Program Overview

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a symptom experienced by one-third of women at some point in their lives and significantly impacts the well being and quality of life of otherwise healthy individuals. Comprehensive diagnostic assessments are important in order for clinicians to provide appropriate treatment strategies tailored to specific clinical situations. Surgical approaches, including minimally invasive procedures, and a variety of pharmacotherapies are available to manage patients with HMB. This symposium will discuss the pathophysiology of HMB and will review the essential elements in the diagnostic evaluation of women with this condition. Case examples will also be used to illustrate evidence-based surgical and medical management approaches.

Educational Objectives

After attending this symposium, the participant should be better able to:

• Discuss the pathophysiology of HMB, including the role of prostaglandins and fibrinolytic homeostasis

• Compare and contrast the risks and benefits associated with medical and surgical therapies for HMB

• Develop and implement evidence-based management strategies in patients with HMB

Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of gynecologists involved in the management of patients with heavy menstrual bleeding.

Accreditation Statement

SciMed is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

SciMed designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Faculty Disclosure

All faculty participating in continuing education activities sponsored by SciMed are required to disclose to the audience any real or apparent commercial financial affiliations related to the content of their presentations and materials.

Activity Chairperson

Andrea S. Lukes, MD, MHSc, FACOG
Founder, Carolina Women’s Research and Wellness Center
Durham, North Carolina

Faculty

Linda D. Bradley, MD, FACOG
Vice Chairman of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health Institute
Director, Center for Menstrual Disorders, Fibroids, and Hysteroscopic Services
Cleveland Clinic 
Cleveland, Ohio

James B. Presthus, MD, FACOG
Co-Founder, Minnesota Gynecology and Surgery
Edina, Minnesota

Thomas F. Purdon, MD, FACOG
Clinical Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Arizona Health Sciences Center
Consultant in Gynecology
United Community Health Centers
Tucson, Arizona