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Management of heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents

Nancy Sokkary1, Jennifer E Dietrich

  • 1Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.

Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology
|June 26, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is common in adolescents and can indicate bleeding disorders. Evaluation and medical management, including hormonal contraception, are safe and effective treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Gynecology
  • Adolescent Medicine
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a prevalent issue in adolescent females.
  • HMB can be associated with significant health complications if not properly managed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the differential diagnosis and clinical presentation of HMB in adolescents.
  • To present current guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of HMB in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies and clinical guidelines.
  • Analysis of diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for adolescent HMB.

Main Results:

  • Bleeding disorders are a frequent cause of HMB (menorrhagia) in adolescents.
  • Updated laboratory evaluations are recommended for diagnosing bleeding disorders.
  • Hormonal contraceptives, including the levonorgestrel intrauterine device, are effective treatments.

Conclusions:

  • HMB is a common condition in adolescents with potential for serious complications.
  • Consider laboratory analysis to identify underlying bleeding disorders.
  • Medical management is the primary, safe, and effective treatment for HMB in adolescents.
Abstract

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