WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Dysfunctional uterine (dis-FUNK-shun-ul U-ter-in)
bleeding occurs in the uterus (and comes out the vagina) and is
not part of the normal period. It mostly happens in women who
are older than 45, and sometimes in young
girls.
Causes
The bleeding results from a
problem with estrogen, one of the body's reproductive hormones.
If you do not manufacture the right amount of estrogen, there
may be excessive growth in the lining of your uterus (womb), or
you may not pass an egg (ovulate). As a result, you may see a
change in the amount of bleeding during your period, as well as
bleeding between periods.
Signs/Symptoms
The hallmark of this condition is
bleeding between periods. The bleeding can be heavy, irregular
(""spotting'' at different times), or last longer than a normal
period.
Care
Your doctor may need to examine
you and take a small sample of the lining of your uterus. You
may need a hormone medicine to help make your periods regular.
If you have a lot of bleeding, you may lose too much iron, and
your doctor may give you an iron supplement or ask you to eat
foods that have lots of iron in them.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
If your doctor prescribes medicine to make your
periods regular, be sure to take it exactly as
directed.
-
If your bleeding is heavy and the doctor prescribes
iron pills, take them regularly. They are an important part
of therapy.
-
Don't take aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin
one week before or during your menstrual period. Aspirin
may make the bleeding worse.
-
If you need to change your sanitary pad or tampon
more than once every 2 hours, stay in bed and rest as much
as possible until the bleeding
stops.
-
Eat well-balanced meals with foods high in iron.
Examples are leafy green vegetables, meat, liver, eggs, and
whole-grain breads and cereals. Don't try to lose weight
until the abnormal bleeding has stopped and your blood iron
level is back to normal.
-
Try not to get too stressed, or learn ways to control
the tension. Stress may be making your problem
worse.
-
If you have pain or cramps, try a heating pad or hot
bath.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You need to change your sanitary pad or tampon more
than once an hour.
-
You develop nausea and vomiting, dizziness, or
diarrhea while you are taking your
medicine.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You have a high temperature or
chills.
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