Open AccessMenorrhagia: an update
Author(s) -
Oehler M. K.,
Rees M. C. P.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2003.00097.x
Subject(s) - medicine , tranexamic acid , hysterectomy , menstruation , blood loss , etiology , uterine artery embolization , antifibrinolytic , endometrium , dysfunctional uterine bleeding , gynecology , mefenamic acid , obstetrics , surgery , pharmacology
Menorrhagia is defined as a ‘complaint of heavy cyclical menstrual bleeding occurring over several consecutive cycles’. Objectively it is a total menstrual blood loss equal to or greater than 80 ml per menstruation. It is estimated that approximately 30% of women complain of menorrhagia. Excessive bleeding is the main presenting complaint in women referred to gynecologists and it accounts for two‐thirds of all hysterectomies, and most of endoscopic endometrial destructive surgery. Thus, menorrhagia is an important healthcare problem. Its etiology, investigation, medical and surgical management are described. In approximately 50% of cases of menorrhagia no pathology is found at hysterectomy. Abnormal levels of prostaglandins or the fibrinolytic system in the endometrium have been implicated. Effective medical treatments suitable for long‐term use include intrauterine progestogens, antifibrinolytic agents (tranexamic acid) and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents (mefenamic acid). Over the past decade there has been increasing use of endometrial destructive techniques as an alternative to hysterectomy. Their further refinement and the advent of fibroid embolization has increased the options available to women.