Menstrual Disorders Practice Questions

Q: What is the likely cause of primary amenorrhoea together with retention of urine in an adolescent girl ?

Haematocolpos. ***Haematocolpos*** - **Haematocolpos** is the accumulation of menstrual blood in the vagina due to an **imperforate hymen** or other outflow obstruction, causing primary amenorrhoea. - The retained blood can exert pressure on the urethra and bladder, leading to **urinary retention**. *Testicular Feminizing syndrome* - Also known as **Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome**, individuals have a 46, XY karyotype but appear female externally due to androgen receptor defects. - It causes primary amenorrhoea but typically does not present with urinary retention as the Mullerian ducts regress, meaning there is no uterus and therefore no menstrual blood to accumulate. *Adrenal hyperplasia* - **Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)** can cause virilization in females, leading to ambiguous genitalia and primary amenorrhoea due to hormonal imbalances. - While it can affect reproductive development, urinary retention due to menstrual blood accumulation is not a typical presentation. *Turner's syndrome* - **Turner's syndrome (45, XO)** is characterized by ovarian dysgenesis and primary amenorrhoea due to the absence of ovarian function. - Individuals often have distinctive features like a short stature and a webbed neck, but urinary retention is not a direct consequence of the syndrome itself.

Q: In a patient with dysfunctional uterine bleeding with cyclical menorrhagia, the first line drug is

Tranexamic acid. ***Tranexamic acid*** - **Tranexamic acid** is an **antifibrinolytic** agent that reduces menstrual blood loss by inhibiting the breakdown of blood clots. - It is often considered a **first-line medical treatment** for heavy menstrual bleeding, including cyclical menorrhagia due to its effectiveness and non-hormonal nature. *Progesterone* - While progesterone can be used to manage dysfunctional uterine bleeding, it is typically used for **anovulatory bleeding** or to regulate the cycle, not primarily as a first-line agent for acute, cyclical menorrhagia where heavy bleeding is the main concern. - Its mechanism involves stabilizing the **endometrial lining** and can lead to withdrawal bleeding when stopped. *Oestrogen and progesterone* - Combination oral contraceptives (containing both oestrogen and progesterone) are effective in regulating menstrual cycles and reducing blood loss. - However, for acute, cyclical menorrhagia, especially if the patient does not need contraception, **tranexamic acid** is often preferred as a first-line non-hormonal option due to its rapid effect on bleeding. *Oestrogen* - Oestrogen can be used in cases of acute, very heavy bleeding to rapidly **stabilize the endometrium** and stop hemorrhage, often at high doses. - It helps in the **proliferation of the endometrium** but is not the first-line choice for ongoing cyclical menorrhagia as it can cause its own set of side effects and doesn't address the primary issue of excessive fibrinolysis.

Q: A 20-year-old married woman anxious to get pregnant has cyclical cramps and sharp lower abdominal pain which lasts for 3 days starting from the day of her menstrual flow. Her menstrual periods are regular but heavy. On clinical examination, her pelvis is normal. The most probable diagnosis is

Primary dysmenorrhoea. ***Primary dysmenorrhoea*** - This is the **most probable diagnosis** given the classic presentation of **cyclical cramping pain starting on day 1 of menstruation** lasting 3 days. - Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by **excessive prostaglandin production** from the endometrium, leading to uterine cramping and can be associated with **heavy menstrual bleeding**. - The **normal pelvic examination** is a key feature distinguishing primary from secondary causes of dysmenorrhea. - Typically affects young women in their **late teens to early 20s**, shortly after menarche when ovulatory cycles are established. *Endometriosis* - While endometriosis causes cyclical pain, the pain typically begins **1-2 days before menstruation** rather than starting precisely on day 1. - Associated symptoms often include **dyspareunia, dyschezia, and infertility**, which are not mentioned in this case. - Though pelvic examination can be normal in early endometriosis, the **pain timing pattern** does not fit the classic presentation. *Adenomyosis* - Characterized by **endometrial tissue within the myometrium**, typically presents with a **diffusely enlarged, tender, boggy uterus** on examination. - More common in women over 30 years, particularly those with **previous pregnancies**. - The patient's **normal pelvic examination** and young age make adenomyosis unlikely. *Uterine leiomyomata* - These **benign fibroids** typically cause heavy menstrual bleeding with **pressure symptoms** rather than severe cyclical cramping pain. - Usually result in an **irregularly enlarged uterus** on pelvic examination. - The patient's **normal pelvic examination** excludes this diagnosis.

Q: An 18-year-old girl presents with primary amenorrhoea and gives a history of cyclical colicky abdominal pain. The most probable diagnosis is

Haematocolpos. ***Haematocolpos*** - **Primary amenorrhoea** combined with **cyclical colicky abdominal pain** strongly suggests an outflow tract obstruction, leading to the accumulation of menstrual blood. - **Haematocolpos** is the accumulation of menstrual blood in the vagina caused by an imperforate hymen or other anomalies, leading to distension and pain. *Encysted tuberculosis* - While tuberculosis can affect the reproductive system, it typically presents with **chronic abdominal pain**, weight loss, and infertility, not primary amenorrhoea with cyclical pain. - **Encysted tuberculosis** would not directly cause the cyclical colicky pain related to menstrual flow blockage. *Full bladder* - A **full bladder** can cause suprapubic discomfort but generally doesn't present as primary amenorrhoea or cyclical colicky abdominal pain. - This condition is easily resolved by urination and is not a chronic, cyclical issue. *Ovarian cyst* - **Ovarian cysts** can cause abdominal pain, which may be cyclical, but they do not cause primary amenorrhoea as the problem is with ovarian function or morphology, not menstrual outflow. - The pain is usually dull, aching, or sharp upon rupture, distinct from the **colicky pain** associated with retained menstrual blood.

Q: A woman who has secondary amenorrhea experiences withdrawal bleeding following progesterone administration. What is the likely diagnosis?

Anovulation. ***Anovulation*** - Withdrawal bleeding after progesterone indicates that the **endometrium was adequately primed with estrogen** but there was no ovulation to produce progesterone. - This scenario points to **anovulation** as the underlying cause of secondary amenorrhea, where estrogen is present, but a corpus luteum does not form to secrete progesterone. *Asherman's syndrome* - This condition involves **intrauterine adhesions** that prevent endometrial shedding, even in the presence of hormones. - A woman with Asherman's syndrome would typically **not experience withdrawal bleeding** after progesterone, as the endometrium is damaged or absent. *Premature ovarian failure* - In **premature ovarian failure**, the ovaries stop functioning, leading to **low estrogen levels**. - Without sufficient estrogen to prime the endometrium, administering progesterone would **not result in withdrawal bleeding**. *Hypothalamic amenorrhea* - This type of amenorrhea is characterized by **low estrogen levels** due to dysfunction in the hypothalamus. - Similar to premature ovarian failure, a lack of estrogen would mean the endometrium is not prepared, and **progesterone withdrawal bleeding would not occur**.

Q: A 13-year-old, obese, unmarried girl presents with the history of amenorrhea and cyclical abdominal pain. On examination, the secondary sex characters are found to be well developed. What should be the next step?

Carry out a per-rectal examination. ***Carry out a per-rectal examination*** - This presentation of **amenorrhea with cyclical abdominal pain** in a girl with developed secondary sexual characteristics strongly suggests a **cryptomenorrhea** caused by an outflow tract obstruction, like an **imperforate hymen**. - A **per-rectal examination** can help identify a bulging hymen or a pelvic mass due to retained menstrual blood (hematocolpos or hematometra), which would guide further management. *Carry out the progesterone challenge test* - A progesterone challenge test assesses the presence of **estrogenization of the endometrium** and a patent outflow tract, but it is typically used for secondary amenorrhea or primary amenorrhea without cyclical pain. - In this case, **cyclical pain** points towards an obstructed outflow tract, making the challenge test less immediate than ruling out the obstruction. *Keep her under observation for the next three months* - Observing for three months would delay the diagnosis and definitive treatment of a potentially painful and concerning condition like **hematocolpos**. - Delaying intervention could lead to worsening pain, complications like **endometriosis**, or impact fertility. *Assess the TSH and Prolactin levels* - While hormonal imbalances can cause amenorrhea, the presence of **cyclical abdominal pain** and **developed secondary sexual characteristics** makes a primary outflow tract obstruction a more likely immediate concern. - **Hypothyroidism** (high TSH) or **hyperprolactinemia** would typically cause amenorrhea without cyclical pain but could be considered later if obstruction is ruled out.

Q: A 30-year-old woman with three children has dysfunctional uterine bleeding. What will be the most appropriate management?

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device. ***Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device*** - The **levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (Mirena IUD)** is highly effective for reducing **menstrual blood loss** in women with **dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)** due to its local endometrial suppression. - It is an excellent choice for a 30-year-old woman with three children as it offers both **contraception** and **menstrual bleeding control** without permanent sterilization. *Medical management with danazol* - **Danazol** is an **androgen derivative** that can cause significant **androgenic side effects** such as hirsutism and voice changes, making it less desirable for long-term use. - While effective in reducing menstrual blood loss, it is typically reserved for severe cases or when other treatments fail due to its side effect profile. *Transcervical endometrial resection* - **Transcervical endometrial resection**, or **endometrial ablation**, is an effective procedure for reducing heavy menstrual bleeding but is generally considered for women who have completed childbearing and do not desire future pregnancies. - While this patient has three children, the IUD offers a less invasive, reversible, and effective alternative before resorting to surgical intervention. *Abdominal hysterectomy* - **Abdominal hysterectomy** is a major surgical procedure and is considered a definitive treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding, but it is the most invasive option. - Given the patient's age and the availability of less invasive and effective treatments, hysterectomy would typically be reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed or other gynecological pathologies are present.

Q: A 15-year-old unmarried girl presents with complaints of dysmenorrhoea for about one year. She achieved menarche at 12 years of age. On abdominal and rectal examination, she has no abnormality. What will be the most appropriate management?

Reassure her and prescribe analgesics. ***Reassure her and prescribe analgesics*** - This presentation is typical for **primary dysmenorrhea**, which is common in adolescent girls and not associated with underlying pathology. - Initial management involves **reassurance** about the benign nature of the condition and symptomatic relief with **analgesics**, particularly **NSAIDs**. *Prescribe clotrimazole vaginal ovules* - **Clotrimazole** is an antifungal medication indicated for candidal vaginitis, which is not suggested by the presented symptoms or examination findings. - Dysmenorrhea is pain associated with menstruation, not typically a symptom of **vaginal infection**. *Perform dilatation and curettage* - **Dilatation and curettage (D&C)** is an invasive surgical procedure used for various uterine conditions, such as abnormal uterine bleeding or miscarriage. - It is completely inappropriate for the initial management of **primary dysmenorrhea** in an adolescent with a normal examination. *Prescribe antibiotics* - **Antibiotics** are indicated for bacterial infections, which are not suggested by the patient's complaints of dysmenorrhea and normal abdominal/rectal examination. - There is no clinical evidence of **pelvic inflammatory disease** or other infectious causes.

Q: A 40-year-old woman presents with excessive menstrual bleeding. The most appropriate first surgical treatment will be

Hysteroscopy. ***Hysteroscopy*** - This procedure allows for **direct visualization of the uterine cavity**, enabling the identification and potential treatment of intracavitary causes of excessive menstrual bleeding, such as polyps or fibroids. - It is considered the **first-line surgical diagnostic and therapeutic approach** for abnormal uterine bleeding when medical management fails or a structural cause is suspected. *Hysterectomy* - While it definitively treats excessive menstrual bleeding by **removing the uterus**, it is generally considered a **definitive and more invasive treatment** reserved for cases where conservative methods have failed or when the patient desires no future pregnancies. - As a first surgical option, it is **overly aggressive** without first attempting less invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. *Myomectomy* - This procedure involves the **surgical removal of uterine fibroids**, which can cause excessive menstrual bleeding. - However, performing a myomectomy without first **diagnosing the presence and location of fibroids** (which hysteroscopy can help identify) is not the appropriate first surgical step. *Dilatation and curettage* - This procedure involves the **scraping of the uterine lining** and can provide a sample for pathology, offering temporary relief from bleeding. - It is primarily a **diagnostic procedure** to obtain endometrial tissue and may offer temporary symptomatic relief, but it is less effective for treating structural causes and is not the most appropriate first-line surgical treatment in terms of diagnostic precision and targeted therapy for all causes of excessive bleeding compared to hysteroscopy.

Question 1

What is the likely cause of primary amenorrhoea together with retention of urine in an adolescent girl ?

Accepted Answer

Haematocolpos

Answer

Testicular Feminizing syndrome

Answer

Adrenal hyperplasia

Answer

Turner's syndrome

Question 2

In a patient with dysfunctional uterine bleeding with cyclical menorrhagia, the first line drug is

Accepted Answer

Tranexamic acid

Answer

Progesterone

Answer

Oestrogen and progesterone

Answer

Oestrogen

Question 3

Which of the following statements regarding functional epimenorrhoea is not correct ?

Accepted Answer

If epimenorrhoea is associated with heavy menstrual loss it is called menometrorrhagia

Answer

It is seen more frequently at the ends of reproductive life

Answer

The cycle is reduced to an arbitrary limit of 21 days or less

Answer

It is a cyclic bleeding

Question 4

A 20-year-old married woman anxious to get pregnant has cyclical cramps and sharp lower abdominal pain which lasts for 3 days starting from the day of her menstrual flow. Her menstrual periods are regular but heavy. On clinical examination, her pelvis is normal. The most probable diagnosis is

Accepted Answer

Primary dysmenorrhoea

Answer

Adenomyosis

Answer

Uterine leiomyomata

Answer

Endometriosis

Question 5

An 18-year-old girl presents with primary amenorrhoea and gives a history of cyclical colicky abdominal pain. The most probable diagnosis is

Accepted Answer

Haematocolpos

Answer

Encysted tuberculosis

Answer

Full bladder

Answer

Ovarian cyst

Question 6

A woman who has secondary amenorrhea experiences withdrawal bleeding following progesterone administration. What is the likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Anovulation

Answer

Asherman's syndrome

Answer

Premature ovarian failure

Answer

Hypothalamic amenorrhea

Question 7

A 13-year-old, obese, unmarried girl presents with the history of amenorrhea and cyclical abdominal pain. On examination, the secondary sex characters are found to be well developed. What should be the next step?

Accepted Answer

Carry out a per-rectal examination

Answer

Carry out the progesterone challenge test

Answer

Keep her under observation for the next three months

Answer

Assess the TSH and Prolactin levels

Question 8

A 30-year-old woman with three children has dysfunctional uterine bleeding. What will be the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device

Answer

Medical management with danazol

Answer

Transcervical endometrial resection

Answer

Abdominal hysterectomy

Question 9

A 15-year-old unmarried girl presents with complaints of dysmenorrhoea for about one year. She achieved menarche at 12 years of age. On abdominal and rectal examination, she has no abnormality. What will be the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Reassure her and prescribe analgesics

Answer

Prescribe clotrimazole vaginal ovules

Answer

Perform dilatation and curettage

Answer

Prescribe antibiotics

Question 10

A 40-year-old woman presents with excessive menstrual bleeding. The most appropriate first surgical treatment will be

Accepted Answer

Hysteroscopy

Answer

Hysterectomy

Answer

Myomectomy

Answer

Dilatation and curettage

Menstrual Disorders — MCQs

Menstrual Disorders — MCQs

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