THE PROGNOSIS FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH MENSTRUAL ABNORMALITIES

Abstract Dysfunctional uterine bleeding . Fifty per cent of adolescents with dysfunctional uterine bleeding will have no more than 4 years of continued abnormality. However, after 4 abnormal years the chance of recovery is low. Gynecologic morbidity measured in terms of transfusions and operative procedures is high. Twenty-four per cent of the total group were treated surgically. Four cases of endometrial cancer occurred between the ages of 23 and 33. Reproductive potential is decreased even though the menstrual pattern becomes normal. Oligomenorrhea . Fifty per cent of adolescents with oligomenorrhea establish regular menstrual cycles in less than 2 years. Few require hospital admission. Laparotomies were done on 8.5 per cent of the total group. Only 1 malignant tumor, an ovarian carcinoma, was found among 247 patients. Fertility may be slightly impaired in women who continue to have this symptom.