Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding and Related Topics

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to dysfunctional uterine bleeding and associated gynecological issues.

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)

Abnormal bleeding from the uterus that occurs due to an abnormality of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis without a clear etiology.

Menorrhagia

Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding.

Metrorrhagia

Irregular bleeding occurring between menstrual periods.

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation for six months or longer in non-menopausal women.

Anovulation

A lack of ovulation which can lead to abnormal uterine bleeding, caused by excessive estrogen stimulation of the endometrium.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An infection of the female reproductive organs which can cause abnormal bleeding.

Cervical Motion Tenderness

Pain elicited upon moving the cervix, often associated with PID.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

A common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria, characterized by a fishy odor.

Flagyl (Metronidazole)

An antibiotic used to treat various infections, including Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomonas.

Trichomonas Vaginalis

A parasite causing a sexually transmitted infection, commonly presenting with frothy, greenish discharge.

Genital Herpes

A sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, characterized by painful blisters.

Chlamydia

A common sexually transmitted infection that is often asymptomatic but can cause PID and infertility.

Gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted infection that can infect the genitals, throat, and rectum.

Cervical Cancer

A type of cancer arising from the cervix, often associated with high-risk types of HPV.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

A virus that can cause genital warts and is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes, posing risks to the mother.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

An imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of structures in the pelvis, helpful in diagnosing ectopic pregnancies.

Endometrial Ablation

A medical procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus to treat abnormal uterine bleeding.

Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate)

A synthetic form of progesterone used to regulate menstrual periods and treat abnormal uterine bleeding.

treatment for mild to moderate

dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Hypothetical Patient Scenario

A 28-year-old woman presents to the urgent care with mild uterine bleeding. She reports that her menstrual cycle is regular, and she has been using about 3 pads per day for the past 3 days. Her hemoglobin level is measured at 11.2 g/dL, and her vital signs are stable with no significant tachycardia or hypotension.

What criteria would you use to classify this patient’s bleeding as mild?

The criteria for mild uterine bleeding based on this scenario would include: a hemoglobin level greater than 11 g/dL, using fewer than 4 pads or tampons per day, and stable vital signs without tachycardia or hypotension.

What treatment options would you consider for this patient’s mild uterine bleeding?

Treatment options for this patient’s mild uterine bleeding may include NSAIDs for pain relief, hormonal treatments such as Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) to stabilize the endometrial lining, and monitoring her condition closely

Hypothetical Patient Scenario

A 30-year-old woman presents to the emergency room with moderate uterine bleeding. She reports using 6 pads per day over the last 2 days. Her hemoglobin level measures at 9.5 g/dL, and her vital signs indicate mild tachycardia with a heart rate of 105 beats per minute.

What criteria would you use to classify this patient’s bleeding as moderate?

The criteria for moderate uterine bleeding based on this scenario would include: a hemoglobin level between 8 g/dL and 11 g/dL, using 4 to 12 pads or tampons per day, and potentially elevated heart rate indicating mild tachycardia.

Can Provera be used for this patient’s moderate uterine bleeding?

Yes, Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) can be used for this patient’s moderate uterine bleeding to help stabilize the endometrial lining and regulate the menstrual cycle.

What are the criteria for severe uterine bleeding in terms of pads used, hemoglobin levels, and vital signs?

The criteria for severe uterine bleeding include: using more than 12 pads or tampons per day, a hemoglobin level less than 8 g/dL, and vital signs showing significant changes such as tachycardia (heart rate over 110 beats per minute) or hypotension (low blood pressure).

What is the significance of blood clots seen in pads during severe uterine bleeding?

The presence of large blood clots in pads can indicate heavy bleeding and possible disruption of normal menstrual flow. It may suggest that there is significant uterine lining shedding or inadequate hemostasis, which can lead to further complications such as anemia.

How can information on pain, cramping, and fatigue provide insights into underlying causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, and what are those specific causes?

Pain, cramping, and fatigue can indicate several underlying causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. For example:

• Fibroids: Often associated with heavy sensation and pain during menstruation.
• Endometriosis: Can present with severe cramping and pelvic pain, impacting menstrual health.
• Adenomyosis: May cause heavy bleeding and significant cramping.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations can lead to irregular cycles, often accompanied by fatigue.
  Understanding these symptoms helps target diagnosis and treatment effectively.

What condition is associated with severe pelvic pain and cramping, heavy menstrual bleeding (using more than 12 pads/day), a hemoglobin level of less than 8 g/dL, and possibly tachycardia?

Adenomyosis.

Which condition might present with debilitating cramping, heavy bleeding (exceeding 12 pads/day), consistent fatigue, and a hemoglobin level of 10.5 g/dL along with hypotension?

Fibroids.

If a patient experiences chronic pain, severe cramping during menses, heavy menstrual bleeding (using 6 pads/day), and a hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL, which condition could be suspected?

Endometriosis.

What condition could explain a patient presenting with bloating, fatigue, and irregular bleeding patterns, using 4 pads/day, and a hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL?

Hormonal Imbalance.

What disease is commonly associated with menorrhagia (abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding)?

Uterine fibroids.

Which condition is often linked to metrorrhagia (irregular bleeding between periods)?

Endometrial polyps.

What disease can cause both menorrhagia and metrorrhagia due to hormonal imbalances?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Identify a disease that may lead to menorrhagia due to endometrial dysfunction.

Adenomyosis.

What condition can result in metrorrhagia associated with cervical lesions or malignancies?

Cervical cancer.

What anatomical dysfunction is characterized by the presence of noncancerous growths within the uterus that can cause abnormal uterine bleeding?

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas).

Which anatomical condition involves the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, leading to significant pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding?

Endometriosis.

What is the term for the condition where there are polyps in the endometrium that can result in irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding?

Endometrial polyps.

Which anatomical dysfunction involves the weakening of the connective tissue in the pelvic floor, potentially leading to bleeding issues?

Uterine prolapse.

Identify the anatomical cause of abnormal uterine bleeding that results from uterine scarring or damage, often linked to previous surgeries or infections.

Asherman's syndrome (intrauterine adhesions).