The use of hormone assays and transvaginal ultrasound measurement of endometrial thickness in the management of recurrent postmenopausal bleeding

Abstract

In patients presenting with postmenopausal bleeding, once an initial hysteroscopy and curettage has excluded uterine pathology there is no need to repeat the procedure unless there are very strong grounds for suspecting an occult carcinoma. By carefully tracking oestrogen levels subsequently, it is possible to predict if and when recurrent episodes of bleeding will occur. A transvaginal ultrasound measured endometrial thickness of less than 5 mm provides additional reassurance that there is no sinister underlying pathology.