Evaluation of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

55 Pages·2011·1.85 MB·English

by  Laura Farr

Evaluation of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Christine M. Corbin, MD
Northwest Gynecology Associates, LLC
April 26, 2011
Outline
Review of normal menstrual cycle physiology
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Review of normal uterine anatomy
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Pathophysiology
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Evaluation/Work-up
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Treatment Options
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Tried and true-not so new
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Technology era options
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Menstrual cycle
Menstruation
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Proliferative phase -- Follicular phase
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Ovulation
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Secretory phase -- Luteal phase
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Menstruation....again!
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Menstruation
Eumenorrhea- normal, predictable menstruation
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Typically 2-7 days in length
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Approximately 35 ml (range 10-80 ml WNL
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Gradually increasing estrogen in early follicular phase
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slows flow
Remember...first day of bleeding = first day of “cycle”
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Proliferative Phase/Follicular Phase
Gradual increase of estrogen from developing
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follicle
Uterine lining “proliferates” in response
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Increasing levels of FSH from anterior pituitary
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Follicles stimulated and compete for dominance
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“Dominant follicle” reaches maturity
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Estradiol increased due to follicle formation
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Estradiol initially suppresses production of LH
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Proliferative Phase/Follicular Phase

Length of follicular phase varies from woman to
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woman
Often shorter in perimenopausal women which leads
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to shorter intervals between periods
Increasing estrogen causes alteration in cervical
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mucus
Mature follicle is approximately 2 cm on ultrasound
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measurement just prior to ovulation

Ovulation
Increasing estradiol surpasses threshold and
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stimulates release of LH from anterior pituitary
Two different receptors for estrogen in the
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hypothalamus
Alpha receptors-for negative feedback in the E2-
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LH loop
Beta receptors-for positive feedback in E2-LH loop
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Ovulation
LH surge occurs occurs approximately day 12
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LH surge lasts 48 hours
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Wall of follicle weakened; causes release of oocyte
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Mature ovum swept into fallopian tube by fimbria
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Fertilization occurs in fallopian tube; if no
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fertilization within 24 hours the ovum dissolves in
tube