Menstrual Abnormalities Flashcards
PALM COEIN acronym for abnormal uterine bleeding
- Polyps
- Adenomyosis
- Leiomyoma (fibroid)
- Malignancy
- Coagulopathy
- Ovarian dysfunction
- Endometrial process
- Iatrogenic
- Not yet classified
What is the most common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescent women
Ovulatory dysfunction
Specifically, anovulatory bleeding from immaturity of the HPO axis.
Regular periods are not usually established until 2-3 years post-menarche.
What is the most common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive-age women?
Ovulatory dysfunction
Specifically PCOS in this population
However, you always need to remember to check a pregnancy test first!!!!!
Perimenopausal women have increased incidence of which causes of abnormal uterine bleeding?
The PALM group
Polyps, adenomyosis, leiomyoma (fibroid), and malignancy
Non-predictable or skipped periods suggests. . .
. . . ovulatory dysfunction
Bleeding in-between periods suggests. . .
. . . anatomic source (polyps, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy, or endometrial process)
In whom should you have a low threshold for endometrial biopsy?
- Women over 40
- Women w/ obesity
- Women w/ diabetes
Therapies for abnormal uterine bleeding due to anovulation
- Oral contraception
- Cyclic progestin
- Levonorgestrel IUD
- Endometrial ablation (always need to perform endometrial biopsy first)
Primary dysmenorrhea
Not well understood
Tends to first occur around cycle 4-7 post menarche and then consistently. Incidence greatest in late teens/early twenties.
Thought to be due to excess production of prostaglandins (specifically F2a), leading to painful uterine muscle activity. This due to the surge in progesterone prior to menses, which in turn stimulates high levels of prostaglandins just prior to menses.
This is why ibuprofen works so well for menstrual cramping!
Secondary dysmenorrhea
- Often caused by:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Leiomyoma(ta)
Prostaglandins vs progesterones in smooth muscle
Prostglandins result in smooth muscle contraction
Progesterones result in smooth muscle relaxation
However, progesterones also stimulate prostaglandin production in certain locations!
Secondary dysmenorrhea with a large and irregularly shaped uterus on exam suggests. . .
. . . uterine fibroids
Secondary dysmenorrhea with an regularly enlarged and boggy uterus suggests. . .
. . . adenomyosis
Secondary dysmenorrhea with painful uteroscral nodules and fixed uterus on exam suggests. . .
. . . endometriosis
Secondary dysmenorrhea with a history of high risk sexual behavior and vaginal discharge suggests. . .
. . . pelvic inflammatory disease
Therapy for secondary dysmenorrhea
- Therapy should often be two-pronged: Symptomatic management and definitive
- Symptom management / Conservative:
- NSAIDs
- Hot pads
- Exercise
- Definitive therapy:
- OCP (suppress ovulation, stabilizes progesterone levels, less cramping)
- Surgery (if there is a surgical indication)
Why do prostaglandins cause cramping pain?
-
Increased contraction of the myometrium
- Resultant ischemia from vessel compression
- Increased pain sensitivity via a direct effect on neuronal resting potential
Pattern of pain in primary vs secondary dysmenorrhea
Pain in primary dysmenorrhea usually occurs right before menses and decreases as menses progresses, since it is mediated by prostaglandins
Pain in secondary dysmenorrhea is less predictable, and often continues through menses and even after menses
Two “subtypes” of primary amenorrhea
- Age 13, no adrenarche AND no menarche
- Age 15, adrenarche BUT no menarche
Diagnostic criteria for secondary amenorrhea
- Woman who was previously menstruating has not menstruated for 3-6 months or has missed 3 periods
Diagnostic criteria for oligomenorrhea
- Woman who was a menstruation in cycles >40 days, but <6 months
1 cause of amenorrhea
Pregnancy
Most common pathological causes of amenorrhea
- Hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction
- Ovarian dysfunction
- Anatomic abnormality
Functional causes of hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction that can cause amenorrhea
- Weight loss
- Excessive exercise
- Obesity