[Bleeding disorders in women. Examination and treatment in general practice]

To get an idea of how general practitioners (GPs) in Denmark normally deal with menstrual irregularities among their female patients a questionnaire was sent to 200 GPs in november 1992. One hundred and thirty-two answered the questionnaire, which mainly concerned the approach to oligomenorrhoea, secondary amenorrhoea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, spottings/postcoital bleeding and post-menopausal bleeding. They were also asked to specify differences in approach according to age of the patient. The uses of various examinations and treatments are encountered and discussed. It is concluded, that the use of Pap-smears in the diagnosis of abnormal bleeding should be further discussed. The widespread use of endometrial aspiration/dilatation and curettage in women with menstrual irregularities before the menopause should also be reconsidered. Further education is wished for by the GPs, and more research on this subject within general practice is recommended.