Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding - Treatment Overview

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) can usually be managed with medicine to reduce bleeding and/or hormone therapy to either stop or regulate menstrual periods. Surgical treatment is reserved for bleeding that can't be controlled with medicine or hormone therapy.

Acute, severe uterine bleeding

Severe uterine bleeding is usually treated on an emergency basis with a short course of high-dose estrogen therapy. If that isn't effective in rare cases, a dilation and curettage (D&C) may be done to clear the uterus of tissue. When necessary, a blood transfusion is used to quickly restore needed blood volume.

If you are treated for severe uterine bleeding, you and your doctor can then choose a treatment that is safe for the longer term.

Ongoing uterine bleeding

Your age, the cause of your condition, and any future plans for pregnancy will impact the treatment choices available to you.

  • If you are a teen, you can expect your periods to become more regular as your body matures. You may choose to wait and see if your periods become more regular. If you need treatment, your doctor may prescribe progestin or birth control pills to regulate your cycle.
  • If you are not ovulating regularly, it's difficult to predict how long your irregular bleeding will last until you stop having periods completely (menopause). If you need treatment, your doctor may give you hormone therapy (such as birth control pills or a hormonal IUD) to regulate your cycle. If you have no future childbearing plans and have severe symptoms, you can opt for surgical treatment to remove your uterus (hysterectomy) or to destroy the uterine lining (endometrial ablation).
  • If you are ovulating regularly, have irregular vaginal bleeding, and plan to become pregnant in the future, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. He or she may recommend oral progestin and/or birth control pills until your bleeding becomes more regular. If you have no future pregnancy plans, you can consider endometrial ablation or hysterectomy if medical treatment is ineffective.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRH-As) are rarely used now. These drugs reduce estrogen production, making your body think it is in menopause. This reduces or stops menstrual periods for as long as you take the medicine. After you stop taking the medicine, your symptoms will come back unless you are close to menopause. Side effects with GnRH-As are common.

Women who have bleeding that is heavier than normal may want to try a medicine called tranexamic acid (such as Lysteda). This medicine is not a hormone. It prevents bleeding by helping blood to clot. Talk to your doctor to find out if this option is right for you.

For more information about treatment options, see:

Click here to view a Decision Point.Dysfunctional uterine bleeding: Should I use hormone therapy?

What To Think About

When considering treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding, evaluate the following:

  • Has irregular menstrual bleeding caused a significant change in your lifestyle?
  • Do you plan to become pregnant in the future?
  • Do you have anemia caused by irregular menstrual bleeding?
  • Do you want a treatment that will also provide birth control?
  • Do you prefer to avoid medical treatment if possible?
  • Will you be starting menopause soon? If you are approaching menopause, you can expect uterine bleeding to naturally cease without treatment.

The answers to these questions will help you and your doctor select the treatment plan that is best for you.

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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