105k views
4 votes
Teenage patient who just stared menarche 6 mos prior is having increasingly heavy menstrual periods, painless, and there is decreased Hgb/Hct levels -- what is the most likely diagnosis?

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The most likely diagnosis for a teenage patient with heavy, painless menstrual periods and decreased hemoglobin/hematocrit levels is menorrhagia leading to iron deficiency anemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The teenage patient who recently started menarche and is now experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, painless periods, and decreased hemoglobin/hematocrit (Hgb/Hct) levels most likely has menorrhagia. Menorrhagia is a condition characterized by abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding that can lead to anemia due to significant blood loss. Given the decrease in Hgb/Hct levels, this is indicative of iron deficiency anemia, which is common in people with heavy menstrual periods. Many factors can contribute to menorrhagia, including hormonal imbalances, uterine abnormalities, and other medical conditions. It's crucial for the patient to seek medical attention to diagnose and treat the underlying cause and to prevent further complications such as iron deficiency anemia.

User Udith Gunaratna
by
9.2k points