hysterectomy, are only performed if symptoms are severe and resistant to medical therapy.
Treatment for older women approaching menopause may include hormone replacement therapy or surgery to relieve symptoms.
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For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
