Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

Any abnormality of menstruation or bleeding caused by a hormonal disorder.  DUB is a diagnosis of exclusion.  The following conditions should be ruled out in order to diagnose DUB: endometrial polyps, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial or cervical cancer, pelvic infection including endometritis (infection of the lining of the uterus), endometriosis, polycystic ovarian disease, ovarian cyst or tumor, thyroid dysfunction or blood clotting abnormalities.  Hormone testing may indicate abnormalities which replacement therapy would then resolve.  If the dysfunctional bleeding disappears, then no further testing may be necessary.

Failure to perform sufficient testing may result in an incorrect diagnosis of DUB because the true cause of the abnormal bleeding has been overlooked.  A premature diagnosis of DUB may lead to improper and failed treatment.  DUB accounts for approximately 20% of all hysterectomies in the U.S.