Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding - Exams and Tests

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Your doctor must first rule out all other medical causes of vaginal bleeding before diagnosing dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB).

First, your doctor will:

  • Review your history of symptoms and menstrual periods. (If possible, bring with you a record of the days you had your period, how heavy or light the flow was, and how you felt each day.)
  • Conduct a routine pelvic exam.
  • Determine whether you are ovulating regularly. This is evaluated using one or more of the following:

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor suspects a serious medical problem, or you are considering a certain treatment, you may also have one or more other tests, such as:

  • Blood tests, which may include:
  • Pap smear and cultures to check for infection or abnormal cervical cells.
  • Urine test to screen for infection, disease, and other signs of poor health.
  • Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound, to check for any abnormalities in the pelvic area. After the pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound is often the next step in diagnosing a vaginal bleeding problem. If a pelvic mass is found, ultrasound results are useful for making further testing and treatment decisions.
  • Sonohysterogram, which uses ultrasound to monitor the movement of a salt solution (saline), which is injected into the uterus. This test may be done to look for uterine polyps or fibroids.
  • Endometrial biopsy, usually for women older than 35 or who are postmenopausal, to learn whether the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is healthy and functioning normally.
  • Hysteroscopy, if no cause is apparent but a problem condition is suspected; to check for and treat a suspected condition, such as uterine fibroids; or if bleeding continues despite treatment.

Early Detection

Endometrial cancer risk increases with age. Also known as uterine cancer, it is most common in women over age 50, after menopause. But endometrial cancer can also develop earlier, during perimenopause or in women who have had abnormal bleeding for many years.

  • If you have heavy or unusual vaginal bleeding after menopause, your doctor will do tests, usually either ultrasound or endometrial biopsy, to look for cancerous cell changes.
  • If you are perimenopausal, have not responded to other treatment for uterine bleeding, or have risk factors for endometrial cancer, your doctor may recommend an endometrial biopsy.
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: February 9, 2010
Medical Review: Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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