Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Flashcards
what is menarche?
first menstrual cycle, between age of 11 and 15. Cycle duration usually 21-35 days
what does FSH do?
binds to granulosa cells to stmulate follicle growth, permit conversion of androgens from theca cells to oestrogens and stimulate inhibin secretion
what does LH do?
acts on theca cells to stimulate production and secretion of androgens
describe the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis?
- GnRH from hypothalamus
- Stimulates LH and FSH release from anterior pituitary, these act mainly on the ovaries
- Controlled by feedback systems
- Moderate oestrogen level – negative feedback on HPG axis
- High oestrogen level (in absence of progesterone) – positive feedback on HPG axis
- Oestrogen in presence of progesterone – negative feedback on HPG axis
- Inhibin selectively inhibits FSH at anterior pituitary
follicular phase of ovarian cycle
- Beginning of new cycle as follicles mature and release oocyte
- Start of new cycle there is little ovarian hormone production and follicle begins to develop independently of gonadotropins or ovarian steroids.
- Due to low steroid and inhibin levels – little negative feedback at HPG axis resulting in increase FSH and LH
- This stimulates follicle growth and oestrogen production
- As oestrogen levels rise, negative feedback reduces FSH levels and only one follicle can survive
- Follicular oestrogen eventually becomes high enough to initiate positive feedback, increasing levels of GnRH and gonadotropins and LH surge due to increased follicular inhibin, selectively inhibitning FSH production at anterior pituitary
- Granulosa cells become lutenised and express receptors for LH
describe ovulation
- LH surge follicle rupture and mature oocyte travels to fallopian tube where it is viable for ovulation for around 24 hours
- After ovulation the follicle remains luteinised, secreting oestrogen and progesterone negative feedback. This along with inhibin (inhibits FSH) stalls cycle for fertilisation
describe the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle
- Corpus luteum is tissue in ovary that forms at site of ruptured following ovulation.
- Produces oestrogens, progesterione and inhibin to maintain conditions for fertilisation and implantation
- In absence of fertilisation the corpus luteum regresses after 14 days
- Significant fall in hormones, relieving negative feedback and resetting HPG axis
- If fertilisation – embryo syncytiotrophoblast produces HcG, exerting luteininsing effect and maintaining corus luteum
proliferative phase of uterine cycle?
- Following meses, this runs alongside follicular phae t prepare reproductive tract for fertilisaiton and implantation
- Oestrogen initiates fallopian tube formation, thickening of endometrium, increased growth and motility of myometrium and production of thin alkaline cervical mucus
secretory phase of uterine cycle
- Runs alongside luteal phase
- Progesterone stimulates further thickening of endometrium into glandular secretory form, thickening of myometrium, reduction of motility of myometrium, thick acidic cervical mucus production, changes in mammary tissue and other metabolic changes
menses
- Marks beginning of new menstrual cycle
- Occurs in absence of fertilisation once corpus luteum has broken down and internal lining of uterus is shed
- 2-7 days with 10-80ml blood loss
how can causes of heavy vaginal bleeding be classified?
Causes can be classified into structural causes and non structural causes
HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING
structural causes
PALM • Polyp • Adenomyosis • Leiomyoma (fibroid) • Malignancy and hyperplasia
HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING
nonstructural causes
COEIN • Coagulopathy • Ovulatory dysfunction • Endometrial • Iatrogenic • Not yet classified
HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING
risk factors
- Age – most likely at menarche and approaching menopause
- Obesity
- Previous caesarean section – risk factor for adenomyosis
HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING
clinical features
- Bleeding during menstruation deemed excessive to the individual
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- During history enquire about menstural cycle, smear history, contraception, medical history, medications
- Examination
HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING
what should be examined
should include; general observation, abdominal palpation, speculum and bimanual examination.
• Pallor
• Palpable uterus or pelvic mass – smooth or irregular uterus -> fibroids / tender uterus or cervical exciation point toward ademomyosis/endometriosis
• Inflamed cervix/cervical polyp/ cervical tumour
• Vaginal tumour
HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING
differential: pregnancy
Urine pregnancy test
May indicate miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING
differential: endometrial/cervical polyps
Can cause intermenstrual or post coital bleeding
Generally not associated with dysmenorrhoea
HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING
differential: adeomyosis
Associated with dysmenorrhea
Bulky uterus on examination
HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING
differential: fibroids
History of pressure symptoms eg urinary frequency
Bulky uterus on examination
HEAVY VAGINAL BLEEDING
differential: malignancy or endometrial hyperplasia
Bleeding from vaginal or cervical malignancies or that provoked by ovarian tumours