REVIEWS   

Minerva Ginecologica 2015 August;67(4):375-81

Copyright © 2015 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding as an early sign of polycystic ovary syndrome during adolescence

Deligeoroglou E. K., Creatsas G. K. ✉

Division of Pediatric-Adolescent Gynecology and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Athens, “Aretaieion” Hospital, Athens, Greece

Excessive uterine bleeding during the early years after menarche can be worrisome to the girl and her parents. The most prevalent diagnosis set is Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), after thorough examination and exclusion of other causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. The aim of this article was to review our knowledge and share our experience as tertiary reference center of pediatric-adolescent gynecology in Greece. We conducted a review of current literature using Pubmed and MedLine as our primary databases, as well as providing commentary considering work up, treatment and follow-up of our DUB patients. Insufficient progesterone production and subsequent abnormal shedding of the endometrium appears to orchestrate the pathophysiology of DUB in adolescence. Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis immaturity right after menarche, is usually the most plausible cause. Nevertheless, it is necessary to exclude other, possibly even life-threatening causes. Complete work up including physical examination, laboratory and imaging studies (complete blood count, b-HCG, hormonal levels and ultrasonography) is needed, and appropriate treatment with combined oral contraceptives is administered accordingly. Although menstrual disorders are very common in early adolescence, a severe episode of DUB should always be thoroughly attended by any physician. Follow-up should be offered in all young patients due to high incidence of recurrence or subsequent development of endocrine disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).