diagnostic tests and procedures of

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures of Menstrual Cycle Disorders

Do you keep track of the days of your menstrual cycle, listing the

days you bleed and any symptoms you experience? If so, you're going to

be a step ahead when it's time to diagnose your menstrual cycle

symptoms. Having such a journal or calendar helps your doctor see any

patterns that may develop. The doctor can see when you bleed, whether

bleeding is light or heavy, and when you experience pain or other

physical symptoms, as well as when any emotional symptoms you have.

See: Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle

Current guidelines for diagnosing PMS or PMDD require patients to

complete a three month symptom log prior to diagnosis. A pattern of

cyclical symptoms that begin after ovulation and end when menstruation

starts can signal that a diagnosis of PMS or PMDD is correct.

See: The Symptoms of PMSThe Symptoms of PMDD

Because the symptoms associated with menstrual cycle disorders often

mimic the signs and symptoms of other diseases or conditions, getting

a correct diagnosis is imperative. Diagnosing the cause of menstrual

cycle disorders is often a process of elimination and ruling out other

diseases such as clinical depression, anxiety disorders, endocrine

system disorders such as thyroid diseases or polycystic ovary syndrome

(PCOS), and pelvic health diseases.

See: Types of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Blood and lab work including a pregnancy test in premenopausal women

is normally the first diagnostic tool ordered by your physician. Other

diagnostic tools and procedures that your doctor can utilize include

endometrial biopsy, diagnostic hysteroscopy, and ultrasounds. Which

diagnostic measure your physician chooses depends on your age,

symptoms, and medical history.

Sources:

"Menstrual Disorders;" Healthy Women.org, NWHRC; accessed 09/13/07.

The American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical

Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Washington, DC, American

Psychiatric Association 1994. Robert F Casper, MD; "Patient

information: Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder

(PMDD), Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome