It is abnormal genital bleeding in frequency, quantity and/or duration, caused by hormonal alteration. It is more frequent in young adolescents due to hormonal cycle immaturity, and in women over 45 years of age in pre-menopausal period.
The hormones causing the disorder are estrogen and progesterone, but sometimes also adrenal or thyroid hormones. Factors favoring its onset have been described: emotional stress, rapid weight changes, intense exercise, obesity.
As there is no ovulation in this cycle, there is no breast pain, mid-cycle pain or vaginal mucus production.
The diagnosis is clinical by interrogation and physical examination. Possible causes should be studied and a complete gynecological examination should be performed.
In general, contraceptive drugs correct the hormonal alteration and bleeding; they are usually maintained for at least three months.
- Andrew M Kaunitz, MD. Differential diagnosis of genital tract bleeding in women. UpToDate. Oct 13, 2016.
- Andrew M Kaunitz, MD. Approach to abnormal uterine bleeding in nonpregnant reproductive-age women. UpToDate. Oct 13, 2016.
- Committee on Practice Bulletins—Gynecology. Practice bulletin no. 128: diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive-aged women. Obstet Gynecol 2012; 120:197.
- Committee on Practice Bulletins—Gynecology. Practice bulletin no. 136: management of abnormal uterine bleeding associated with ovulatory dysfunction. Obstet Gynecol 2013; 122:176.
- Dasharathy SS, Mumford SL, Pollack AZ, et al. Menstrual bleeding patterns among regularly menstruating women. Am J Epidemiol 2012; 175:536.
