Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)

Home » Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) » Causes

Causes

Ovulatory DUB (not associated with anovulation) is less common than anovulatory DUB, and the bleeding, though abnormally heavy, is usually regular.

Ovulatory DUB may be due to abnormalities in the 2-week luteal phase of menstruation that occurs just before bleeding begins. It can also result from an "atrophic endometrium" that can result from a high progesterone to estrogen ratio, which may occur in women who take progesterone-only contraceptives. A lack of cell-building estrogen causes the endometrium to slough off and bleed irregularly.

Patterns of abnormal uterine bleeding
DUB can result in the following menstrual patterns:

• polymenorrhea (frequent, regular periods that occur less than every 21 days)
• hypermenorrhea (excessively heavy bleeding during a normal-length period)
• menorrhagia (prolonged or excessive bleeding lasting longer than a week that occurs at regular intervals)
• metrorrhagia (periods that occur at irregular intervals, or frequent bleeding of various amounts,though not heavy)
• menometrorrhagia (frequent, excessive, and prolonged bleeding that occurs at irregular intervals)

Other types of abnormal uterine bleeding
Most abnormally heavy uterine bleeding has no underlying anatomical cause and is considered DUB. There are, however, underlying conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Diagnosing DUB involves ruling out other conditions, including the following:

• uterine lesions (e.g., fibroids, polyps, cancer)
• damage from an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)
• pelvic inflammatory disease (bacterial infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other areas of the pelvis)
• adenomyosis (benign growth of the endometrium into the underlying muscular layer of the uterus)
• ectopic pregancy (pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus)
• hydatid mole (abnormal mass in the uterus caused by a poorly developed or degenerating fertilized egg)
• uterine leiomyoma (benign, fibrous tumor that occurs in up to 40% of women by age 40)
• endometritis (inflammation of the endometrium caused by a bacterial infection)
• trauma and sexual abuse
• medications
• foreign bodies (e.g., tampon, condom)

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) Resources

	Join Our Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted. June 1st is National Cancer Survivors Day Share your survival story and help others in the fight against cancer. Read cancer survivor stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Are you interested in becoming a nurse? Take this test. Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer