Menstrual Disorders Flashcards
1
Q
Define Dysmenorrhea
A
- Painful menstruation that disrupts normal activity & requires medication
- Most commonmenstrual disorder
2
Q
What is the timing of dysmenorrhea?
A
- 1° type starts w/in a year of menarche
- Pain often improves w/age or following 1st childbirth
- Less common w/regular exercise & childbirth early in life
3
Q
What are the sxs of dysmenorrhea?
A
- Pain w/or preceding menses by 1-3 days
- Typically peaks 24 hr after onset of menses, subsides in 2-3 days
- Sharp, dull, cramps, constant ache, may radiate to lower back or legs
- H/A, nausea, urinary frequency, diarrhea or constipation common
- Fatigue
- +/- vomiting
- +/- clots
- +/- syncope
4
Q
What is the pathophys of dysmenorrhea?
A
- Prostaglandin E2 released due to destruction of endometrial cells (lining shed prep)
- Prostaglandin E2causes uterus to contract
- Uterine muscles contract → constrict blood supplyto endometrium → tissue breaks down & dies (menses)
- Contractions & temporary oxygen deprivation cause pain or “cramps”
5
Q
What is primary dysmenorrhea?
A
- Usually begins in adolescence
- Excess prostaglandin E2 secretion in menstrual fluid
A. Prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) → uterine muscle contraction & cervix softening during labor
6
Q
What is secondary dysmenorrhea?
A
- Usually occurs in women > 25 yr
- Identifiable conditions
A. Endometriosis
B. Adenomyosis
C. Fibroids
D. Narrowed cervical os due to cryosurgery, cone bx, LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure)
E. IUD
7
Q
What is the most common cause of dysmenorrhea?
A
- Endometriosis
A. Endometrial tissue grows outside uterus (ovaries, bowel or pelvic lining)
B. Most common cause:
≈ 70% of adolescents w/dysmenorrhea
8
Q
What is adenomyosis?
A
Endometrial tissue grows into muscle wall of uterus
9
Q
What are fibroids?
A
- leiomyoma
A. Benign growths
10
Q
What is the PE for dysmenorrhea?
A
- Physical exam usually normal
2. +/- Pelvic exam
11
Q
What are the ddx for dysmenorrhea?
A
- PID
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Spontaneous abortion
- Endometriosis/adenomyosis
- Ovarian Cyst
- Interstitial cystitis
- Leiomyoma
- Pelvic congestion
12
Q
How is dysmenorrhea dxed?
A
- Clinical Dx typically based on Hx
13
Q
Why would a pelvic US be used in dysmenorrhea?
A
1. Pelvic USN to R/O 2° cause/other pathology: A. Ovarian cyst B. Ectopic pregnancy C. Spontaneous abortion D. Fibroid tumor E. PID F. Pelvic congestion
14
Q
Why would a pelvic laparscopy be used in dysmenorrhea?
A
- Endometriosis
2. Adenomyosis
15
Q
What are the management strategies for primary dysmenorrhea?
A
1. NSAID’s A. Start 24-48hrs before menses begins or at 1st onset of discomfort & cont. 1-2days 2. Low dose combination OCP 3. IUD w/progestogen 4. DepoProvera 5. Vit. BorMgmay help 6. Adequate rest/sleep 7. Regular exercise 8. Heat 9. Reassurance A. 1° dysmenorrhea not associated w/structural abnormalities