Sexual Health | Gynaecology for GUM | Normal and Abnormal Menstruation

Normal and Abnormal Menstruation
Session Overview
Description
This session explains the diagnosis and management of disorders of menstruation including dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, menorrhagia, intermenstrual and postcoital bleeding.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Explain the physiology of normal menstruation
• Describe the common causes, investigations and treatment for:

a) Intermenstrual and postcoital bleeding
b) Amenorrhoea
c) Dysmenorrhoea
d) Menorrhagia

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should:

• Have a basic understanding of female anatomy and the endocrine system

From menarche to menopause women can experience around 400 'periods'. Menorrhagia is one of the most common reasons for referral to a Gynaecologist. Many alternatives for treatment exist alongside the traditional hysterectomy which was carried out in more than 60% of cases as recent as the early 1990s for heavy menstrual bleeding.

Alongside menorrhagia, intermenstrual bleeding, postcoital bleeding, dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea can all interfere with life for a large proportion of the young female population. Simple investigations and treatments can provide a lifeline for these women.

By understanding the menstrual cycle and pathology involved in the reproductive system, management plans are easily formed. This session aims to highlight the current ideas on these subjects.