Review the following 'Questions To Ask' about menstrual disorders so you're prepared to discuss this important health issue with your health care professional.

1. Do any of the recommended diagnostic procedures hurt?

2. Once you've diagnosed my condition, can we try treatment with medications first before trying any surgical procedures? If you are recommending I go straight to a surgical treatment, why haven't we considered a less invasive route first?

3. What are the advantages, disadvantages and risks connected with the treatment option you are suggesting to control or end my abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)?

4. If I have a problem that's causing my AUB, such as uterine fibroids, polyps or scar tissue, can it be successfully treated without a hysterectomy?

5. If you are recommending a hysteroscopic endometrial ablation using the rollerball thermal ablation device, how many of these procedures have you performed in the past? If you haven't done many, can you refer me to someone who has, if you think this is the best course of treatment?

6. How many periods do I have to miss before amenorrhea, or absence of menstrual periods, is diagnosed?

7. What can I do to relieve my menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms?