Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Reproductive-Age Women

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in reproductive-age women (defined as abnormal in duration, quantity, or timing) is experienced by approximtely one-third of all women throughout their lifetime, impairs quality of life, and can be effectively managed medically in most cases.1

To minimize confusion associated with previously used terms including menorrhagia and meno-metrorrhagia, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics introduced updated terminology for AUB in nonpregnant women in 2011. Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) refers to ovulatory (cyclic) bleeding exceeding 8 days’ duration or heavy enough to interfere with a woman’s quality of life, a pattern of AUB distinct from the irregular bleeding associated with ovulatory dysfunction (AUB-O).1