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Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Pre-Menopausal Women PDF
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Pre-Menopausal Women PDF
Volume 35, Number 5 volume 35, numro 5 May mai 2013 Supplement 1 supplment 1
Abstract. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S4
Chapter 1:
Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S5
Chapter 2:
Evaluation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S7
Chapter 3:
Medical Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S12
Chapter 4:
Surgical Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S18
Chapter 5:
Special Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S21
Bleeding in
Pre-Menopausal
Women
This document reflects emerging clinical and scientific advances on the date issued and is subject to change. The information
should not be construed as dictating an exclusive course of treatment or procedure to be followed. Local institutions can dictate
amendments to these opinions. They should be well documented if modified at the local level. None of these contents may be
reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the SOGC.
07. Medical treatment tailored to the individual womans therapeutic 14. Danazol and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists will
goals, desire for contraception, underlying medical conditions, effectively reduce menstrual bleeding, and may be used for
and tolerance of side effects will encourage compliance and scenarios in which other medical or surgical treatments have
maximize the likelihood of treatment success. (III) failed or are contraindicated. (I-C)
08. Non-hysteroscopic ablation techniques offer similar patient 15. Patients receiving a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist for
satisfaction results with fewer risks of complications and less longer than 6 months should be prescribed add-back hormone
anaesthetic requirement than traditional hysteroscopic . therapy, if not already initiated with gonadotropin-releasing
ablation. (I-A) hormone agonist commencement. (I-A)
09. Hysterectomy provides definitive treatment for abnormal uterine 16. The progestin intrauterine system has outcomes similar to
bleeding. endometrial ablation for women with heavy menstrual bleeding
10. Abnormal uterine bleeding secondary to submucosal fibroids may and thus may be considered prior to surgical intervention. (I-A)
be managed by hysteroscopic myomectomy. 17. In appropriate candidates, non-hysteroscopic ablation techniques
11. Inherited bleeding disorders may be an underlying cause of should be the ablation methods of choice in view of their higher
abnormal uterine bleeding, with von Willebrands disease present efficacy and safety than hysteroscopic techniques. (I-A)
in the majority of cases. (II-2) 18. With the exception of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the
12. Acute heavy menstrual bleeding may result in significant anemia same medical agents used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding
and emergent care. (III) among women with normal coagulation can effectively be used
in the setting of inherited bleeding disorders. (II-1B)
13. Abnormal uterine bleeding in the adolescent most commonly
represents ovulatory dysfunction related to immaturity of the 19. Women with inherited bleeding disorders who have significant
hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. (II-2) heavy menstrual bleeding or those who fail conventional .
Table 1. Key to evidence statements and grading of recommendations, using the ranking of the Canadian Task Force
on Preventive Health Care
Quality of evidence assessment* Classification of recommendations
I: Evidence obtained from at least one properly randomized . A. There is good evidence to recommend the clinical preventive action
controlled trial
II-1: Evidence from well-designed controlled trials without B. There is fair evidence to recommend the clinical preventive action
randomization
II-2: Evidence from well-designed cohort (prospective or . C. The existing evidence is conflicting and does not allow to make a
retrospective) or casecontrol studies, preferably from . recommendation for or against use of the clinical preventive action;
more than one centre or research group however, other factors may influence decision-making
II-3: Evidence obtained from comparisons between times or . D. There is fair evidence to recommend against the clinical preventive action
places with or without the intervention. Dramatic results in
uncontrolled experiments (such as the results of treatment with E. There is good evidence to recommend against the clinical preventive
penicillin in the 1940s) could also be included in this category action
III: Opinions of respected authorities, based on clinical experience, L. There is insufficient evidence (in quantity or quality) to make
descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees a recommendation; however, other factors may influence
decision-making
*The quality of evidence reported in these guidelines has been adapted from The Evaluation of Evidence criteria described in the Canadian Task Force on
Preventive Health Care.
Recommendations included in these guidelines have been adapted from the Classification of Recommendations criteria described in the Canadian Task Force
on Preventive Health Care.
Woolf SH, Battista RN, Angerson GM, Logan AG, Eel W. Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. New grades for recommendations from the Canadian Task
Force on Preventive Health Care. CMAJ 2003;169:2078.
medical therapy are best managed with a multidisciplinary 23. For the adolescent presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding
approach. (III-C) at or in close approximation to menarche, history and
investigations should include an assessment for an underlying
20. Hysterectomy planning or blood product therapy should be
bleeding disorder. (II-2A)
performed in consultation with a hematologist in patients with
inherited bleeding disorders. (III-C)
Introduction
1. Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common condition 6. Frick KD, Clark MA, Steinwachs DM, Langenberg P, Stovall D, Munro MG,
affecting women of reproductive age that has et al. Financial and quality-of-life burden of dysfunctional uterine bleeding
among women agreeing to obtain surgical treatment. Womens Health Issues
significant social and economic impact. (II-2) 2009;19:708.
ABBREVIATIONS
AUB abnormal uterine bleeding
-hCG beta-human chorionic gonadotropin
CBC complete blood count
CHC combined hormonal contraceptives
cOCP combined oral contraceptive pill
DMPA depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
FIGO International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
GnRH gonadotropin releasing hormone
IUS intrauterine system
IV intravenous
LNG levonorgestrel
LNG-IUS levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system
HPNCC hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer
MPA medroxyprogesterone acetate
NET norethindrone (or norethisterone)
NSAIDs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
OCP oral contraceptive pill
PCOS polycystic ovary syndrome
SIS saline infusion sonohysterography
VTE venous thromboembolism
vWF von Willbrands factor
Definitions
Classic descriptions of AUB are based on the cyclicity 2. Fraser IS, Critchley HO, Munro MG, Broder M; Writing Group for this
Menstrual Agreement Process. A process designed to lead to international
and the quantity of menstrual flow. Although the patients agreement on terminologies and definitions used to describe abnormalities of
perception of the bleeding is not necessarily quantifiable, is menstrual bleeding. Fertil Steril 2007;87:46676.
paramount to the management of this problem. Ultimately, 3. Fraser IS, Critchley HO, Munro MG. Abnormal uterine bleeding: getting our
the womans experience and the impact on her quality of terminology straight. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2007;19:5915.
life determine the degree to which intervention may be 4. Munro MG. Abnormal uterine bleeding. Cambridge: Cambridge University
required. The patients presentation of AUB depends upon Press; 2010.
her subjective experience and impression of the level of 5. National Collaborating Centre for Womens and Childrens Health; National
Institute for Health and Care Excellence. NICE guideline CG44: heavy menstrual
blood loss. As a result, a more holistic approach should be bleeding. London: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2007.
taken with these definitions. Available at: http://www.nice.org.uk/CG44. Accessed on March 28, 2011.
Evaluation
HISTORY, PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, for evidence of systemic conditions that can cause abnormal
AND LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS bleeding and should evaluate the lower genital tract and
pelvis to confirm the source of bleeding and to look for
A family history of inherited coagulation disorders, PCOS, Table 2.1 Medications that can be associated with
abnormal uterine bleeding
or endometrial or colon cancer should also be sought, as well
Anticoagulants
as any co-morbid conditions, such as hormonally dependent
Antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and
tumours, thromboembolic disease, or cardiovascular tricyclics)1
problems that would influence treatment options. Finally, a Hormonal contraceptives
list of medications including over-the-counter and natural/ Tamoxifen
herbal remedies that may interfere with ovulation or Antipsychotics (first generation and risperidone)2,3
otherwise be associated with bleeding should be obtained Corticosteroids
(Table 2.1).16 Physical assessment (Table2.2) should look Herbs: ginseng,4 chasteberry,5 danshen6
Hysteroscopy may be performed in an office setting with Table 2.3 PALM-COEIN Classification of AUB
or without minor anaesthesia or in the operating room with Structural causes Non-structural causes
regional or general anaesthesia. Directed biopsies under
Polyps Coagulopathy
direct vision provide the main benefit over blind dilation
Adenomyosis Ovulatory dysfunction
and uterine curettage. The risks of hysteroscopy include
perforation of the uterus, infection, cervical lacerations, Leiomyomas . Endometrial (primary disorder of mechanisms
Submucosal. regulating local endometrial hemostasis)
creation of false passages, and fluid overload. Other
Malignancy and Iatrogenic
Summary Statement hyperplasia Not yet specified
5. Imaging and hysteroscopy offer the clinician
additional information to assist in patient assessment
and treatment in indicated circumstances. (I)
Table 2.4 Risk factors for endometrial cancer17
Recommendations
Age
6. If imaging is indicated, transvaginal ultrasound should Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2)
be the first line imaging modality for abnormal uterine Nulliparity
bleeding. (I-A) PCOS
7. Saline infusion sonohysterography and diagnostic
Diabetes
hysteroscopy should be used in the diagnosis
HNPCC
and characterization of discrete intrauterine
abnormalities such as submucosal fibroids. (I-A)
ENDOMETRIAL ASSESSMENT AND BIOPSY with irregular bleeding and a history of nulliparity, obesity,
polycystic ovarian syndrome, and diabetes, and a family
Endometrial Assessment in history of HPNCC are at greater risk for premenopausal
Premenopausal Women with Menorrhagia endometrial cancer. Younger women with these risk factors
Malignant and premalignant conditions may result in should be triaged for endometrial assessment.
abnormal uterine bleeding and hence pathologic assessment
of the uterine cavity may be required in women at risk. Endometrial Biopsy
Office endometrial biopsy is a minimally invasive
The evaluation of the endometrium in premenopausal option for endometrial evaluation in women at risk of
women with bleeding can be performed by several modalities. malignancy. Detection rates for malignancy are higher
The endometrium may be assessed directly by endometrial in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal
biopsy, ultrasound, hysteroscopy, or dilation and curettage. women.26
Risk Factors for Premalignant and Endometrial biopsy can usually be performed easily in a
Malignant Conditions of the Endometrium premenopausal woman with a previous vaginal delivery.
The average age for women with endometrial cancer is 61 These parous women are statistically at very low risk for
years, but 5% to 30% of cases occur in premenopausal uterine cancer. There exist many sampling devices with almost
women.16 Women under the age of 50 share many of equivalent accuracy. Biopsies are more difficult in women
the risk factors for endometrial cancer of older women with previous Caesarean sections, who are nulliparous, or who
including obesity, diabetes, nulliparity, history of PCOS, have had previous cervical surgeries, such as cone biopsy. The
and family history of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal sample detects over 90% of endometrial cancers.27 The sample
cancer.1622 (Table 2.4) is blind and therefore will miss a focal lesion. Hysteroscopic
directed sampling is recommended in the situation of a focal
Women with HPNCC have a lifetime risk for endometrial lesion found on ultrasound.28,29
cancer and colorectal cancer of 40% to 60% and a 12%
risk for ovarian cancer. Women who developed 2 primary Pathology of the endometrium may diagnose endometrial
cancers in their lifetime were identified from 5 large HPNCC cancer or determine the likelihood of coexistent cancer or
registries; 51% had endometrial cancer diagnosed first (mean a future cancer. For instance, in a recent study, cumulative
age 44). Therefore health care providers should be aware that 20-year progression of risk among women is less than 5%
younger women with a diagnosis of endometrial cancer may for non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia, but is 28% for
be at greater risk of colon and ovarian cancer.2325 Women atypical endometrial hyperplasia.30
Risk factors for endometrial cancer (see Table 2.4) 9. Krassas GE, Pontikides N, Kaltsas T, Papadopoulou P, Paunkovic J,
Paunkovic N, et al. Disturbances of menstruation in hypothyroidism.
Failure of medical treatment Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1999;50:6559.
Significant intermenstrual bleeding 10. Munro MG, Critchley HO, Broder MS, Fraser IS, for the FIGO
2. Consider endometrial biopsy in women with infrequent menses . Working Group on Menstrual Disorders. FIGO classification
2. suggestive of anovulatory cycles. system (PALM-COEIN) for causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in
nongravid women of reproductive age. Int J Gynaecol Obstet.
2011 Apr;113:313.
Dilatation and Curettage 11. Vercellini P, Cortesi I, Oldandi S, Moschetta M, DeGiorgi O,
Dilatation and curettage is no longer the standard of care Crosignani PG. The role of transvaginal ultrasonography and outpatient
for the initial assessment of the endometrium. It is a blind diagnostic hysteroscopy in the evaluation of patients with menorrhagia.
Hum Reprod 1997;12:176871.
procedure, with sampling errors and risks of complications
12. Wolman I, Jaffa A, Hartoov J, Bar-Am A, David M. Sensitivity and
similar to hysteroscopy.3133 specificity of sonohysterography for the evaluation of the uterine cavity
in perimenopausal patients. J Ultrasound Med 1996;15:2858.
Recommendations
13. Widrich T, Bradley LD, Mitchenson AR, Collins RI. Comparison of
8. Endometrial biopsy should be considered in saline infusion sonography with office hysteroscopy for the evaluation
bleeding women over age 40 or in those with of the endometrium. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;174:132734.
bleeding not responsive to medical therapy, as 14. Farquhar C, Ekeroma A, Furness S, Arroll B. A systematic review of
well as in younger women with risk factors from transvaginal ultrasonography, sonohysterography and hysteroscopy
for the investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding in premenopausal
endometrial cancer. (II-2A) women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2003;82:493504.
9. Office endometrial biopsy should replace dilation
15. van Dongen H, de Kroon CD, Jacobi CE, Trimbos JB, Jansen FW.
and uterine curettage as the initial assessment of Diagnostic hysteroscopy in abnormal uterine bleeding: a systematic
the endometrium for these women. (II-2A) review and meta-analysis. BJOG 2007;114:66475.
10. Focal lesions of the endometrium that require 16. Soliman PR, Oh JC, Schmeler KM, Sun CC, Slomovitz BM,
biopsy should be managed through hysteroscopy- Gershenson DM, et al. Risk factors for young premenopausal women
guided evaluation. (II-2A) with endometrial cancer. Obstet Gynecol;105:57580.
17. Farquhar CM, Lethaby A, Sowter M, Verry J, Baranyai J. An evaluation
of risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia in premenopausal
REFERENCES women with abnormal menstrual bleeding. Am J Obstet Gynecol
1999;181:5259.
1. Damsa C, Bumb A, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Vidailhet P, Sterck R, 18. Iatrakis G, Zervoudis S, Saviolakis A, Troulos M, Antoniou E,
Andreoli A, et al. Dopamine-dependent side effects of selective Sarantaki A, et al. Women younger than 50 years with endometrial
serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a clinical review. J Clin Psychiatry cancer. Eur J Gynaecol Oncol 2006;27:399400.
2004;65:10648.
19. Schmeler KM, Soliman PT, Sun CC, Slomovitz BM, Gershenson DM,
2. Thangavelu K, Geetanjali S. Menstrual disturbance and galactorrhea Lu KH. Endometrial cancer in young, normal-weight women.
in people taking conventional antipsychotic medications. Exp Clin Gynecol Oncol 2005;99:38892.
Psychopharmacol 2006;144:45960.
20. Al-Zoughool M, Dossus L, Kaaks R, Clavel-Chapelon F,
3. Kelly DL, Conley RR. Sexuality and schizophrenia: a review. Schizophr Tjonneland A, Olsen A, et al. Risk of endometrial cancer in
Bull 2004;76779. relationship to cigarette smoking: results from the EPIC study.
4. Kabalak AA, Soyal OB, Urfalioglu A, Gogus N. Menometrorrhagia and Int J Cancer 2007;21:27417.
tachyarrhythmia after using oral and topical ginseng. J Womens Health 21. Friberg E, Mantzoros CS, Wolk A. Diabetes and risk of endometrial
(Larchmt) 2004;13:8303; 1071 [erratum]. cancer: a population-based prospective cohort study. Cancer Epidemiol
5. Tesch BJ. Herbs commonly used by women: an evidence-based review. Biomarkers Prev 2007;16:27680.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188(5 Suppl):S44S55. 22. Pillay OC, Te Fong LF, Crow JC, Benjamin E, Mould T, Atiomo W, et al.
6. Wu T, Ni J, Wei J. Danshen (Chinese medicinal herb) preparations for The association between polycystic ovaries and endometrial cancer.
acute myocardial infarction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev Hum Reprod 2006;21:21:9249.
2008;2: CD004465. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004465.pub2. 23. Lu KH, Dinh M, Kohlmann W, Watson P, Green J, Syngal S, et al.
7. National Collaborating Centre for Womens and Childrens Health; Gynecologic cancer as a sentinel cancer for women with
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Clinical guideline hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome. Obstet Gynecol
2005;105:56974.
CG44: heavy menstrual bleeding. London: Royal College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; 2007. Available at: 24. Lucenteforte E, Talamini R, Montella M, Dal Maso L, Pelucchi C,
http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/11002/30401/30401.pdf. Franceschi S, et al. Family history of cancer and the risk of endometrial
Accessed on February 14, 2013. cancer. Eur J Cancer Prev 2009;8:959.
25. Lancaster JM, Powell CB, Kauff ND, Cass I, Chen LM, Lu KH, et al.; 29. van Dongen H, de Kroon CD, Jacobi CE, Trimbos JB, Jansen FW.
Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Education Committee. Society Diagnostic hysteroscopy in abnormal uterine bleeding: a systematic
of Gynecologic Oncologists Education Committee statement on risk review and meta-analysis. BJOG 2007;114: 66475.
assessment for inherited gynaecologic cancer predispositions. Gynecol 30. Lacey JV Jr, Sherman ME, Rush BB, Ronnett BM, Ioffe OB, Duggan MA,
Oncol 2007;107;107;15962. et al. Absolute risk of endometrial carcinoma during 20-year
26. Dijkhuizen FP, Mol BW, Brolmann HA, Heintz AP. The accuracy of follow-up among women with endometrial hyperplasia. J Clin Oncol
endometrial sampling in the diagnosis of patients with endometrial 2010;28:78892.
carcinoma and hyperplasia. Cancer 2000;89:176572. 31. Grimes DA. Diagnostic dilation and curettage: a reappraisal.
27. Stovall TG, Photopulos GJ, Poston WM, Ling FW, Sandles LG. Obstet Gynecol 1982;12:15.
Pipelle endometrial sampling in patients with known endometrial 32. Bettocchi S, Ceci O, Vicino M. Diagnostic approach of dilation and
carcinoma. Obstet Gynecol 1991;77:9546. curettage. Fertil Steril 2001;75:8035.
28. Huang GS, Gebb JS, Einstein MH, Shahabi S, Novetsky AP, 33. Tahir MM, Bigrigg MA, Browning JJ, Brookes ST, Smith PA.
Goldberg GL. Accuracy of preoperative endometrial sampling for the A randomized controlled trial comparing transvaginal ultrasound,
detection of high-grade endometrial tumors. Am J Obstet Gynecol outpatient hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy with inpatient
2007;196:243.e1e5. hysteroscopy and curettage. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1999;10:125964.
Medical Treatment
OVERVIEW treatments. The Appendix provides additional details on the
mechanisms, dosing regimens, efficacy, adverse effects, and
NON-HORMONAL TREATMENTS
uterine bleeding. Targeted treatment for an underlying
medical condition that can affect menstrual bleeding, NSAIDS
such as hypothyroidism, should be initiated prior to the Elevated levels of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2
addition of any of the medical agents described. Women have been demonstrated within the uterine tissues of
found to be anemic due to uterine bleeding should start women with heavy menstrual bleeding.1 Cyclo-oxygenase
iron supplementation immediately. converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandins within the
endometrium. NSAIDS reduce total prostaglandin
Regular, heavy menstrual bleeding can be successfully
production through the inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase,2
treated with both hormonal and non-hormonal options.
shifting the balance between prostaglandins and
Non-hormonal treatments such as non-steroidal anti-
thromboxanes to promote uterine vasoconstriction.3.
inflammatory drugs and antifibrinolytics are taken during
menses to reduce blood loss, and thus are effective mainly In a Cochrane review including 17 randomized trials,
in the setting of heavy menstrual bleeding when the timing NSAIDs reduced menstrual blood loss by 33% to 55%
of bleeding is predictable. when compared with placebo, without a significant
difference in adverse effects.4 NSAIDs also have the
Irregular or prolonged bleeding is most effectively treated
added benefit of improving dysmenorrhea for up to 70%
with hormonal options that regulate cycles, decreasing
of patients.5 Although mefenamic acid and naproxen
the likelihood of unscheduled and potentially heavy
are the most extensively studied, ibuprofen, diclofenac,
bleeding episodes. Cyclic progestins, combined hormonal
indomethacin, and ASA have all been shown be effective
contraceptives, and the levonorgesterel-releasing
when taken during menses. Therapy ideally begins the
intrauterine system are examples of effective options day before menses, and continues for 3 to 5 days or until
in this group, providing more predictable cycles while bleeding ceases. Contraindications to NSAID therapy
protecting the endometrium from unopposed estrogen include hypersensitivity, pre-existing gastritis, and peptic
and the risk of hyperplasia or carcinoma. Medical therapy ulcer disease. Side effects such as gastrointestinal upset are
can also be useful in some instances to reduce menstrual unlikely to be significant or cause discontinuation since
losses associated with fibroids or adenomyosis. therapy continues only for a few days each month.
Regardless of the type of abnormal bleeding, a patient- Clinical trials comparing NSAIDs to other medical agents
centred approach to the selection of a specific medical have found them to be less effective in objectively reducing
therapy is essential. Satisfaction and continuation of any menstrual blood loss than tranexamic acid, the combined
given treatment will be influenced not only by efficacy, but oral contraceptive pill, danazol, or the LNG-IUS.610
also by the individual womans goals and tolerance of side Significant differences in efficacy between different
effects. The decision to proceed with a trial of medical NSAIDs have not been demonstrated, but Naproxen was
treatment should be based on a discussion of patient found to have a higher risk of gastrointestinal side effects
preference, desire for fertility or contraception, underlying than mefenamic acid in one trial.11
medical conditions or contraindications, presence of
dysmennorrhea, and severity of the bleeding. The medical Antifibrinolytics
treatment of acute uterine bleeding will be discussed Plasminogen activators are a group of enzymes that cause
separately. Table 3.1 summarizes the available medical fibrinolysis, or the degradation of blood clots. Women
with heavy menstrual bleeding have been found to have women on medical therapy for menorrhagia found a higher
elevated endometrial levels of plasminogen activators, with risk of VTE among tranexamic acid users than among
more local fibrinolytic activity than women with normal users of other hormonal and non-hormonal medications,
menstrual losses.12,13 Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic but the difference did not reach statistical significance.22
agent (or plasminogen activator inhibitor) that reversibly The risk of VTE was elevated among all of the women
binds to plasminogen to reduce local fibrin degradation being treated for menorrhagia in this study, suggesting that
without changing blood coagulation parameters.14 menorrhagia itself may be a pro-thrombotic state.
Tranexamic acid has been shown to be effective in placebo-
controlled trials, with an overall reduction in menstrual HORMONAL TREATMENTS
blood loss between 40% and 59% from baseline.15,16 The Combined Hormonal Contraceptives
most commonly prescribed and studied treatment regimen CHCs, including the oral contraceptive pill, contraceptive
includes 1 gram of tranexamic acid taken orally every 6 patch, and vaginal ring, provide excellent cycle control,
hours during menstruation, but a single daily dose of 4
significantly reduce menstrual losses, and improve
grams has also been found to be effective.17 Intravenous
dysmenorrhea. Menstrual blood loss is reduced up to
tranexamic acid is available for more acute scenarios, with
40% to 50% in women who take cOCPs in the traditional
a dose of 10 mg/kg every 6 hours. Tranexamic acid does
cyclic fashion.23,24 The progesterone component provides
not treat dysmenorrhea.
ovulation suppression and inhibits ovarian steroidogenesis
Randomized trials have demonstrated the superiority of to create endometrial atrophy, while estrogen provides
tranexamic acid to luteal-phase progestins18 and NSAIDS,7 support to the endometrium to reduce the likelihood of
with no significant difference in reported side effects, and unscheduled breakthrough bleeding. The majority of the
a trend towards increased patient-perceived improvement. medical contraindications to CHCs, including history of
Side effects are usually mild, but may include nausea, thrombosis or stroke, uncontrolled hypertension, migraine
vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. with neurologic symptoms, coronary artery disease, liver
disease, and a history of breast cancer, are dangers primarily
Whether the risk of venous thromboembolism is elevated because of the estrogen component.25 Please refer to the
by tranexamic acid is controversial. There were no reported SOGC clinical practice guideline, Canadian contraceptive
thromboembolic events among the trials investigating consensus25 for further details on contraindications,
the efficacy of tranexamic acid for menorrhagia, but adverse effects, and troubleshooting tips for CHCs.
the studies were underpowered to detect this particular
outcome.16 A small retrospective study examining the use Despite the widespread use of cOCPs containing ethinyl
of antifibrinolytics among women at increased risk did not estradiol for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding
indicate an elevated risk of VTE,19 and a population-based in clinical practice, there remains a paucity of data from
study from the United Kingdom showed an incidence randomized trials on their efficacy in this setting.26 A placebo-
of VTE with tranexamic acid similar to the spontaneous controlled randomized trial of a triphasic cOCP among
frequency of VTE among all women.20 Regardless of women with irregular, heavy menses reported that 73.2% of
the lack of evidence, many still caution against the use subjects had a significant improvement in menstrual blood
of antifibrinolytics among patients with a past history loss compared with 39.6% in the placebo group.27 The
of thromboembolism.21 A recent casecontrol study of only randomized trial of a monophasic pill for ovulatory
menorrhagia included just 45 women, and compared a NET were more likely find their treatment unacceptable
cOCP with 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol in a crossover design due to side effects, with 78% refusing to continue therapy
with danazol, tranexamic acid, and naproxen.8 The cOCP after three months. The likelihood of significant side effects
reduced menstrual losses by 43% from baseline, with a using this high-dose regimen likely limits its practicality.
similar improvement found among the other treatment
groups. The contraceptive patch and vaginal ring have not A proportion of women will experience a reduction in
been studied specifically for the treatment of abnormal menstrual blood loss while taking the progesterone-only
bleeding, but have been found to reduce menstrual losses pill for contraception. This daily (non-cyclic) low-dose
among normally menstruating women,28,29 theoretically regimen of oral NET 0.35 mg has not been studied as a
making them additional treatment options. treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding.
In contrast, long-cycle, high-dose oral progestins have A reduction in menstrual blood loss of 86% at 3 months
been shown to reduce menstrual losses for women with and 97% at 12 months was demonstrated in a single-
heavy menstrual bleeding. An extended regimen of cyclic arm study on the use of the LNG-IUS in women with
oral NET 5 mg taken 3 times daily for 21 days (days 5 to menorrhagia, and numerous other studies have reported
26) was compared with the LNG IUS in one trial of 44 similar results.38,44 Hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels
women with regular cycles.36 Both groups had a significant have been shown to increase after insertion of the LNG-
reduction in mean blood loss from baseline (87%), but IUS among women with anemia due to heavy menstrual
the reduction was greater still for those randomized to the bleeding.45,46 Many women will become completely
LNG-IUS. However, the patients taking high-dose oral amenorrheic, with reported rates in the range of 20%
effective contraception. (I-A) 14. Menzies SA, Hartley JA, Hitchcock ER. The effect of tranexamic acid on
13. Cyclic luteal-phase progestins do not effectively bleeding time and haemostasis. Neurochirurgia (Stuttg) 1991;34:1413.
reduce blood loss and therefore should not be 15. Gleeson N, Buggy F, Sheppard BL. The effect of tranexamic acid
used as a specific treatment for heavy menstrual on measured menstrual loss and endometrial fibrinolytic enzymes
in dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand
bleeding. (I-E) 1994;73:2747.
14. Danazol and gonadotropin-releasing hormone
16. Lethaby A, Farhuhar C, Cooke I. Antifibrinolytics for heavy menstrual
agonists will effectively reduce menstrual bleeding,
bleeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;4:CD000249.
and may be used for scenarios in which other
medical or surgical treatments have failed or are 17. Ong YL, Hull DR, Mayne EE. Menorrhagia in von Willebrand disease
successfully treated with single daily dose tranexamic acid. Haemophilia
contraindicated. (I-C). 1998;4:635.
15. Patients receiving a gonadotropin-releasing
18. Preston JT, Cameron IT, Adams EJ, Smith SK. Comparative study
hormone agonist for longer than 6 months should of tranexamic acid and norethisterone in the treatment of ovulatory
be prescribed add-back hormone therapy, if not menorrhagia. BJOG 1995;100:4015.
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Surgical Management
OVERVIEW Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive surgical
option for heavy menstrual bleeding. It may be considered
Uterine artery
embolization
Hysteroscopy
Laparoscopy/
Laparotomy
Hysterectomy
Uterine fibroids represent a common structural 5. Lethaby A, Hickey M, Garry R, Penninx J. Endometrial resection/ablation
techniques for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev
abnormality leading to AUB. Abnormal uterine bleeding 2009;4:CD001501.
may result if a part or entire fibroid is within the uterine
6. Munro MG. Complications of hysteroscopic and uterine resectoscopic
cavity. Submucosal fibroids result in heavy and/or irregular surgery. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2010;37:399425.
bleeding due to a greater endometrial surface area, unstable
7. Dwyer N, Hutton J, Stirrat GM. Randomised controlled trial comparing
vasculature which does not heal and repair as normal endometrial resection with abdominal hysterectomy for the surgical
endometrium would, and inability of the uterus to contract treatment of menorrhagia. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1993;100:23743.
to provide further compression of endometrial vessels. 8. Gannon MJ, Holt EM, Fairbank J, Fitzgerald M, Milne MA, Crystal AM,
et al. A randomised trial comparing endometrial resection and abdominal
The management of fibroids may include medical hysterectomy for the treatment of menorrhagia. BMJ 1991;303:13624.
suppression, uterine artery embolization, or surgery. Surgery 9. Crosignani PG, Vercellini P, Apolone G, De Giorgi O, Cortesi I, Meschia
is dependent upon the patients desire for future fertility and M. Endometrial resection versus vaginal hysterectomy for menorrhagia:
long-term clinical and quality-of-life outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol
may include myomectomy or hysterectomy. Myomectomy 1997;177:95101.
may be conducted by laparotomy, laparoscopy, or
10. OConnor H, Broadbent JA, Magos AL, McPherson K. Medical Research
hysteroscopy depending on the location and size of the Council randomised trial of endometrial resection versus hysterectomy in
fibroid and on the surgeons experience. management of menorrhagia. Lancet 1997;349:897901.
11. Pinion SB, Parkin DE, Abramovich DR, Naji A, Alexander DA, Russell
Further details for the approach to the evaluation and IT, et al. Randomised trial of hysterectomy, endometrial laser ablation,
management of fibroids are beyond the scope of this and transcervical endometrial resection for dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
guideline. BMJ 1994;309:97983.
12. Dickersin K, Munro MG, Clark M, Langenberg P, Scherer R, Frick K, et
CLINICAL TIPS al. Hysterectomy compared with endometrial ablation for dysfunctional
uterine bleeding: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol
Fibroid localization with imaging is essential for appropriate 2007;110:127989.
management. Saline infusion sonohysterography and hysteroscopy
provide information on the location of intrauterine or submucosal 13. Lethaby A, Shepperd S, Cooke I, Farquhar C. Endometrial resection and
fibroids. These types of fibroids are related to heavy menstrual ablation versus hysterectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane
bleeding. AUB not responding to medical treatment may be due to Database Syst Rev 2000;2:CD000329.
intracavitary lesions such as submucosal fibroids.
14. Kaunitz AM, Meredith S, Inki P, Kubba A, Sanchez-Ramos L.
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and endometrial ablation in
Summary Statement heavy menstrual bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obstet
Gynecol 2009;113:110416.
10. Abnormal uterine bleeding secondary to
15. Lethaby AE, Cooke I, Rees M. Progesterone or progestogen-releasing
submucosal fibriods may be managed by intrauterine systems for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane Database
hysteroscopic myomectomy. (I) Syst Rev 2005:CD002126.
16. Nieboer TE, Johnson N, Lethaby A, Tavender E, Curr E, Garry R, et
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Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009;3:CD003677.
1. Marjoribanks J, Lethaby A, Farquhar C. Surgery versus medical 17. Lefebvre G, Allaire C, Jeffrey J, Vilos G, Arneja J, Birch C, et al.
therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev Hysterectomy. SOGC Clinical Practice Guidelines, No. 109, January 2002
2006;2:CD003855. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2002;24:3761; quiz 746.
Special Scenarios
INHERITED BLEEDING DISORDERS contraindicated. The OCP8 and the LNG-IUS9 have
both been found to reduce menstrual losses specifically
20. Hysterectomy planning or blood product therapy management is the preferred first line treatment and surgery
should be performed in consultation with a should be reserved for cases unable to be managed medically.
hematologist in patients with inherited bleeding Medical management of acute uterine bleeding includes:
disorders. (III-C) IV estrogen is available as conjugated estrogens
25 mg every 6 hours.13,14
ACUTE BLEEDING Oral estrogen and/or OCP provided in high doses of
cOCP, is the simplest form of treatment, and often
Abnormal uterine bleeding may present as an emergent will include a total of 100 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.
and life-threatening condition if blood loss is significant. Suggested regimens include two 35 mcg estrogen OCP
Significant uterine bleeding may signal a new presentation tablets per day for 5 days, then reduced to once a day.
of an underlying systemic problem (i.e. a bleeding disorder), This may be started with the IV therapy above.
an acute or chronic bleeding problem, or a genital tract
Nausea is a common side effect of high-dose estrogen
malignancy. Management of the symptomatic anemic
and so should be mitigated by anti-nausea medications
patient with heavy uterine bleeding in the acute setting
as needed.14
requires thorough and timely diagnosis and treatment.
Tranexamic acid may also be started at a dose of
In order to facilitate the acute treatment of patients with 1000 mg q6h IV or per os.
profuse abnormal uterine bleeding the following steps
Alternatives to the above regimens include high-dose
should be considered:
progestins such as MPA (10 to 20 mg twice daily) or
Stabilizing the Patient megestrol acetate (20 to 60 mg twice daily)
General principles of acute resuscitation should be Maintenance Treatment
followed in all emergent cases. Assessment of vital signs Once an acute episode has resolved, patients may be given daily
(blood pressure, heart rate, cognition) will help triage OCP or tranexamic acid treatment until they are re-evaluated
patients who are actively bleeding. In patients with signs of by endometrial biopsy or ultrasound. GnRH agonists may
hypovolemia due to bleeding, immediate intravenous fluid provide further suppression of the endometrium to offer
resuscitation should be started using crystalloid solution patients symptomatic relief and time to correct anemia until
and blood products as necessary. a final treatment decision can be made. GnRH agonists when
Examination/Diagnosis given alone may cause an exacerbation of uterine bleeding
Upon presentation a diagnosis is required to help direct after the first dose. This may be avoided by maintaining
therapy. Pregnancy must be ruled out upon presentation patients on some type of suppressive therapy such as the
using history and chemical testing. Once pregnancy has OCP for the first week to 10 days.
been excluded, an examination will delineate the source Unable to Treat Medically or Failure
of bleeding (see examination section). The volume of of Medical Treatment
blood loss may be estimated by examining the patient for Medical treatment with high-dose estrogen or anti-
hemodynamic changes and hypovolemia. fibrinolytics may be contraindicated in patients at high
Although diagnosis is required, biopsy should be risk of thrombosis. This includes women with active
arranged in a timely fashion. If uterine bleeding is the VTE, inherited thrombophilias, myocardial infarction,
cause, a biopsy may be performed but does not change cerebrovascular accidents, and diagnosed malignancy. If
management in an acute setting and may not provide there is a clear contraindication or if medical treatment
an accurate result if bleeding is significant. fails, a surgical approach may be required.
Ultrasound will help determine whether fibroids, ovarian Surgery in the acute situation should remain a last resort
pathology, or other causes of bleeding are present. due to the morbidity associated with operating on patients
Bloodwork to assess for anemia, and in cases of with acute anemia and the resulting impaired healing,
significant blood loss, workup for disseminated further bleeding, and infection. Surgical options in the
intravascular coagulation, should be considered acute setting include uterine curettage and hysteroscopic
ablation,15 hysterectomy, and uterine artery embolization.
Management of Acute Uterine Bleeding
Summary Statement
Once a patient with acute uterine bleeding has been
resuscitated with IV fluids and blood products, as necessary, 12. Acute heavy menstrual bleeding may result in
the source of bleeding must be managed. Medical significant anemia and emergent care. (III)
Recommendations Evaluation
For a sexually active adolescent the physical examination
21. Acute heavy menstrual bleeding should be managed
does not differ from that applied to an adult woman.
promptly and systematically to minimize patient
However for the non-sexually active adolescent,
morbidity and the need for blood transfusion. (III-C)
assessment would generally not include a speculum
22. High-dose estrogen and tranexamic acid may
or bimanual examination, but would rely on external
help decrease or arrest acute heavy menstrual
assessment of the genitalia and abdominal examination.
bleeding. (III-C)
Ultrasound may therefore be helpful to rule out the rare
structural cause of AUB in adolescents, but is again limited
THE ADOLESCENT to the transabdominal approach based on sexual activity.
AUB is common in the adolescent population, and heavy Transvaginal ultrasound, saline infused sonohysterography,
hysteroscopy, and MRI rarely play a role in the adolescent
menstrual bleeding is experienced by 12.1% to 37% of
investigation.
adolescents.1618 Symptoms from AUB at puberty may be
sufficient to cause interference with school performance. The initial laboratory assessment in this age group does not
Adolescents relative inexperience with menstruation differ from that recommended for adult women: an initial
may also lead to concern as to whether their symptoms CBC, thyroid-stimulating hormone if there are symptoms
are normal or not. A menstrual diary or pictorial blood of thyroid disease, and a b-hCG to exclude pregnancy.
assessment chart score can be helpful in this situation. The Further testing is directed by history, symptoms, and physical
health care provider can assist the young woman and her examination. As previously explained, investigations for a
family to understand what are normal versus abnormal bleeding disorder should be performed if heavy menstrual
menstrual cycles. bleeding onset is at or shortly following menarche.
12. Aletebi FA, Vilos GA, Eskander MA. Thermal balloon endometrial ablation
Summary Statement to treat menorrhagia in high-risk surgical candidates. J Am Assoc Gynecol
13. Abnormal uterine bleeding in the adolescent most Laparosc 1999;6:4359.
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1998;31:928.
to immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian
14. DeVore GR, Owens O, Kase N. Use of intravenous Premarin in the
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control study. Obstet Gynecol 1982;59:28591.
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consider the need for contraception. Long acting reversible 2000;7:34750.
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sexually active adolescents and, with individualized counselling, deficiency anaemia due to heavy menstrual blood loss in Nigerian rural
non-sexually active adolescents. adolescents. Public Health Nutr 1998;1:24957.
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Scand 2006;85:2006.
Recommendation 18. Chan SS, Yiu KW, Yuen PM, Sahota DS, Chung TK. Menstrual problems
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21. Read GF, Wilson DW, Hughes IA, Griffiths K. The use of salivary
progesterone assays in the assessment of ovarian function in
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