|
McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Spanish version
Illustration
Metrorrhagia (Bleeding Between Menstrual Periods)
What is metrorrhagia?
Bleeding from the uterus between menstrual periods is
called metrorrhagia.
How does it occur?
There are many reasons why women may have metrorrhagia.
They are:
- hormone imbalance (the imbalance is sometimes caused by
improper use of hormone medicine, such as birth control
pills)
- polyps, which are growths on the cervix (the opening of
the uterus) or inside the uterus; polyps are usually
noncancerous
- infection or inflammation of the uterus or cervix
- erosion of the cervix (loss of the surface skin of the
cervix)
- pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, threat
of miscarriage, and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
- use of an IUD (intrauterine device) or birth control
pills
- endometriosis (uterine tissue growing outside the
uterus)
- cancer of the cervix or other parts of the uterus
- chronic medical problems (for example, thyroid problems,
diabetes, and blood-clotting problems)
- adhesions (scar tissue) inside the uterus.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will ask about your medical
history and menstrual cycles. Your provider may ask you to
keep a diary of bleeding and nonbleeding days, including
notes about how heavy the bleeding was. You will also have
a physical exam.
You may need a blood test or procedure, such as:
- Endometrial biopsy: Your health care provider takes a
sample of tissue from the inside of the uterus. The
tissue is then examined under a microscope.
- Ultrasound scan: Sound waves are used to get pictures of
the uterus, ovaries, and pelvis. The ultrasound probe
may be placed on your lower abdomen or into your vagina.
- Sonohysterogram: An ultrasound scan is done after fluid
is injected through a tube into your uterus. This test
allows your provider to look for problems with the lining
of the uterus.
- Hysteroscopy: Your health care provider inserts a thin
metal tube with a light and tiny camera through the
vagina and cervix and into the uterus. This allows your
provider to see the inside of the uterus.
- Hysterosalpingography: Dye is injected into the uterus
and fallopian tubes through the cervix. X-rays are then
taken. The dye outlines the shape and size of the
uterus and tubes.
Many of these procedures may be done in your health care
provider's office. Others may be done in an outpatient
clinic.
How is it treated?
The treatment depends on the cause of the problem. Possible
treatments include:
- hormones, antibiotics, or other medicines
- surgery.
If cancer is found, it may be treated with surgery,
radiation, or chemotherapy (anticancer drugs).
How long will the effects last?
How long you have bleeding between periods depends on the
cause and treatment.
How can I take care of myself?
- If you have bleeding between periods for 2 months in a
row, call your health care provider.
- Follow the treatment recommended by your health care
provider.
|