Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB), previously referred to as Dysfunctional UterineBleeding (DUB), is a broad term which describes irregularities in a woman’s menstrual cycle. It involves changes in frequency, regularity, duration, and volume of menstrual blood flow outside of pregnancy.1a
A normal menstrual cycle occurs between every 24 - 38 days, lasts 2 - 7 days, with approximately 5 - 80 millilitres of blood loss. Variations outside any of these parameters is an abnormal bleeding pattern.1b
AUB is responsible for roughly one-third of all outpatient gynaecological visits, particularly in the perimenopausal period (period immediately prior to menopause and the first year after menopause.)2a More than 90 % of women experience at least one episode of AUB in their lifetime, and 78 % of them have at least three episodes of AUB during their transition to menopause.2b
It is a significant disorder in women as it may impact negatively on the social, financial, emotional, and personal life of the patient and also impacts work and relationships.3a
Any derangement in the structure of the uterus (such as leiomyoma, polyps, adenomyosis, malignancy, or hyperplasia), derangements to the clotting pathways (coagulopathies), or disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (through ovulatory/endocrine disorders) can affect menstruation and lead to abnormal uterinebleeding.1ePALM-COEIN is a useful acronym provided by the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) to classify the underlying causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (Figure 1).1c,2c "Iatrogenic" refers to any adverse condition or side effect that arises as a result of medical treatment or intervention. Conditions to be included in the ‘not otherwise classified’ category include pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic liver disease, and cervicitis.1d
It is important to establish the origin of the abnormal bleeding to ensure it is not from a non-gynaecological source and to rule out pregnancy.3bA Healthcare Practitioner (HCP) will perform a routine gynaecological assessment, taking a detailed medical history, including cervical examination and pap smear screening. History includes medication history, and evaluating risk factors for endometrial hyperplasia (thickening) or endometrial cancer (as AUB is an important sign of malignancy).3cLaboratory tests and imaging studies (transvaginal ultrasound, MRI, and hysteroscopy) can assist with identifying the underlying causes of bleeding.1g
Treatment of AUB should be individualised based on the patient’s specific profile. This approach focuses on the cause of bleeding, other associated medical conditions and the desire for fertility. In general, medical options are preferred as initial treatment for AUB.1h
The prognosis for abnormal uterine bleeding is favourable depending on the cause of bleeding. The main goal of evaluating and treating chronic AUB is to rule out serious conditions such as malignancy and improve the patient’s quality of life.1i Correct evaluation and prompt treatment will reduce complications such as anaemia, infertility and delayed diagnosis of endometrial cancer.1j
Davis E, Sparzak PB. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. [Updated 2022 Sep 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532913/.
Vitale SG, Watrowski R, Barra F, et al. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Perimenopausal Women: The Role of Hysteroscopy and Its Impact on Quality of Life and Sexuality. Diagnostics (Basel). 2022 May 9;12(5):1176.
MacGregor R, Jain V, Hillman S, et al. Investigating abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive aged women. BMJ. 2022 Sep 16;378:e070906.
You understand and acknowledge that all users of the Dis-Chem website or app are responsible for their own medical care, treatment, and oversight. All of the content provided on the website, are for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLYand DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content is not intended to establish a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. You understand and acknowledge that you should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. You also understand and acknowledge that you should never disregard or delay seeking medical advice relating to treatment or standard of care because of information contained in or transmitted through the website. Medical information changes constantly. Therefore the information on this website or on the linked websites should not be considered current, complete or exhaustive, nor should you rely on such information to recommend a course of treatment for you or any other individual. Reliance on any information provided on this website or any linked websites is solely at your own risk.
"Iatrogenic" refers to any adverse condition or side effect that arises as a result of medical treatment or intervention. Conditions to be included in the ‘not otherwise classified’ category include pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic liver disease, and cervicitis.1d
