In TrainingDysfunctional Uterine Bleeding in Adolescents
Section snippets
Background
What is dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)?
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DUB refers to painless endometrial bleeding that is prolonged, excessive, and irregular and not attributable to any underlying structural or systemic disease.1, 2, 3
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Considerable menstrual cycle variability is common among adolescents, especially in the first two or three years post-menarche.1, 3, 4, 5
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In adolescents, the vast majority of excessive uterine bleeding is due to anovulatory cycles. It can take up to six years before the majority of cycles
Evaluating the Patient
What are the key questions for the medical history?
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Detailed information about the adolescent's menstrual history including:
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age at menarche (to the nearest month)
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length of cycles
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duration of bleeding
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quantity and color of blood
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presence or absence of clots
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presence of any pain or cramping
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Accurate medical history identifying any potential underlying conditions is essential. The review of systems should specifically address other unusual or abnormal bleeding, psychosocial stressors, recent weight
References (7)
- et al.
Menstrual cycle abnormalities: diagnosis and management
Adolesc Med: State of the Art Reviews
(1999) Dysfunctional uterine bleeding in adolescence
Clin Obstet Gynecol
(1977)