| Abstract: | Abnormal uterine bleeding in the perimenopause is a common gynaecological disorder and may affect 20–50 % of all women. It may be the first sign of premalignant or malignant disease. All women require assessment by means of pelvic ultrasound and an endometrial biopsy to exclude sinister pathology, identify other causes, and plan appropriate treatment. Pharmacological treatment includes antifibrinolytics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, combined hormonal contraception, cyclical progestogens and the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG – IUS). Second line treatments may include endometrial ablation, uterine artery embolization, myomectomy or hysterectomy depending on the nature of the pathology. Minimal access techniques though the hysteroscopic, laparoscopic/robotic or vaginal route are increasingly used as the preferred surgical options. Novel treatments, either pharmacological or in the outpatient setting are likely to have a significant contribution in the future. |
