uterine bleeding

uterine bleeding
Abnormal bleeding from the uterus not related to menstruation.

Most common in the first few years after menarche and as menopause approaches, it is thought to occur when malfunctioning ovaries reduce blood estrogen levels. A malfunctioning hypothalamus or pituitary gland may also cause hormonally induced uterine bleeding, as can birth-control pills or hormone-replacement therapy. Some tumours produce estrogen and can alter the menstrual cycle, causing bleeding. Tumours in the uterus often bleed easily. Other causes include injury to the uterus, stress, obesity, chronic illness, psychological problems, and blood and cardiovascular disorders. Treatment is directed toward the underlying cause.

* * *

      abnormal bleeding from the uterus, which is not related to menstruation. Menstruation is the normal cyclic bleeding that occurs when the egg has been released from the ovary and fertilization has not occurred. Other episodes of bleeding that cannot be considered part of the normal cycle are called dysfunctional uterine bleeding. This occurs most often in women during early adolescence and immediately before menopause begins. Menopause is the period during which egg release and menstrual bleeding slacken and cease. Dysfunctional bleeding is thought to be caused by imperfect ovarian functioning. The ovaries (ovary) are the source of the eggs and of hormones that act upon the uterus.

      The ovaries are controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain and by the pituitary; these structures give the ovaries the stimulus to produce and secrete the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. A reduction in the amount of estrogen causes the walls of the uterus to shed part of their lining and bleed. Alterations in any of the structures controlling the uterus may create unusual bleeding patterns. The ovary itself may be mechanically disrupted by pressure from other organs, displacement, or tumour growths.

      Emotional stress or psychological disturbances may affect the hypothalamus and cause suppression of stimulants to the ovary, with resultant uterine bleeding. Dysfunctional bleeding can also be associated with changes in environments, obesity, chronic illness, and with psychologically seated sexual problems and anxieties.

      Blood and cardiovascular disorders such as anemia, clotting defects, fragile capillaries, and heart congestion also cause abnormal bleeding. Small blood vessels may spontaneously rupture if, for example, the blood pressure is high. Local injuries can bruise or injure the uterine wall. Intercourse, masturbation, abortion attempts, forceful inserting of tampons, and mechanical contraceptive devices may cause injury and irritation.

      Infections in the abdominal cavity, the ovaries, or the uterus may cause some bloody discharge. Such discharge is usually not severe and does not persist. The further away an infection is from the ovaries and uterus, the less likelihood it has of causing dysfunctional bleeding.

      Bleeding that is intermittent spotting or that gushes after intercourse or douching may be a sign of tumour growths or polyps. Some tumours produce estrogen that disrupts the normal menstrual cycle. Nearly all tumours in the uterus are richly supplied with blood vessels; when the tumours are moved or rotated, small vessels usually rupture, producing the abnormal bleeding.

      Treatment for dysfunctional bleeding is directed toward the underlying cause.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно сделать НИР?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Dysfunctional uterine bleeding — DiseaseDisorder infobox Name = Dysfunctional uterine bleeding ICD10 = ICD9 = ICD9|626.8 Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) is the most common cause of functional abnormal uterine bleeding, which is abnormal genital tract bleeding based in the… …   Wikipedia

  • dysfunctional uterine bleeding — n abnormal uterine bleeding that is not associated with a physical lesion (as a tumor), inflammation, or pregnancy abbr. DUB * * * (DUB) bleeding from the uterus when no organic uterine lesions are present …   Medical dictionary

  • Uterine fibroid — Uterine fibroids Classification and external resources Uterine Fibroids ICD 10 D25 …   Wikipedia

  • Uterine prolapse — Female genital prolapse Classification and external resources ICD 10 N81.4 ICD 9 618.1 …   Wikipedia

  • Uterine fibroid — A benign tumor of the uterus (the womb) and the single most common indication for hysterectomy. Uterine fibroids can be present, but be inapparent. However, they are clinically apparent in up to 25% of all women and cause significant morbidity… …   Medical dictionary

  • bleeding — /blee ding/, n. 1. the act, fact, or process of losing blood or having blood flow. 2. the act or process of drawing blood from a person, esp. surgically; bloodletting. 3. the extension of color beyond an edge or border, esp. so as to combine with …   Universalium

  • Uterine clear cell carcinoma — Classification and external resources ICD 10 C54.1 ICD 9 182 Uterine clear cell carcinom …   Wikipedia

  • Uterine fibroids — (singular Uterine Fibroma) (leiomyomata, singular leiomyoma) are benign tumors which grow from the muscle layers of the uterus. They are the most common benign neoplasm in females, and may affect about 25% of white and 50% of black women during… …   Wikipedia

  • Uterine myomectomy — Intervention A laparoscopic myomectomy: The uterus has been incised and the myoma is held and about to be shelled out ICD 9 CM …   Wikipedia

  • Uterine artery embolization — (UAE) or Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a procedure where an interventional radiologist uses a catheter to deliver small particles that block the blood supply to the fibroids. Uterine fibroid embolization consists of injection of… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”