Highlights & Basics
- Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common and often debilitating condition, affecting women of reproductive age.
- AUB is any variance of the normal menstrual cycle, which is defined on the basis of four parameters (frequency, regularity, duration, and volume); symptoms can be acute or chronic.
- The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics PALM-COEIN classification system improves the understanding of the causes of AUB, facilitates effective history taking and examination, and allows for shared decision-making toward tailored investigations and management plans.
- A range of medical and surgical management options are available, and the choice of treatment is guided by the underlying cause of AUB alongside the woman's age, parity, co-morbidities, need for uterine and fertility preservation, and personal preference.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
Munro MG, Critchley HO, Broder MS, et al. FIGO classification system (PALM-COEIN) for causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in nongravid women of reproductive age. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2011 Apr;113(1):3-13.[Abstract]
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Heavy menstrual bleeding: assessment and management. May 2021 [internet publication].[Full Text]
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG practice bulletin no. 128: diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive-aged women. Jul 2012 [internet publication].[Full Text]
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG committee opinion no. 557: management of acute abnormal uterine bleeding in nonpregnant reproductive-aged women. Apr 2013 [internet publication].[Full Text]
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice bulletin no. 136: management of abnormal uterine bleeding associated with ovulatory dysfunction. Jul 2013 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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