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Last updated: June 27, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Prolonged Menses in a 27-Year-Old

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB): This is the most common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in women of reproductive age, often related to hormonal imbalances, particularly anovulatory cycles. It's a diagnosis of exclusion after ruling out other causes.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Uterine Fibroids: Common in women of reproductive age, fibroids can cause prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding due to their location, size, and number.
  • Endometrial Hyperplasia: This condition, often associated with unopposed estrogen, can lead to prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Although PCOS is more commonly associated with oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, some women may experience prolonged menses due to hormonal imbalances and anovulatory cycles.
  • Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect menstrual regularity and duration, leading to prolonged menses in some cases.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pregnancy Complications: Although less likely in a 27-year-old without a reported pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy or a molar pregnancy can present with abnormal vaginal bleeding and must be ruled out due to their potential severity.
  • Cancer (Endometrial, Cervical, or Uterine): Although rare in young women, any abnormal uterine bleeding warrants investigation to rule out malignancy, especially if risk factors are present.
  • Bleeding Disorders (e.g., von Willebrand Disease): These conditions can lead to heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding and are critical to diagnose due to their implications for future health and potential treatments.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Adenomyosis: A condition where endometrial tissue grows into the uterine wall, leading to heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, though it's more commonly diagnosed in older women.
  • Uterine Arteriovenous Malformations: Rare vascular anomalies that can cause abnormal uterine bleeding.
  • Systemic Diseases (e.g., Chronic Kidney Disease, Liver Disease): Certain systemic conditions can affect coagulation and lead to abnormal bleeding patterns, including prolonged menses.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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