Pathophysiology Dr. HANA OMER
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding(AUB)
2014
Definitions
Normal menstrual cycle Interval: 28 +/- 7 days (21-35 days) Can change from cycle to cycle Length </= 7 days Flow: Average blood loss: 35ml (20-60ml)
Menorrhagia Prolonged – more than 7 days or Heavy – greater than 80ml/day
Definitions
PolymenorrheaBleeding occuring at intervals <21 days
OligomenorrheaIntervals between bleeding episodes vary from 35 days to 6 months
AmenorrheaNo menses for 6 months or more
Etiology of AUB
Pregnancy
Hormonal Imbalance (hypothalamus /pituitary /ovary)
Hemostatic Disorders (systemic and local)
Reproductive Tract Pathology
Pregnancy
• Spontaneous/Incomplete Abortion
• Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (a term used for a group of pregnancy-related tumours. These tumours are rare, and they appear when cells in the womb start to grow out of control)
• “Normal Pregnancy”
• Hormonal Causes can be devided into :
A)ANOVULATORY AUB B)OVULATORY AUB
A) Anovulatory AUB (No Luteal Phase):
The corpus luteum does not form in an anovulatory cycle, resulting in a failure of the cyclical secretion of progesterone
Without progesterone, there is continuous unopposed production of estradiol, which stimulates overgrowth of the endometrium.
The endometrium grows thick until it outgrows its blood supply, resulting in necrosis and irregular bleeding
Hormonal
B) Ovulatory AUB:
Presents as menorrhagia (Abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation)
A less common cause of AUB; believed to be caused by a defect in local endometrial hemostasis
The mechanism is unknown, but theories include hormonal imbalance and alterations in fibrinolysis.
Hormonal
Inherited disorders Example: Hemophilias (medical condition in which the
ability of the blood to clot is severely reduced, causing the sufferer to bleed severely from even a slight injury)
Acquired disorders Example: Liver Disease
Iatrogenic (drug induced ) Anticoagulants NSAIDS
Systemic Hemostatic Disorders
• Uterine Lesions– Endometrial polyps– Endometritis– Hyperplasia or cancer
Reproductive Tract Disorders
• Pathophysiology– In a reproductive age patient who is not having
regular menses, must determine if• 1. Progesterone Deficient• 2. Estrogen and Progesterone Deficient
Anovulation or Oligo-Ovulation
• Patholophysiology– LACK OF PROGESTERONE
• Estrogen production with lack of progesterone leads to unopposed estrogen stimulation of the endometrium
• Can result in irregular shedding of the endometrium resulting in unscheduled/heavy bleeding
• Potential for development of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.
Anovulation or Oligo-Ovulation
• Pathophysiology:– lack of ESTROGEN and PROGESTERONE
– Lack of estrogen AND progesterone in reproductive age women can lead to osteoprorosis, increased risk for heart disease, and reduced quality of life
– Examples: anorexia nervosa, athletic amenorrhea,
Anovulation or Oligo-Ovulation
Your doctor will ask you about your personal and family health history as well as your Menstrual Cycle
It may be helpful if you keep track of your menstrual cycle before your doctor visit (dates, length and type of bleeding)
You also may have blood tests (hormonal levels check). And a pregnancy test to check if you are pregnant
Diagnosis of AUB
Some other tests may be needed to diagnose AUB Including:
Sonohysterography: Fluid is placed into the uterus via a thin tube while ultrasound images of the uterus are taken Hysteroscopy:Thin device is inserted through the vagina, allowing your doctor to see inside your uterus
Endometrial Biopsy
Diagnosis of AUB
Medications:
Hormonal medications
Birth control Pills
Antibiotics
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Treatment of AUB
Surgeries:
Surgery to remove abnormal uterine growths (Polyps)
Endometrial ablation
Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
Treatment of AUB