Zuzana Václavová
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is defined as a variety of bleeding manifestations of anovulatory cycles (in the absence of organic pathology or medical illness). Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a diagnosis made by exclusion. It is necessary to exclude abnormal uterine bleeding due to pregnancy-related problems (ectopic pregnancy or spontaneus miscarriage), cancer of the cervix and endometrium, endometrial polyps, leiomyomata uteri and infections. Anovulatory menstrual cycles are usually clinical signs of hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinaemia, pituitary-CNS failure or anovulatory cycles due to excessive production of endogenous androgens. Proper differential diagnosis is essential prior to therapy. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding can be cofidently managed without surgical intervention by therapeutic regimens based on sound physiologic principles. By using the pharmacologic application of sex steroids we can reverse the abnormal tissue factors that lead to excessive, irregular and prolonged vaginal bleeding typical of anovulatory cycles.