Patient Handout
ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING
IRREGULAR MENSTRUAL PERIODS
HEAVY MENSTRUAL PERIODS
DYSFUNCTIONAL UTERINE BLEEDING
PROBLEMS: For some reason that we do not fully understand, you have stopped ovulating regularly. This is a very common problem. It happens most often to you women who have just started their periods and to women in their late 30’s and 40’s. It is not immediately dangerous for you. However, it is not good for you to let this go on for a long period of time.
CAUSE: Although the cause is unknown, the irregular menstrual periods or extra heavy periods probably occur because you do not ovulate or put out an egg each month. Ovulation allows the egg sack in the ovary to produce progesterone that finishes the growth of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) as planned and allows a predictable withdrawal shedding of the endometrium or normal menstrual period. If there is no corpus luteum, the uterus does not finish the growth cycle and does not slough or bleed in a predictable manner. Heavy menstrual bleeding is usually from too much endometrial growth.
PREVENTION: None is known.
TREATMENT: The goal is to replace the progesterone that is not being made by your body with a progesterone pill or a birth control pill with progesterone in it.
MEDICATIONS: Your health care provider will prescribe progesterone that your ovaries are not making at the present time. This may be in the form of progesterone pills or birth control pills.
ACTIVITY: You may do your usual activities.
DIET: Eat a well rounded diet. There are no specific dietary changes necessary.
THE MEDICINE PRESCRIBED FOR YOU IS:______________________________________________
THIS IS HOW YOU SHOULD TAKE THE MEDICINE:_______________________________________
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CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:________
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TELEPHONE NUMBER:___________________________
PERSON TO CALL:_____________________________________________________________________