gynecology and obstetrics
Introduction to Menstrual Abnormalities
Introduction
Some common menstrual abnormalities include Amenorrhea None Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (eg, due to ovulatory dysfunction) Dysmenorrhea None Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) None Irregular or absent menses and nonmenstrual vaginal bleeding have many causes. In women of reproductive age, pregnancy should always be suspected. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding in nonpregnant women is evaluated differently from vaginal bleeding in pregnant women (see Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can cause some of the same symptoms as menstrual abnormalities. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome , a common cause of chronic pelvic pain, is sometimes accompanied by abnormal menstrual bleeding. (For a description of the menstrual cycle, see Menstrual Cycle .) 