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Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)

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Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)

Definition:

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is abnormal vaginal bleeding that occurs during a menstrual cycle that produced no egg (ovulation did not take place).

Alternative Names:
Anovulatory bleeding; Bleeding - dysfunctional uterine; DUB

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Anovulatory or dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that it is determined only AFTER other causes of abnormal uterine bleeding -- such as systemic diseases, medications, early pregnancy disorders, eating disorders, gynecological infections, structural anomalies, or tumors -- have been ruled out.

Anovulatory cycles are common for the first year after menarche (when a girl begins to menstruate), and later in life as a woman approaches menopause (when menstrual periods stop). Approximately 20% of cases occur in adolescents and 40% in women over 40. Obesity, excessive exercise, and emotional stress may be risk factors for DUB.

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