Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Abstract

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is a frequent gynecological problem during adolescence and the most frequent cause of urgent admission to the hospital over this period of life. In about 95% of cases it is caused by the late maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPO), leading to anovulatory cycles. These adolescents lack the E2 positive feedback on LH. Thus, the continuous production of estrogen with endometrial stimulation is the basic cause of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The initial step in the evaluation of DUB includes detailed clinical history, followed by complete physical examination. Laboratory tests should include coagulation profile, complete blood count with platelet evaluation, and sometimes a serum pregnancy test. The treatment of DUB is related to the severity of symptomatology with the objective of stopping bleeding and preventing recurrences. Modern hormonal and other medical therapies enable physicians to treat DUB effectively, regardless of the cause. Surgical treatment, such as dilatation and curettage, is rarely indicated in the adolescent patient. The importance of continued follow-up in DUB cases should be underlined, until stabilization of ovulatory menstrual cycles.