Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
long term
medium

There is an increased risk for endometrial hyperplasia, and possible development of endometrial cancer, when anovulatory (irregular) AUB lasts for long periods (e.g., years) without treatment.

Diagnosis of endometrial cancer is confirmed with biopsy and histology.

Treatment includes staging surgery, pelvic radiation, chemotherapy, possible resection, or hormonal therapy, depending on the stage of cancer.

Endometrial cancer

long term
medium

Some underlying causes of AUB are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothalamic amenorrhoea, and obesity.[84]​​[85]​ Hormone therapy and oral contraceptives are also associated with an increased risk of CVD.[85]

variable
high

Heavy menstrual bleeding is excessive uterine bleeding due to longer duration, or increased amount, of uterine blood loss. This is often associated with iron deficiency anaemia due to depletion of body iron stores.[11]

Diagnostic characteristics include low serum iron, increased total iron-binding capacity, less than 16% transferrin saturation, and low serum ferritin.

Treatment includes the use of oral or parenteral iron, and a red blood cell transfusion in selected patients (e.g., symptomatic at rest with dyspnoea, chest pain, or pre-syncope).

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