What are the symptoms of dysfunctional uterine bleeding?

Generally, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, which is abnormal uterine bleeding caused by endocrine disorders, mainly presents symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles, prolonged menstruation, excessive menstrual bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding, and unpredictable bleeding patterns. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Irregular menstrual cycles: Menstrual cycles lose their normal regularity, varying in length. Sometimes bleeding occurs every few days, while at other times it may occur only after several months. There is no fixed cycle, which is completely different from the normal regular cycle of 21-35 days, making it difficult for patients to predict the time of their next menstrual period.

2. Prolonged menstruation: The normal menstrual period usually lasts 3-7 days. In cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, the duration of menstruation is significantly prolonged, possibly lasting more than 10 days or even up to half a month. Menstrual bleeding continues unabated; although the blood flow decreases later, the prolonged duration affects the patient's normal daily routine.

3. Excessive menstrual bleeding: The total blood loss during each menstrual period significantly increases. This is characterized by the need to change sanitary products multiple times within an hour, blood flowing down the legs, and the presence of large blood clots in the menstrual blood. Long-term excessive bleeding may lead to symptoms of anemia such as fatigue and pale complexion.

4. Intermenstrual bleeding: Vaginal bleeding occurs during the non-menstrual phase between two menstrual periods, with varying amounts of bleeding. Sometimes it presents as light spotting, while at other times the bleeding is similar to that of a regular menstrual period. The bleeding may last for several days and is associated with slight shedding of the endometrium caused by fluctuations in hormone levels.

5. Irregular bleeding patterns: The bleeding is entirely unpredictable. It may continue continuously for dozens of days without stopping, or occur intermittently—bleeding for several days stops, then recurs after a few days—with no clear beginning or end, making it difficult for patients to determine whether the bleeding is normal menstruation.

If related symptoms occur in daily life, patients can record the start and end times of bleeding and changes in blood volume, maintain a regular lifestyle, avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress, and pay attention to consuming iron-rich foods to help reduce physical discomfort.