For you to have a normalmenstrual cycleand what is considered a normal bleeding pattern, ovulation is necessary.
Studies in premenopausal women suggest that in 92%97% of cycles, an egg is released.
Anovulatory bleeding is one cause of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).
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AUB is characterized by irregular, prolonged, and usually heavy bleeding.
Younger women and those in menopausal transition are most likely to experience anovulatory bleeding.
It is a frequent complaint, affecting up to 30% of women of reproductive age.
What Causes Anovulatory Bleeding?
It is common for most women to experience an occasional anovulatory cycle.
Usually, in these cases, you will miss a cycle or perhaps two.
If you have associated abnormal uterine bleeding, it will likely be only minimal irregular spotting.
After the acute event, your body regulates itself and you return to your normal menstrual cycles.
A common cause of anovulatory bleeding occurs at the two extremes of the menstrual cycle.
During adolescence, the hormonal cascade that controls menstruation is maturing.
During this time, hormonal imbalances can occur that result in heavy and irregular bleeding patterns.
During the perimenopausal transition, similar hormonal imbalances can happen that result in irregular bleeding patterns.
Obesity is a common cause of this bang out of abnormal uterine bleeding.
PCOS affects 70% of women with anovulation.
What Is an Anovulatory Period Like?
This results in an irregular bleeding pattern.
What all anovulatory bleeding has in common is that it occurs at irregular intervals.
Symptoms of anovulation include:
Some anovulatory cycles occur without any noticeable signs.
How Is Anovulatory Bleeding Treated?
Abnormal uterine bleeding brought on by anovulation is typically managed with hormonal options and lifestyle changes.
Summary
Anovulatory bleeding is one cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.
It occurs as an abnormal period during which an egg is not released.
Abnormal uterine bleeding is described as prolonged, irregular, and most often heavy bleeding.
Adolescents and those in menopausal transition are most likely to experience anovulatory bleeding.
There are several possible causes, including PCOS, stress, hormone disruption, and certain medications.
Treatment centers around the cause of the bleeding, with hormone therapy a common option.
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