ABSTRACT
Abnormal bleeding is a common clinical problem in adolescents, with the vast majority
of cases resulting from anovulatory menstrual cycles. Although most episodes of abnormal
vaginal bleeding do not cause acute medical complications, bleeding can be traumatic
for young patients and their families. Health care providers with a solid knowledge
of menstrual physiology and a thorough approach to differential diagnosis can evaluate
and appropriately manage adolescents. In this article, we review the maturation of
the hypothalamic ovarian axis, the most frequent etiologies of abnormal bleeding,
as well as other less common causes and discuss diagnosis and treatment modalities.
KEYWORDS
Abnormal bleeding - menorrhagia - anovulation