Pseudo-Menstruation: Why do you Bleed If you are not Ovulati Posted: 03-06-06 21:23pm
When you aren't ovuulating, but having a
period, why do you bleed?
|
DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 16777211
Thanks: 16
Thanked:0
Fertility Answer A563 Posted: 03-27-06 17:05pm
First, let me explain the normal menstrual
cycle:
Ovarian follicles produce estrogen that
cause growth of the endometrial mucosa
(proliferative phase of the cycle). After
ovulation, the yellow body starts to
produce the hormone progesterone.
Progesterone blocks estrogen (and its
growth effect) and prepares the
endometrium for implantation of the
fertilized egg cell (secretory phase). If
there is no fertilization and
implantation... the yellow body will stop
producing estrogen and progesterone after
14 days. Lack of estrogen and progesterone
causes devitalisation and removal of the
functional layer of the endometrium. This
is manifested with vaginal bleeding called
menstruation (period). Menstruation is a
regular periodic bleeding because the
ovarian function (egg cells development
and hormone production) is controlled by
the rhythmic function of the hypothalamus.
If there is no ovulation, a yellow body
won’t be formed and there will be no
progesterone to block the estrogen’s
growing effect. So, the endometrial mucosa
will continue to grow (proliferate)
causing so called "endometrial
hyperplasia". This endometrial growing
can’t continue forever. At some point,
the level of estrogen is no longer enough
to support the proliferated endometrium;
without progesterone (no ovulation), the
existing endometrium begins to desquamate
and vaginal bleeding occurs. This
bleeding is usually delayed, more
abundant, and painless. Sometimes this
type of bleeding can become periodic like
a normal menstruation; in that case, it
is called "pseudo-menstruation".
DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov, General Practitioner. Dr. Gjuzelov practices medicine for the general public and is affiliated with the Republic of Macedonia Public Health Institution. For more information about Dr. Gjuzelov or other eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Fertility Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The material presented in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified licensed medical professional. eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor advises all users with health problems and concerns to consult their personal doctors. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you must consult your qualified licenseced medical professional before starting any treatment.
The materials in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. To the fullest extent possible, eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor expressly excludes all liability in respect of the information and opinions contained in the Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor, this Web site, or any sites linked to this Web site.
