What Evaluation Should Be Considered for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?

Discussion Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem. The rates depend on the population and underlying cause, but can occur 30% of adolescent females who go to a gynecologist. Average menstrual blood loss is 30-40 ml. Hypermenorrhea or menorrhagia are regular menstrual cycles that last too long (>7 days) or are too heavy (> 80 ml blood loss). Metrorrhagia is irregular menstrual bleeding. Menometrorrhagia is abnormally heavy bleeding that occurs with an irregular timing. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a more generic term describing prolonged, excessive or frequent, unpatterned uterine bleeding that is not related to an anatomical uterine abnormality or systemic cause. Adolescents can have a very difficult time accurately describing their menses but abnormal bleeding is considered pathologic if “…menstrual loss requiring pad or tampon changes every 1-2 h, with anything longer resulting in ‘flooding’ or ‘accidents’….” Problems associated with heavy menstrual bleeding include anemia, fatigue, missed school and difficulties participating in social and sporting activities. For young women with various disabilities it may offer the additional challenge of difficulty with managing menstrual hygiene. Causes of heavy menstrual bleeding include: Anovulation – most common cause and is normal in the first 2-3 years after menarche due to the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis Pregnancy and pregnancy related com...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news