How do health care providers diagnose menstrual irregularities?

A health care provider diagnoses menstrual irregularities using a combination of the following:1,2,3,4,5

  • Medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests
  • Ultrasound examination
  • Endometrial biopsy—a small sample of the uterus's endometrial lining is taken to be examined under a microscope
  • Hysteroscopy—a diagnostic scope that allows a health care provider to examine the inside of the uterus, typically done as an outpatient procedure
  • Saline infusion sonohysterography—ultrasound imaging of the uterine cavity while it is filled with sterile saline solution
  • Transvaginal ultrasonography—ultrasound imaging of the pelvic organs, including the ovaries and uterus, using an ultrasound transducer that is inserted into the vagina


  2. French, L. (2005). Dysmenorrhea. American Family Physician, 71, 285–291.

What are the symptoms of menstruation?

What are menstrual problems or irregularities?

How many women are affected by menstrual irregularities?

What causes menstrual irregularities?

How do health care providers diagnose menstrual irregularities?

What are the common treatments for menstrual irregularities?

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