Abnormal menstruation

This condition is treated in the Gynaecology clinic.

Clinic appointments

Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

• Uncontrolled heavy bleeding

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

• Anaemia with Hb under 80 g/l
• Age over 37
• Pelvic mass
• Abnormal smear

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review.

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Routine (Category 3)

• Resistant to treatment

Will be seen in turn.

Information to be included in the referral

History

Minimum of three months unless continuous bleeding.

All referrals should comply with referral standards and include in particular:

• Duration of condition - primary or secondary condition
• Age of menarche
• Gynaecological and obstetric history
• Treatment - present and past and efficacy of treatments
• Symptoms - pain, fatigue and effects on work, study etc
• Family history - haematolgical disorders
• Examination findings - genital tract abnormalities

Tests

• Pap smear
• Pelvic ultrasound
• FBE and iron studies if prolonged or heavy bleeding
• Pregnancy test - if acute

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Gynaecology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Consider use of hormonal treatments such as OCP, a hormonal intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) or a hormonal implant if no contra-indications. Consider use of NSAIDs such as Mefenamic acid.

In the THS Southern Region women suitable for outpatient hysteroscopy may be referred directly by their GP without the need for a Gynaecology Clinic appointment - see referral pathway.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Additional resources

View all clinic availability