Obstetrics and Gynecology/Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is defined by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists as "a history of heavy cyclical menstrual blood loss over several consecutive cycles without any intermenstrual or postcoital bleeding".

Etiology

The etiology of menorrhagia can be divided into its gynecological and systemic causes:

Gynecological Causes:

• Polyps
• Fibroids
• Endometrial carcinoma
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Systemic causes

• Coagulopathies
• Hypothyroidism

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of menorrhagia is made using the following clinical skills:

• Gynecological History Taking
• Gynecological Examination
• Gynecological Investigations

References

• O'Connor, J. Pathology 2nd ed. Mosby. Edinburgh. 2002.
• McCarthy, A & Hunter, B (2003) Master Medicine: Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2nd ed.) Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunder
• www.gpnotebook.co.uk