Pathophysiology: A woman in her mid-forties complains of “heavy periods that are
ID: 100734 • Letter: P
Question
Pathophysiology:
A woman in her mid-forties complains of “heavy periods that are painful.” She states that for the past 6 months, her periods have become longer in duration. She was alarmed this past month on day 2 and 3 of her period, as she passed several clots and experienced a flow/discharge that was unusually heavy for her. She does have a family history of fibroids and on occasion takes a naproxen for the pain, which she finds does help somewhat. What pathophysiologic concepts do you think apply to this woman’s situation?
Explanation / Answer
Answer:
A woman in her midforties, having heavy and painful periods with several clots may have two pathophysiological concepts:
1. Perimenopause.
2. Uterine fibroids
These concepts are as follows:
1. Perimenopause:
2. Uterine fibroids:
Thus, in this woman, both these pathophysiological concepts may happen together as the heavy and painful periods with several clots accompany the woman with uterine fibroids when she transits into menopause.