Menstrual Cycle Disorders Flashcards
At what age should menarche occur?
11-13 yrs old
What happens in day 1-4 of a normal, 28 day menstrual cycle?
Endometrium shed due to the spiral arteries collapsing and spasming.
Menses occurs
What happens to oestrogen levels in days 5-13 of the menstrual cycle?
Rise- causes endometrial lining to develop and follicles to develop in the ovary
Which hormone rises dramatically on day 13 of the cycle to stimulate ovulation?
LH
Which hormone is secreted in large amounts in days 15-28 of the menstrual cycle?
Progesterone
What happens to the endometrial lining in the secretory phase (days 15-28) of the menstrual cycle?
Gains increased blood supply
Swollen glands
Enlarged stromal tissue
(Ready for implantation)
What is the definition of dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)?
Any variation from the normal 28 day menstrual cycle.
Eg. post-coital, intermenstrual, post-menopausal, menorrhagia, as well as cycle irregularities (irregular, too long/short)
Give 4 structural causes of dysfunctional uterine bleeding?
PALM Polyps Adenomyosis Leiomyomas (fibroids) Malignancy + hyperplasia
Give 4 non-structural causes of dysfunctional uterine bleeding?
COEIN Coagulopathy Ovulatory dysfunction Endometrial- primary disorder of endometrial haemostasis Iatrogenic Not yet specified
What is the objective definition of menorrhagia?
Loss of >80ml of blood per menstrual cycle
Normal 37-43ml
What is the clinical definition of menorrhagia?
Excessive menstrual blood loss which interferes with physical, social or emotional quality of life.
Give 6 causes of menorrhagia?
Fibroids Endometriosis Adenomyosis Polyps Uterine cancer Ovarian cancer Diabetes IUD Von Willebrands Anticoagulation medications Hypothyroidism SLE
What symptoms is it good to ask about to confirm menorrhagia?
Passing large blood clots
Regularly changing sanitary products
Flooding
Symptoms of anaemia
What investigations is it important to do in menorrhagia?
FBC
TVUS –> endometrial lining thickness
Hysteroscopy +/- endometrial biopsy
What is the 1st line medical management of menorrhagia?
Mirena coil
What is the 2nd/3rd line medical management of menorrhagia?
2nd:
Tranexamic acid
NSAIDs
COCP
3rd:
Progesterones
GnRH analogues
How can menorrhagia be managed surgically?
Endometrial ablation
Hysterectomy
Surgically treat cause eg. fibroid removal
What is the definition of irregular menstrual bleeding?
Bleeding between periods or irregular cycles
Give 3 potential causes of irregular menstrual bleeding
Anovulatory cycle- no ovulation Fibroids Polyps Adenomyosis Ovarian cysts Gynaecological cancers
How is irregular menstrual bleeding investigated?
FBC
Cervical smear
USS
Endometrial biopsy