Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(6):305-310
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000600007
PURPOSE: to present a series of cases of membranous dysmenorrhea. METHODS: all the patients selected were under diagnostic suspicion, after being clinically attended in a private medical office due to the report of painful dysmenorrhea associated with spontaneous elimination of elastic material with uterine shape. Only relevant facts about the pain condition have been described, together with the present and previous medical history and life habits. The material eliminated was forwarded to the pathology laboratory, where the macro and microscopic analyses were done. Cases with no confirmation of membranous material elimination were not selected. After the diagnostic confirmation, literature up to 2008 was carried out using the MeSH method, with the words "membranous dysmenorrheal". RESULTS: three cases of dysmenorrhea were transcribed. Besides the characteristic picture of pain and vaginal elimination of elastic material, all the cases were associated with the use of hormonal contraceptive methods. CONCLUSIONS: despite the fact that there are only sporadic reports of cases of membranous dysmenorrhea in the scientific literature, this etiology must be considered in cases of pain associated with vaginal bleeding plus elimination of elastic or solid material. The final diagnosis depends on anatomopathological exam, which should not be dismissed. We highlight the need for more discussion about this pathology, to keep the professionals updated with the aim of exerting adequate diagnosis and therapeutics.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2009;31(1):41-47
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032009000100008
Hirsutism may be defined as the presence of terminal hair in the women, with a male pattern of distribution. The clinical presentation is variable, from isolated hirsutism to the presence of other signs of hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularities and/or infertility. Hirsutism is related to serum androgens and to the cutaneous sensitivity to these hormones. The most prevalent causes of hirsutism are polycystic ovary syndrome and isolated hirsutism, in the presence of ovulatory cycles. Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21-hydroxylase deficiency) and drug-induced hirsutism are less frequent causes. Androgen-secreting neoplasms and Cushing syndrome are rare etiologies related to hirsutism. Diagnostic evaluation should address on identifying the etiology and potential risk for associated comorbidities. The aims of the treatment are: to suppress androgen overproduction, if present; to block androgen action on hair follicles; to identify and treat patients at risk for metabolic disturbances or reproductive neoplasias.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(10):538-547
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007001000008
Exogenous female hormones used for contraception or postmenopausal hormonal replacement therapy are associated with an increase of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, mainly because they cause a hypercoagulable state. The risk is highest during the first year of use and it is not cumulative. The dose of estrogen, the type of estrogen and progestogen, the route of administration of female sex steroid hormones, and the hereditary risk factors for VTE of each patient can interfere on the final risk for VTE. The knowledge of their effect on hemostasis is essential for a correct prescription.