Assessing excessive menstrual bleeding

Lisa Stern, APRN

January 13, 2009

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Conclusion

While menorrhagia may be attributable to a variety of factors, clinicians can use a few basic parameters (i.e., age, duration of symptoms, and associated symptoms) to narrow the range of differential diagnoses. After ensuring hemodynamic stability, any underlying conditions should be corrected and normal menstrual cycling restored. Hormonal therapy is the mainstay of treatment, with novel delivery mechanisms and greater awareness helping women avoid unnecessary surgery. Hysterectomy, a definitive but costly treatment, should be reserved for patients unresponsive to other modalities.

Ms. Stern is a nurse practitioner with Planned Parenthood of Connecticut in New Haven.

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