Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)

Health Library

Find

Español

2	4	5	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	Q	R	S	T	U	V	W	X	Y	Z

Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)

Alternative Names

Anovulatory bleeding; Bleeding - dysfunctional uterine; DUB; Abnormal uterine bleeding

Symptoms

Abnormal menstrual periods
Bleeding from the vagina between periods
Changing menstrual cycles (usually less than 28 days between menstrual periods)
Changing menstrual flow ranging from very little to a lot
Excessive growth of body hair in a male pattern (hirsutism)
Hot flashes
Infertility
Mood swings
Tenderness of the vagina

Exams and Tests

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is diagnosed after all other causes of abnormal uterine bleeding are ruled out. This includes:

Disease
Early pregnancy disorders
Infection
Structure problems
Tumors

The health care provider will do a pelvic examination.

Tests usually include:

CBC
Blood clotting profile
Hormone tests
- FSH
- LH
- Male hormone (androgen) levels
- Prolactin
- Progesterone
Serum HCG (to rule out pregnancy)
Thyroid function tests

The following procedures may be done:

D and C
Endometrial biopsy
Hysteroscopy
Pelvic ultrasound

References

Rakel P, ed. Conn’s Current Therapy 2005. 57th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1286-1288.

Stenchever A. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:1082-1084.

Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Katz: Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby;2007.


Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Review Date: 2/5/2008
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.