The Abnormal Menstrual Cycle PDF

Preface

Disorders of menstruation are among the most common problems encountered in women's health and their treatment presents a variety of complex challenges.This is not surprising since in Western societies women will each experience about 400 menstruations between the menarche and the menopause over a period of about 40 years. It has been estimated that the prevalence of menstrual disorders is 53 in 1000 in the general US population. Thirty-seven percent of women in the USA and 20 percent of women in the UK have had a hysterectomy by the age of 60.Women will seek advice from either family doctors or gynaecologists.

The range of problems women may complain of is wide encompassing excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, mood changes, migraine and irregular cycles. Symptoms can be indicative of different pathologies; for example irregular cycles may be a sign of either early ovarian failure or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Written by international experts from Europe and North America, The Abnormal Menstrual Cycle provides a comprehensive review of our current knowledge of the causes of these conditions, their investigation, and the treatment options available. Medical and surgical treatments are examined as well as the limited evidence regarding alternative and complementary therapies as women often feel that they are safer and ‘more natural'. The final chapter is on the perimenopause and assesses the controversies regarding management following publication of the Women's Health Initiative with specific reference to hormone replacement.

A practical reference, the book highlights the role of the family doctor, the initial assessment and the importance of effective liaison between primary care physicians and hospital specialists. Each chapter begins with investigation and concludes with treatment, management options, and practice points.