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DESCRIPTION
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is bleeding that is not related to a woman's normal menstrual pattern and is not associated with tumor, inflammation, or pregnancy. Most often occurs in women age 40 years and over or in adolescents.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Bleeding between menstrual cycles. Blood flow may be irregular, prolonged, sometimes very heavy (flooding) and may contain clots.
CAUSES
Usually caused by an overgrowth of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) due to estrogen stimulation. With dysfunctional uterine bleeding ovulation (the development and release of an egg from the ovary) occurs periodically.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Obesity.
Use of synthetic estrogen without added progestin.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Maintain proper weight.
Follow medical advice regarding any hormone therapy (do research about this treatment before using it).
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Usually curable with treatment.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Anemia.
Cancer (considered rare, but risk may be higher if disorder is untreated).
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Diagnostic tests may include endometrial biopsy (insertion of a thin tube into the uterus to obtain a sample of the lining) to determine if bleeding is associated with ovulation. This will help determine how to evaluate the cause. Numerous diagnostic tests may have been done previously to rule out any benign or malignant disease that could cause the bleeding. Ultrasound is increasingly used to evaluate the thickness of the uterine lining and to exclude other causes of the bleeding. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is the usual diagnosis for women without discernible causes (a catch-all diagnosis).
Treatment is directed to stopping the excessive bleeding, to correcting anemia if it exists, and to following up response to the therapy. If bleeding is severe, hospitalization may be necessary to bring it under control.
Use heat to relieve pain. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen or back. Take a hot bath for 10 to 15 minutes as often as needed.
If hormone therapy does not control the bleeding, a dilation and curettage (D & C) (which is the dilation of the cervix and scraping out of the uterus with a curette) or a hysteroscopic procedure may be performed to check for other problems.
For some women where all of the conservative treatment measures have failed, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be necessary.
MEDICATION
Hormone medications to correct a hormone imbalance. For many women, oral contraceptive pills are used for treatment, even in cases where contraception is not required.
Pain medications if needed.
Tranquilizers to reduce anxiety (rarely required).
Avoid aspirin, especially if you are anemic.
Iron supplements may be necessary for anemia.
ACTIVITY
Stay as active as possible, depending on the underlying condition.
DIET
No special diet after treatment, but eat a well-balanced diet . Vitamin and mineral supplements are helpful to prevent anemia.
HELPFUL DIETARY PRODUCTS
Uterus Care, Balanceuticals - TCM Formula, 100% Natural, 60 Caps
Made of prepared rehmannia root, schizandra fruit, eucommia bark, dissacus, oyster shell, common yam, cuttlefish bone, garden burnet root, common peony root, typha pollen and red berried mistletoe. Chinese medicine uses this well-known formula to tonify the kidney and control the Yin, enhance excitability and tension of the uterus smooth muscles, promote regular contraction of the uterus, maintain normal blood flow and avoid excessive uterus bleeding. Direction for Use: As a dietary supplement, take 3~5 capsules 3 times daily. Not for use by pregnant woman. Store in a cool and dry place out of the reach of children.
Ashoka (Saraca indica), 450 mg, 120 Vcaps
Ashoka Powder (Saraca indica), 100% Organic, 8 oz. Bulk
This herb has been known to be used in uterine and uterine related indications. Helpful in managing conditions involving menhorragia (fibroids), bleeding hemorrhoids, hemorrhage, dysentery. The bark has a stimulating effect on the endometrial and ovarian tissues and is largely useful in menhorragia due to uterine fibroids, in leucorrhea and in internal bleeding, where ergot is indicated. It is well established for its effectiveness in dysmenorrhea. Produces an estrogen-like effect that enhances the repair of the endometrial and stops bleeding. It is also useful in internal bleeding, hemorrhoids and also hemorrhagic dysentery. Oxytocic activity of the plant was seen in rat and human isolated uterine preparations. Estrogen-primed or gravid uterus was more sensitive to the action of the alcoholic extract. Pentolinium bitartrate completely blocked the oxytocic action. Seed extract is found effective against dermatophytic fungi. Its use in treatment of excessive uterine bleeding is extensive in India. The plant is used also in dysmenorrheal and for depression in women. Bleeding from piles is reduced with the plant. In the commonly used doses side effects are rare. Larger doses may cause constipation. Warnings: Do not take during pregnancy.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), 450 mg, 120 Vcaps
Ashwagandha is well established for its effectiveness in dysmenorrhea. Produces an estrogen-like effect that enhances the repair of the endometrial and stops bleeding. It is also useful in internal bleeding, hemorrhoids and also hemorrhagic dysentery. Oxytocic activity of the plant was seen in rat and human isolated uterine preparations. Estrogen-primed or gravid uterus was more sensitive to the action of the alcoholic extract. Pentolinium bitartrate completely blocked the oxytocic action. Seed extract is found effective against dermatophytic fungi. Its use in treatment of excessive uterine bleeding is extensive in India. The plant is used also in dysmenorrheal and for depression in women. Bleeding from piles is reduced with the plant. In the commonly used doses side effects are rare. Usage: 3 to 6 Vcaps Daily. Warnings: Do not take during pregnancy.
Female Regularity TCM Formula, Shenrong Dingkun, 60 Caps
Chinese medicine uses this time-honored formula to tonify the Qi and blood, activate female hormone, maintain healthy uterus smooth muscle tension, promotes gynecological regularity and postpartum recovery. It is also an analgesic. Direction for Use: As a dietary supplement, take 3~5 capsules 3 times daily. Not recommended for use by pregnant woman. Clinically, this product was used in menstrual disorders, sterility, and post partal deficiency. For Menstrual disorders: Mainly manifesting irregular menstrual cycle, profuse menstrual bleeding, light color and loose texture, lumbago, scanty blood, pink and clear blood like water, or with coagulated clots, leukorrhea, rubrorrhea, phthisis, hectic fever, massive hemorrhage, leaking blood, bloody fainting, bloody collapse, delayed or prior menstruation, menolipsis prior to climacteric period, functional uterine bleeding, uterine bleeding during puberty, climacteric period. This product is indicated for the above disorders.
Cinnamon Bark Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Cinnamon bark is warming to the body, an analgesic, carminative, antiseptic, and antibacterial. It is used to treat chronic diarrhea, cramps, heart and abdominal pains. Cinnamon Bark is also used to treat coughing, wheezing, and lower back pains. It is especially useful for stomach problems; colic, flatulence, indigestion, dysentery, and spasms. Cinnamon Bark can be used as a tincture every fifteen minutes to stop uterine bleeding. Suggested Dosage or Use: Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily.
Complete Tonic Uplifter, Shiquan Dabu, Balanceuticals, 60 Caps
Complete Tonic Uplifter (Shiquan Dabu) is made of extracts from Atractylodes, Poria, Licorice, Chinese angelica, Ligusticum, White peony, Prepared rehmania, Astragalus, Cinnamon bark, Panax ginseng, Chrysanthemum flower, Goji berry. Chinese medicine uses its overall blood and Qi tonifying, immune supporting, revitalizing, invigorating and natural healing promoting properties for lack of energy, withered complexion, weakness in legs and joints, poor appetite, night emissions, uterine bleeding, depression and hot flashes. Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 3 capsules 3 times daily 30 minutes before meal.
Note: Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs. For herbal supplements, HerbalRemedies.com has a selection of capsules, tablets, tinctures and powders. See links below.
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member has symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding.
The following occur during treatment:
- Bleeding becomes excessive (saturating a pad or tampon more often than once an hour).
- Signs of infection, such as increasing pain, muscle aches, fever, headache and dizziness.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
MoonDragon's Obgyn Information: Uterine Bleeding Post Menopausal
