-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
reproductive system
menorrhagia
diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition:
Also called hypermenorrhea or menostaxis; is excessively prolonged or profuse menses.
etiology:
This condition falls under a broader category of "abnormal bleeding", (prolonged, excessive, irregular with regard to time of the cycle or time of life). It is important (although seemingly obvious) in the diagnosis to determine if the bleeding is coming from the vagina and not the urethra or the rectum.
There are many causes which are so varied that they may be treated as separate conditions.
DUB: "dysfunctional uterine bleeding" describes abnormal uterine bleeding not associated with tumor, inflammation, or pregnancy. Commonly caused by unopposed estrogen stimulation from a tumor or disease condition. This causes the endometrial tissue to hypertrophy and eventually to begin sloughing and bleeding.
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms:
excessive bleeding during menses
lab findings:
CBC, platelet count, clotting factors
ovulation testing
thyroid, estrogen, progesterone levels
D&C, especially in older patients
course and prognosis
Usually responds well to treatment of the underlying condition. Conventionally, hysterectomy may be a later option.
differential diagnosis
endometrial carcinoma
IUD damage
endometriosis
estrogen therapy
uterine myomas
tubal or ovarian carcinoma
blood coagulation disorders
bleeding due to the complications of pregnancy
DUB
footnotes