Abnormal uterine bleeding
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (pronunciation: ab-NOR-mal yoo-TER-in BLEED-ing) is a medical condition characterized by irregular, heavy, or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Etymology
The term "Abnormal Uterine Bleeding" is derived from the Latin words "abnormis" (not normal), "uterus" (womb), and "sanguis" (blood).
Definition
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding is a broad term that describes irregularities in the menstrual cycle involving changes in the frequency, regularity, duration, or volume of menstrual blood flow. It is a symptom rather than a disease and can be caused by a variety of conditions.
Causes
The causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding can be categorized into structural and non-structural causes. Structural causes include Polyps, Adenomyosis, Leiomyomas, and Malignancy and Hyperplasia. Non-structural causes include Coagulopathy, Ovulatory Dysfunction, Endometrial, Iatrogenic, and Not Yet Classified.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding is bleeding that's unusual for the individual woman, considering her past menstrual cycles. This could include a change in frequency, duration, or volume of menstrual blood flow.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as Ultrasound, Endometrial Biopsy, and Hysteroscopy.
Treatment
Treatment for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding depends on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and the woman's reproductive plans. It may include Hormonal Therapy, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Tranexamic Acid, and surgical procedures such as Endometrial Ablation and Hysterectomy.
Related Terms
- Menorrhagia - Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Metrorrhagia - Bleeding between periods
- Menometrorrhagia - Prolonged or excessive bleeding, irregularly and between periods
- Polymenorrhea - Short (less than 21 days) menstrual cycle, leading to frequent menstruation
- Oligomenorrhea - Infrequent menstrual periods (cycle longer than 35 days)
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