While irregularity is a perfectly normal thing to expect when you start your periods, sometimes changes in blood flow can be a sign that something might be going awry with your sexual health. If your periods last for a long time or bleed more than usual, your wellbeing may be affected by Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB). This isn’t usually a problem on its own, and most doctors don’t even bother treating mild cases. However, DUB can affect the wellness of some girls, causing you to develop conditions such as anaemia if you’re bleeding more than you should.
The most common cause of DUB is a change in your body’s hormone levels which, in turn, is frequently caused by anovulation. This is what happens when your body doesn’t release an egg from one of your ovaries, which is most likely to happen after you first have a period because your ovaries aren’t fully developed yet. Until your periods become regular, anovulation can last for several years. If your body doesn’t release an egg, it doesn’t make as much progesterone as it needs to. Progesterone is a hormone that stops too much extra blood and tissue from building up in your uterus. And so, when you shed this lining, you can have heavier bleeding than usual, either during or in between your periods.
You may also develop DUB if you have an underlying illness that disrupts hormones, such as thyroid disease or polycystic ovary syndrome. Other causes of DUB include bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease, and problems like compulsive exercise, poor nutrition, or stress. These problems, again, interfere with your hormone production, meaning that you may stop ovulating. Regardless of the cause, it can be hard to determine whether or not you have DUB, as only a doctor can tell for sure. After all, every woman has a heavy period every now and then. Nonetheless, there are signs to watch out for that could indicate your bleeding isn’t normal:
1. Excessive use of sanitary pads: If you find you need to use more than one sanitary pad or tampon per hour, this may be an indication of DUB.
2. Long periods: Everyone has periods for different lengths of time. Some lucky ones can get away with two or three days of bleeding, while other women could have a period for up to 10 days. However, if your period lasts more than 10 days, you may have cause for concern.
3. Short menstrual cycle: A woman’s healthy menstrual cycle can last anywhere between 21 and 34 days, or up to 45 days if you’re just starting your periods. If you find that there have been fewer than 20 days between your periods, it may be a sign of DUB.
4. No periods: Although the above symptoms involve bleeding a lot, you may be in danger of DUB at the other end of the scale. If your period stops for more than three months, that doesn’t mean that the lining of your uterus is not building up. In fact, even if you’re not bleeding, the lining of the uterus can continue to build up and, eventually it will need to flow out.
If you notice any of the above signs, you should speak to your doctor. Hormones aren’t the only cause of abnormal bleeding. So a doctor will want to rule out other health problems – such as STIs, the above mentioned diseases and even pregnancy – before deciding on a diagnosis of DUB. Your doctor will ask you about your periods, including the date of your last period, as well as your sexual activity and any weight changes.
