Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding

Abstract

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common presentation that can occur in all age groups. AUB is an umbrella term for any uterine bleeding that occurs outside a woman’s normal pattern in volume, regularity, and/or timing. AUB is described by using frequency, regularity, duration, and volume or by using PALM-COEIN (Polyp, Adenomyosis, Leiomyoma, Malignancy and premalignant conditions; Coagulopathy, Ovulatory dysfunction, Endometrial, Iatrogenic, Not yet classified). Workup for AUB comprises a history (with a detailed menstrual history), physical examination (including a pelvic and bimanual examination), lab tests, and imaging (primarily transvaginal ultrasonography). For treatment, medical therapies should be considered before surgical therapies, especially when fertility is desired. The decisions for treatment are based on etiology, fertility concerns, contraindications, or patient preference. Of the medical therapies, there are hormonal and nonhormonal therapies. The most common treatments for AUB are levonorgestrel intrauterine device, tranexamic acid, oral contraceptives, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The most common surgical treatments are myomectomy, endometrial ablation, uterine artery embolization, and hysterectomy. This review contains 7 figures, 11 tables and 49 references Key words: abnormal uterine bleeding, adenomyosis, contraceptives, endometrial, fibroids, hysterectomy, menorrhagia