anovulatory bleeding
Start with the big picture
Without ovulation, luteal progesterone is absent. Estrogen can then drive continued endometrial growth, leaving fragile vessels prone to breakthrough bleeding. AUB-O is associated with adolescence, PCOS, perimenopause, obesity, thyroid disorders, stress, hyperprolactinemia, and some medications. Assessment begins by excluding pregnancy and considering other red flags, including coagulopathy, infection, and malignancy. The work-up may include laboratory tests and pelvic ultrasound; endometrial biopsy is considered according to age and risk factors. Management differs for acute heavy bleeding and ongoing control, with medical options, attention to underlying endocrine causes, and surgery reserved for selected refractory cases. Complications include iron-deficiency anemia and endometrial hyperplasia or adenocarcinoma risk.
What you'll learn
- Explain how absent ovulation and progesterone contribute to endometrial bleeding.
- Identify common clinical settings associated with AUB-O.
- Recognize red flags and outline components of the initial assessment.
- Compare acute and chronic management approaches at a high level.
- Describe potential complications and the role of underlying-cause management.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
