In a case of abnormal uterine bleeding in a teen girl, which treatment option is recommended?

In cases of abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescent girls, high doses of estrogen or progesterone are recommended as a first-line treatment option. This approach works by helping to stabilize the endometrial lining and promote hemostasis, which can effectively manage acute bleeding episodes. Estrogen can help to induce growth of the endometrial lining and subsequently encourage stabilization, while progesterone acts to counterbalance estrogen effects and regulate the menstrual cycle.

This treatment is particularly appropriate in the adolescent population where structural abnormalities or serious pathologies are less common than in older women. The hormonal treatment also allows for the management of bleeding while minimizing the need for more invasive procedures.

Other options may not be suitable for various reasons. For instance, immediate dilation and curettage could be a consideration in very specific cases, but it is generally reserved for when there is a significant concern for retained products of conception or if medical management fails. Antibiotics might be relevant if there were signs of infection, but they do not address the underlying issue of menstrual irregularity or bleeding. Observation and follow-up may be appropriate in cases of mild or self-limited bleeding, but with significant or continuous bleeding, active management is warranted to prevent complications such as anemia. Thus, high-dose estrogen or progester